Professor Zhirong Jerry Zhao from Zhejiang University: Sustainable Finance and Investment for Green Development

On August 23, the Nanyang Centre for Public Administration (NCPA) at Nanyang Technological University hosted a lecture titled “Sustainable Finance and Investment for Green Development” for students in the Master of Social Sciences in China and Global Governance programme.

The lecture was delivered by Professor Zhirong “Jerry” Zhao, Yangtze Chair Professor at the Department of Urban Development and Management, Zhejiang University, and NTU–Tan Chin Tuan Foundation (TCTF) Visiting Professor. The session was chaired by Professor Liu Hong, Director (Research and Executive Education) of NCPA, and Associate Vice President of Nanyang Technological University.

 

 

In his lecture, Professor Zhao shared highlights from his research on public finance, urban and regional infrastructure finance, and sustainable investment. He noted that the way governments manage revenues and budgets directly affects the growth and governance of cities and regions. He also introduced three key areas of sustainable finance: green pricing, green financing, and green actions. Drawing on examples from the United States, Singapore, and China, he explained how carbon taxes can encourage greener choices, how green bonds are expanding rapidly but face the challenge of “greenwashing,” and how low-carbon city pilot programs demonstrate what local action can achieve.

 

 

The lecture combined theory with practical cases, giving students fresh insights into sustainable finance and governance. During the Q&A, students actively raised questions on green policies and financial practices, making the session inspiring.