Building Clean Energy Connections Across Borders
An Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) specialist placement creating shared value for Australian and Southeast Asian energy transition businesses
Overview
Sophie Tawfik, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Specialist, Ashurst Perkins Coie Risk Advisory, Australia (left) during her professional placement in Singapore
Strategic Development Group (Strategic) implemented the Professional Placements Program on behalf of the Australian Government, to enable Australian and Southeast Asian businesses to send and receive early- to mid-career professionals for international professional placements. Through this program, Strategic has enabled knowledge exchange and capacity-building opportunities for 58 businesses, fostering enduring business-to-business relationships grounded in strong people-to-people connections.
In June 2026, a Singapore-based clean energy asset developer, Aquila Clean Energy APAC, hosted an Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Specialist from an Australian risk advisory firm, Ashurst Perkins Coie Risk Advisory, for a three-week business placement through the Professional Placements Program.
Participating organisations
Two organisations participated in this professional placement.
Australian Business: Ashurst Perkins Coie Risk Advisory
Risk advisory firm, Sydney, Australia
Ashurst Perkins Coie Risk Advisory (Ashurst) provides legal-led consulting to help businesses manage regulatory, compliance, and operational risks. Ashurst designs risk frameworks, strengthen controls, and uses technology to deliver integrated governance solutions across industries.
The Opportunity: For Ashurst, sending its ESG Specialist to Singapore provided a unique opportunity to gain first-hand exposure to the commercial, operational, and strategic realities of sustainable project delivery in one of the world's most dynamic clean energy markets. The placement was designed to build understanding of project sequencing, routes to market, and the key commercial, regulatory, and investment factors shaping clean energy projects across the region.
Singapore business: Aquila Clean Energy APAC
Clean energy asset developer, Singapore
Aquila Clean Energy APAC (Aquila) is an energy platform that funds, develops and operates clean energy assets including solar PV, wind and battery storage. Through developing and managing clean energy assets, they are committed to advancing the energy transition towards a more sustainable future.
The Opportunity: For Aquila, the program was an opportunity to integrate Australian expertise in ESG governance, disclosure, and greenwashing risk management into the frameworks and reporting processes supporting its regional portfolio. The placement was designed to strengthen understanding of Australian market expectations and regulatory considerations, while informing engagement approaches for future projects. The placement also offered an opportunity to explore new approaches to relationship-building and stakeholder engagement that could be adapted across other markets in which Aquila operates.
Placement outcomes
During the placement, Sophie gained exposure to the delivery of renewable energy projects within Singapore's regulatory and commercial environment. Experiencing firsthand how the types of projects she typically advises on are financed, developed, and brought to market broadened her commercial perspective, deepened her understanding of the sector, and strengthened her ability to advise clients across the project lifecycle.
“Through the placement, I developed new skills relating to the energy transition and built a deeper understanding of how energy projects are financed, developed, and assessed for ESG risk from an operational perspective. I also established valuable professional networks across Asia, which will support Ashurst in identifying and pursuing future work opportunities in the region.”
Beyond the technical experience, the placement strengthened the relationship between Ashurst and Aquila through meaningful professional connections, shared networks, and the exchange of expertise. For Aquila, access to Australian perspectives on ESG governance, disclosure, and stakeholder engagement contributed valuable insights for its regional portfolio and future projects. Building on these foundations, both organisations are exploring further opportunities for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and cross-border engagement across the region.
“I believe the programme is extremely valuable for businesses. I was able to build meaningful relationships with the Aquila team that extended well beyond my immediate focus area of ESG. I gained new skills, formed lasting professional connections, and had the opportunity to explore the wonderful city of Singapore…
I am committed to finding opportunities to connect the Asian and Australian markets. Ashurst has a Singapore advisory team, and I am keen to reflect on what I have learnt from this placement and explore ideas for how we might collaborate more broadly with businesses in Singapore. I am also eager to maintain my relationship with the Aquila team and explore possibilities for working together in the future.”
Mutual Benefits and Broader Impact from this Placement
Enhanced understanding of regional business practices and ways of working.
Opened pathways for future collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Enhanced understanding of regional market dynamics across ESG, sustainability, and clean energy.
Strengthened cross-border relationships and networks.
Conclusion
This placement reflects the core objective of the program: to create mutually beneficial partnerships that build capability, strengthen international connections, and generate lasting value for participating organisations. By fostering deeper understanding of regional markets, business environments, and ways of working, the experience created a platform for ongoing collaboration, knowledge sharing, and partnership across the region.
About the Professional Placements program
The Professional Placements Program was an 18-month pilot program funded by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade under Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040. The program offered support to Australian and Southeast Asian businesses to send or host temporary professional placements of young professionals between Australia and Southeast Asia. Countries included Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam.
