The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has appointed Jackie B Surtani as the new Regional Director effectively. He will oversee ADB’s Singapore office while strengthening collaboration in the financial sector and with the Government of Singapore. 

In his new role, Surtani has been entrusted to explore opportunities for projects in the private and public sectors across Singapore, with an emphasis on climate action.

Surtani said, “Singapore plays a key role in fostering sustainable development across the region by serving as a hub for trade, finance, and infrastructure development. By expanding ADB’s presence and activities in Singapore, we can work more closely and efficiently with its strong ecosystem of financial institutions and other development partners for a more prosperous and resilient Asia and the Pacific.”

ADB established its Singapore office in 2020, as a centralised hub for business collaborations in the region. Further, streamlining engagement with project sponsors, contractors, advisors, financiers, other international financial institutions, and professionals. The office exemplifies the institution’s dedication to its new operating model, geared towards increasing private sector activities and decentralising operations for improved client service.

In his previous roles, Surtani served as Director of infrastructure finance at ADB's Private Sector Operations Department, overseeing East Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific regions. Leading the team towards significant milestones by successfully concluding projects such as investments in regionwide broadband satellites, renewable power initiatives in Indonesia, cross-border renewables in Lao People's Democratic Republic and Thailand, and investments in electric transport and charging infrastructure.

Surtani possesses over 30 years of extensive experience in Asian infrastructure lending and advisory. He has a robust understanding of the entire energy chain, as well as infrastructure and telecommunications. On the academic front, he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Finance and Economics from the University of East Anglia in 1988. Thereafter, he completed his Master of Philosophy Degree in Management Studies from the University of Oxford.