IPRS Releases Survey Report on ESG Communications

Singapore, 25, August 2021 – The Institute of Public Relations Singapore (IPRS) released the survey report on Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) Communications. A total of 118 communications professionals in various sectors across Asia responded to questions on their knowledge and experiences with ESG and its impact on the overall communications practice.

IPRS identifies ESG communications as an emerging discipline for communicators who are tasked to help organisations and clients to establish their positions on social sustainability and corporate governance. With regulators and the discerning public casting a watchful eye, any form of communications strategy must be built on authenticity and accountability. This task is further challenged by the need to simplify content gleaned from ESG reports that are often financial and based on global standards of measurements.

The survey results point to a growing proportion of the communicator’s time being spent on developing the ESG storyline. Knowledge acquisition becomes vital for new entrants to the industry, those who wish to advance their careers or seek to specialise in ESG. The good news is that as more ESG work is generated, whether organically or by intervention, the collective knowhow continues to grow and expand. The outcome is a better understanding of ESG and its role in organisations.

“ESG Communications is the process through which a company communicates its purpose to key stakeholders. It helps companies to consider the reasons for their existence.”

~ Uantchern Loh, Chief Storyteller, Black Sun Asia Pacific.

“IPRS initiated this survey with the help of Black Sun Asia Pacific to gather data and information from practitioners on the ground. The objective is to share this learning for the benefit of communicators, entrepreneurs and business leaders who wish to understand the impetus for embracing indicators of good such as protecting natural resources, workplace wellbeing, corporate ethics and culture.”

~ Koh Juat Muay, President IPRS Council 2021/2023.

The survey report is launched on Wednesday, 25th August 2021 at 7pm at the IPRS Member’s Night. The evening featured Speakers: Jason Leow, Managing Director of Corporate Affairs & Communications, GIC; Valerie Lau, CFA, Head, SEA & Singapore UBS APAC Sustainable Finance Office UBS, and Uantchern Loh, Chief Storyteller, Black Sun Asia Pacific, who took on the challenge of “Demystifying ESG Communications”, moderated by IPRS Council Member, Cindy Lim, Head, Marketing Communications & Digital Lead, Singapore Symphony Group.

“IPRS is grateful to all respondents and partners Telum Media, Global Alliance and Company Of Good for supporting the survey with their expertise and time. We hope the report is useful as a learning resource and reference to spur further conversations on ESG communications,” added Juat Muay.

For media enquiries and more information on IPRS, please visit our website: www.iprs.org.sg or email admin@iprs.org.sg.

To download the IPRS Survey On ESG Communications 2021 Report, click here.

The Secretariat
Institute of Public Relations Singapore

About The IPRS

IPRS, established in 1970 as a non-profit organisation, is the only accrediting body for Public Relations (PR) practitioners in Singapore. The Institute promotes excellence in the industry through knowledge exchange platforms and training programmes that are aligned with the many changes and developments in the practice of PR and Communications today.

IPRS has a growing membership consisting of professionals from diverse backgrounds in public relations, journalism, advertising, marketing, education and management – a factor that has contributed to the Institute’s strength and dynamism.

There are nine Student Chapters with various tertiary institutions to create opportunities for communications students and IPRS members to share expertise and experiences. The IPRS introduced the Biennial PRISM Awards (Public Relations In the Service of Mankind) in 1987 to recognise and reward excellence in PR and Communications in Singapore and the region.

About IPRS Survey On ESG Communications 2021

ESG issues are now a mainstay of communications as these matters have started to get Board attention and impact business performance. The Survey seeks to understand the needs of communications professionals in their daily encounters and overall practice experience and knowledge of ESG and its impact on the PR practice.

Key Takeaways In The Survey Report

Recognition that ESG is becoming increasingly important, and that the role of the communications profession is significant in driving the ESG agenda.

ESG is seen to be important to building trust and creating value. Yet, the objective of communications seems to be aligned with the broader purpose of complying with regulatory requirements and stakeholder needs – building trust and creating value is a by-product rather than a goal of communications.

Many communications professionals are new to ESG and there is a perceived gap in knowledge and capability not just within the profession but also across other organisational functions.

The challenge is compounded by the various and differing ESG standards and frameworks and the fast-evolving nature of ESG topics.

Communications professionals seek to learn more about ESG – from understanding what ESG is in the first place, to learning about how to deliver the messages in a compelling way.