Sunlight Real Estate Investment Trust secures its Sustainability-linked Loan of HK$500 million from DBS Hong Kong

HONG KONG
SAR -�Media
OutReach - 2 February 2021 - Henderson Sunlight
Asset Management Limited (the “Manager“) and DBS Hong Kong jointly announce
that Sunlight Real Estate Investment Trust (“Sunlight REIT“) has secured
a HK$500 million sustainability-linked loan today.

 

This
sustainability-linked loan is unsecured and has a tenure of five years. DBS
Hong Kong will offer interest margin privileges based on satisfaction of
predetermined sustainability performance targets relating to environmental and
social aspects. The proceeds of the loan will be used for general working
capital.

 

Mr Alex Cheung,
Managing Director and Head of Institutional Banking Group of DBS Hong Kong,
said, “At DBS, we believe we can play a significant role in sustainability by
financing change and changemakers. We are proud to partner with Sunlight REIT
on its sustainability journey, and are committed to supporting our customers in
advancing their business sustainability goals.”

 

Mr Wu Shiu Kee, Keith,
Chief Executive Officer of the Manager, said, “Sunlight REIT has recently
re-crafted its sustainability strategy framework, of which sustainability
finance is ranked at the forefront of our priority list. The socioeconomic
impacts arising from the COVID-19 outbreak demonstrates the importance of
addressing environmental, social and governance factors. As the manager of
Sunlight REIT, we are delighted to partner with DBS Hong Kong on this financing
arrangement, which would surely help to reinforce the sustainable position of
Sunlight REIT for the benefit of its stakeholders.” 

 

DBS is a signatory to
the United Nations Global Compact and is committed to driving progress towards
the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in ways that are meaningful to
its businesses. This includes acting on climate change by partnering with
corporates in adopting responsible financing practices. Since 2018, DBS has
concluded over 100 sustainable financing deals amounting to about SG$17.5
billion.

 

About DBS

DBS is a leading
financial services group in Asia with a presence in 18 markets. Headquartered
and listed in Singapore, DBS is in the three key Asian axes of growth: Greater
China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The bank’s “AA-” and “Aa1”
credit ratings are among the highest in the world.

Recognised for its global leadership, DBS has
been named “World’s Best Bank” by Euromoney, “Global Bank of the Year” by The Banker and “Best Bank in the World” by Global Finance. The bank is at
the forefront of leveraging digital technology to shape the future of banking,
having been named “World’s Best Digital Bank” by Euromoney. In addition, DBS has
been accorded the “Safest Bank in Asia” award by Global Finance for 12
consecutive years from 2009 to 2020.

DBS provides a full range of services in
consumer, SME and corporate banking. As a bank born and bred in Asia, DBS
understands the intricacies of doing business in the region’s most dynamic
markets. DBS is committed to building lasting relationships with customers, and
positively impacting communities through supporting social enterprises, as it banks the
Asian way. It has also established a SGD 50 million foundation to strengthen
its corporate social responsibility efforts in Singapore and across Asia.

With its extensive network of operations in Asia
and emphasis on engaging and empowering its staff, DBS presents exciting career
opportunities. The bank acknowledges the passion, commitment and can-do spirit
in all of our 29,000 staff, representing over 40 nationalities. For more
information, please visit www.dbs.com.

 

About Sunlight REIT

Sunlight REIT (Stock
code: 435) is a real estate investment trust authorized by the Securities and
Futures Commission and constituted by the trust deed dated 26 May 2006 (as
amended and supplemented by six supplemental deeds), and has been listed on The
Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited on 21 December 2006. Sunlight REIT offers
investors the opportunity to invest in a diversified portfolio of 11 office and
five retail properties in Hong Kong with a total gross rentable area of over
1.2 million sq. ft.. The office properties are primarily located in core
business areas, including Wan Chai and Sheung Wan, as well as in decentralized
business areas such as Mong Kok and North Point. The key retail properties are
situated in regional transportation hubs and new towns including Sheung Shui,
Tseung Kwan O and Yuen Long.

Disclaimer:

The information
contained in this press release does not constitute an offer or invitation to
sell or the solicitation of an offer or invitation to purchase or subscribe for
units in Sunlight REIT in Hong Kong or any other jurisdiction.