Navigating the Frontiers of Law and ESG: An Interview with Sim Ting
In the dynamic world of climate investments and sustainability, Sim Ting stands out as a trailblazer. As the General Counsel and Head of Corporate Services at GenZero, an investment company established by Temasek to drive decarbonisation and climate impact, Ting leads a team at the forefront of climate investments. As a key figure in the SCCA ESG Chapter, she leads the strategic planning and champions impactful initiatives centred on building a strong community and advancing expertise for law in the ESG space.
Hi, I’m Sim Ting and I lead the legal practice and corporate services group at GenZero. |
A Career Forged with Purpose
Ting’s career is a testament to the value of embracing a diverse set of experiences and challenges and stepping beyond comfort zones. She brings to her role a rich experience and perspective as a senior leader that is essential for her role as General Counsel. With a foundation in project finance, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and technology-driven deals during the internet boom, she has honed her ability to navigate complex legal issues and business partnering in value creation. Her 12-years in the oil and gas sector, spanning upstream to downstream operations, cross-border liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects, and energy transition projects sharpened her regulatory expertise and cultural agility.
A pivotal milestone was her transition into climate investments, driven by a growing passion to be part of the answer to the climate change challenge. “After 12 years in the oil and gas industry, I realised I wanted to contribute directly to solutions addressing climate challenges,” Ting reflects. “Joining GenZero allowed me to fully lean into this passion.” Today, she leads legal, regulatory, and compliance matters, working closely with investment and policy teams to deliver execution of GenZero’s climate mandate.
After 12 years in the oil and gas industry, I realised I wanted to contribute directly to solutions addressing climate challenges, joining GenZero allowed me to fully lean into this passion.
The Evolving Role of a General Counsel in the ESG Space
For Ting, the role as General Counsel is an opportunity to be at the front seat with the business to drive climate impact “We have the opportunity and responsibility to shape outcomes that are not only commercially sound, but also socially and environmentally meaningful,” she explains. At GenZero, her legal team is deeply involved in every stage of ESG and carbon market transactions, from structuring investments to policy discussions and regulatory advocacy.
Building Teams for the Climate Transition
When recruiting for GenZero’s legal team, Ting prioritises candidates with investment experience in M&A and funds, but equally values versatility, a learning and collaborative spirit. “Climate action is inherently complex and cross-functional. The ability to learn, work closely with diverse stakeholders, share knowledge openly, and build consensus is essential,” she notes.
Her team’s blend of strong investment fundamentals, and a commitment to continuous learning positions them as effective catalysts for climate solutions.
Leadership, Mentorship, and Community
Ting’s leadership philosophy centres on empowerment, mentorship, and fostering a culture of learning. She finds fulfilment in mentoring younger professionals and actively engages with networks like the Singapore Corporate Counsel Association (SCCA). As Co-Lead of the SCCA ESG Chapter, she champions community-building, knowledge sharing, and thought leadership in ESG legal practice. “It’s a privilege to contribute as a senior lawyer and use my network to help SCCA collectively raise the bar for ESG and sustainability practice in the legal community in Singapore.”
It’s a privilege to contribute as a senior lawyer and use my network to help SCCA collectively raise the bar for ESG and sustainability practice in the legal community in Singapore.
The SCCA ESG Chapter, under the leadership of Ting and the co-leads, focuses on three pillars: (1) Community: Building a strong community of ESG-minded legal professionals, (2) Upskilling: Upskilling and sharing knowledge through curated learning sessions and expert talks, and (3) Centre of Excellence: Working towards making SCCA ESG Chapter a ‘Centre of Excellence’ for ESG legal developments for the region.
Work-Life Tips and Personal Passions
Apart from her GC role, she also heads the Finance, HR, Risk/IT directors and team in GenZero’s corporate group.
When asked how she maintains work-life balance, Ting shared two key thoughts: Firstly, being present. Life and work naturally overlap, so she focuses on being present and intentional in each moment—whether with her team, family, or “me-time”. Secondly, value. “In high-pressure environments, it’s easy to tie identity to performance, but my faith in Christ reminds me that my worth isn’t earned through my achievements. It’s incredibly liberating to live, and work anchored in that assurance.”
A fun fact about Ting: she is a passionate plant enthusiast, nurturing over 100 plants at home.
“One unexpected life lesson I’ve learned from caring for my plants is the importance of vigilance and proactive care—especially when it comes to clearing pests. The smallest signs of imbalance, if ignored, can escalate quickly.”
Whether it's tending to a plant, guiding a team, managing a project, or steering ESG initiatives, the principle holds true: early attention prevents larger issues. Ting firmly believes that General Counsels and in-house counsels are uniquely positioned to spot emerging risks—cultural, regulatory, or ethical—and act before they take root.
Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Ting is excited about the role legal professionals can play in shaping Singapore as an exciting hub for ESG practice, both in-house, in practice and academia. “This calls for lawyers to invest in learning, to share and collaborate, and not to hoard knowledge or contacts. A rising tide floats many boats. We should be brave to catch the wave and help others along in this journey. It will be more fun and fulfilling ‘surfing’ and succeeding together ”
Through her work at GenZero and the SCCA ESG Chapter, Ting continues to inspire a new generation of legal leaders to embrace the challenges and opportunities of ESG, driving meaningful impact for business and society.
 | The GC Series, presented by PwC NewLaw (Singapore) in collaboration with SCCA, serves as a distinguished platform that captures and shares the perspectives of accomplished General Counsels (GCs) across industries. |