Singapore Strengthens ESG Training Standards with New Guidebook
Overview
Singapore has released a new guidebook to improve the quality and consistency of sustainability reporting training. This move supports its broader goal to enhance ESG capabilities across industries.
Photo by ACRA
Why This Matters
Sustainability reporting is becoming mandatory in Singapore for listed companies. Quality training is essential to ensure professionals can meet these requirements effectively.
What the Guidebook Covers
The Sustainability Reporting Training Providers Guidebook outlines how training providers can design and deliver ESG reporting programs.
Key areas covered:
Learning outcomes for different levels of ESG expertise
Course design based on industry best practices
Trainer requirements and qualifications
Assessment and certification standards
Continuous improvement of course content
The guidebook aims to ensure courses are practical, consistent, and aligned with international standards.
Link to the Sustainability Reporting Body of Knowledge (SR-BoK)
The guidebook builds on the Sustainability Reporting Body of Knowledge (SR-BoK), developed by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) and the Singapore Exchange (SGX).
The SR-BoK defines six core knowledge areas:
ESG principles and frameworks
Governance and risk management
Materiality and stakeholder engagement
ESG metrics and data quality
Assurance and reporting standards
Local and global sustainability trends
These areas serve as the foundation for ESG-related roles in accounting, auditing, and business strategy.
What This Means for Training Providers
Providers are expected to:
Align their courses with SR-BoK principles
Use qualified trainers with relevant ESG experience
Regularly update content to reflect policy changes
Assess learners’ understanding with practical evaluations
This approach ensures professionals are equipped to deliver high-quality ESG reports under growing regulatory scrutiny.
Next Steps for ESG Professionals
Review the SR-BoK to understand core knowledge areas
Choose training programs aligned with the guidebook
Stay updated on changes to sustainability reporting standards