Sustainability in Action
Motivation: The Impact of Prof. Matthew Dearth
Dr. Matthew Dearth is an Associate Professor (Practice) of Sustainable Finance at Nanyang Technological University (NTU). Before joining academia full-time, he was the Managing Director at Silvercrest Asset Management (Singapore) and has held leadership roles at Marshall Wace, Goldman Sachs, and Booz Allen & Hamilton. With over 30 years of experience in the finance industry, Dr. Dearth has a wealth of knowledge in sustainable finance, alternative investments, and asset management.
In the fall of 2023, he joined NTU full-time, where he teaches undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive courses in sustainable finance. Dr. Dearth is a co-author of “Getting Started in Alternative Investments” (Wiley, 2023) and has published multiple case studies on investment management topics.
His extensive background in sustainability and finance has been a significant inspiration for the 25th executive committee, motivating us to integrate sustainability into our events and initiatives.
Events Incorporating Sustainability
1. National Cashflow Competition 2024
Celebrating its 16th anniversary, the National Cashflow Competition (NCF) promoted financial literacy among Singapore’s youth. This year, with Sustainable Finance as the theme, the organizing committee was dedicated to raising awareness about ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) factors and sustainable finance. Participants were encouraged to make financial decisions that considered environmental concerns, alongside asset value and utility (happiness).
2. Alternative Investment Symposium 2024
The Alternative Investment Symposium (AIS) connected industry leaders with outstanding students to facilitate knowledge-sharing and networking. The 2024 symposium, themed “Unlock a Greener Future: Exploring Sustainable Alternative Investments,” enlightened attendees about opportunities in sustainable and green investments. The agenda explored emerging trends, opportunities, and challenges in this dynamic industry, providing career advice and personal experiences to guide students in planning their careers in related fields. To further emphasize our commitment to sustainability, AIS 2024 was scheduled to coincide with Earth Hour, encouraging all attendees to turn off non-essential lights during the night.
4. Eurasia Asset Management Challenge 2024
The Eurasia Asset Management Challenge (EAMC) served as a platform for students to showcase their portfolio modeling, portfolio analytics, and presentation skills. The 2024 edition featured a hypothetical scenario where participants assumed the role of a capital management agent aiding an heiress in her financial management journey. Sustainable assets were a key component of the judging criteria, promoting sustainability among young portfolio managers. This initiative aimed to groom future leaders who can advocate for sustainability in their professional careers.
As the largest finance society in NTU, the Investment Interactive Club leverages its extensive network to promote sustainability to a broad audience. By integrating sustainability into our core activities, we aim to be at the forefront of this crucial trend, influencing and educating the next generation of finance professionals.