HSBC Brings Clients to Borneo

HSBC Jade invited clients to a trip traditionally reserved for senior staff and private banking clients to promote climate change awareness.

The HSBC Sustainability Expedition was based in Malaysian Borneo where clients ventured into the Danum Valley’s rainforest encountering various animals including orangutans, Borneo pygmy elephants, flying squirrels and gibbons. The expedition was done in partnership with Earthwatch Institute and joined by science from the Royal Soci<ty South East Asia Rainforest Research Partnership (SEARRP).

High net worth individuals in Asia are showing increased interest in sustainable living and incorporating ESG factors when investing, said Toby Chan, group head of Jade and Top Tier, HSBC retail banking and wealth management.

We created the Sustainability Expedition for Jade to improve our clients’ knowledge of climate change and deepen understanding of sustainability through hands-on scientific research and expert conversations.

The bank invited HSBC Jade clients from mainland China, Hong Kong and Singapore to engage in a myriad of activities including habitat assessment; the gathering of evidence on plant and animal life; and the planting of 80 Dipterocarp trees, a species prevalent in Borneo. In addition, the bank educated clients on sustainable investing and its role in transitioning to a low carbon economy.

Five days in Danum Valley allow you to be really immersed in the whole ecosystem, the greenery, taking in what is living on earth, and how we should save our planet, said one Singapore client, according to the bank’s release.

I will remember these particular actions on sustainability that I can do in my own ability – for example, decision making in terms of vendor purchasing, renovations, and any other matters where I’m responsible.