Introducing the Sun Life AM Hong Kong ESG Index Fund

The first Hang Seng ESG 50 Index Fund in Hong Kong

Fostering the development of Hong Kong’s ESG Investment Ecosystem

HONG KONG, Oct. 30, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Sun Life Asset Management (HK) Limited (“Sun Life Asset Managment” or “the Company”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sun Life Hong Kong Limited, launched today the Sun Life AM Hong Kong ESG Index Fund, bringing the first Hang Seng ESG 50 Index fund to investors in Hong Kong. The investment strategy is designed to engage rising interest in ESG investing globally, and demonstrates Sun Life’s long-standing commitment to sustainability.

“It is prime time to launch the ESG Index Fund for a better tomorrow.” Stanley Ngan, Chief Executive Officer of Sun Life Asset Management (HK) Limited, said, “We are honoured to become the first asset management house to launch a Hang Seng ESG 50 Index fund. ESG-focused index funds have been gaining momentum in recent years in the wake of growing concerns over sustainability and corporate governance issues. Assessing public companies’ ESG policies in a stringent and systematic investment process corresponds with investors’ demand of integrating their values whilst generating returns. The Sun Life AM Hong Kong ESG Index Fund offers a cost-effective solution that incorporates ESG investing into mainstream Hong Kong equity strategies.”

ESG investing can help shape a more sustainable future while offering growth potential to investors. For example, The Hang Seng ESG 50 Index outperformed the Hang Seng Index over one-year, three-year and five-year terms^[1].

With a seasoned investment management team with more than 20 years of experience, Sun Life Asset Managment is committed to upholding its fiduciary duties for the financial betterment of investors and savers in Hong Kong. As the third largest MPF investment manager in terms of assets under management^[2], Sun Life Asset Management has played an instrumental role in driving the bright performance of the scheme under its management with prudent investment strategy and stringent discipline, with the aim to safeguard the retirement funds of many pre-retirees in Hong Kong.

The Sun Life AM Hong Kong ESG Index Fund tracks the performance of the Hang Seng ESG 50 Index, launched in July 2020. The index comprises the top 50 Hong Kong-listed companies that perform well with respect to corporate sustainability which encompasses environmental, social and governance based on an assessments and rating framework undertaken by the Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency.

Daniel Wong, Director & Head of Research and Analytics, Hang Seng Indexes Company Limited, said, “ESG investing is gaining traction across global markets. We launched the Hang Seng ESG 50 Index to help product issuers develop investment products with a greater emphasis on ESG. We are delighted to see the number of products for investors who are interested in ESG themes continue to grow.”

To learn more about ESG, please watch the video below:
https://youtu.be/wcYWhtGo2DU

Notes to editor:

[1]. Bloomberg Terminal data on the comparative returns of Hang Seng ESG 50 Index and HSI Index for the periods of September 30, 2019 to September 30, 2020, September 29, 2017 to September 30, 2020 and September 30, 2015 to September 30, 2020.

[2]. Mercer MPF Market Shares Report (as of June 30, 2020).

About Sun Life

Sun Life is a leading international financial services organization providing insurance, wealth and asset management solutions to individual and corporate Clients. Sun Life has operations in a number of markets worldwide, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of June 30, 2020, Sun Life had total assets under management of C$1,122 billion. For more information, please visit www.sunlife.com.

Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF.

Sun Life Financial Inc. is the holding company of Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada. Sun Life Hong Kong Limited is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada.

All information contained in this document shall only be used as general reference and general investment knowledge for sharing purposes, which may contain “forward-looking” information, including forecasts, estimates of yields or returns and involve risks and uncertainties. Market, economic and political conditions could cause actual results to differ materially from what presently anticipated or projected. All information contained in this document is not intended to provide any forms of guarantee or investment advice, and does not constitute a solicitation of an offer or offer, and shall not be regarded as the basis for any contract, to sell or to purchase any investment products. The views and forecasts contained in this document may be changed at any time without prior notice. Information is provided base on sources believed to be reliable, Sun Life Asset Management (HK) Limited, and its associated companies and their directors and employees (collectively “Sun Life Asset Management”) gives no express or implied warranty, guarantee or represent its accuracy, effectiveness, completeness of the same.

Investment involves risk, and past performance figures shown are not indicative of future performance. Value of investment may go up or down, and may become valueless. An investor may not get back the amount originally invested. The information contained in this document has not been reviewed in the light of objectives, financial circumstances or needs of an individual investor. Sun Life Asset Management is not responsible for any loss or damage caused by reliance on any information or advice made in this document,nor is responsible for the accuracy or completeness of any information or advice.

This document has not been reviewed by the Securities and Futures Commission in Hong Kong or any regulatory authorities.

This document is owned by Sun Life Asset Management. Modification or change is not allowed without the Sun Life Asset Management’s prior consent.

Support Independent Community Journalism

Dear Reader,

The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.

We operate independently.

Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.

When you support The Indian Sun, you support:

• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers

We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.

If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.

Please consider making a contribution today.

Thank you for your support.

The Indian Sun Team