Bupa Asia Limited's Rodney Gollo on healthcare investment in Asia

Rodney Gollo begins explaining his responsibilities as Head of Risk at Bupa Asia Limited, (02:40) where he leads the risk management function, overseeing financial and non-financial risks for a portfolio health insurance and health provision businesses. Asia is home to circa 60% of the world’s population, yet under 10% is spent on healthcare goods and services (05:06) Rodney explains how SDG 3s bid to lower global health disparities in emerging markets requires investment into broader systemic issues such as primary care access and poverty (05:49).

Using a case study of Indonesia’s current G20 presidency he informs us of three priority areas: global health architecture, sustainable energy transition and digital transformation (06:45). He then expands on the role of sovereign wealth funds and the establishment of the Indonesia Investment Authority. (11:58) Rodney draws on the linkage between healthcare and climate and the biggest risks to meeting SDG3 in emerging markets.

The health-related impact of climate change, how drought and heat stress impact the population and the need to build resilience (15:54). Understanding where the protection gap is widest and the (can remove the) how debt instruments such as social and sustainability linked bonds can play a key role.

Net-zero commitments, what do they mean and how does this translate to impact (21:28). How to measure risk, the need for consideration of the varying impacts of climate change and subsequent risks to specific populations and segments of society (25:05).

(28:15) He concludes on the role of insurers and the heightening appetite among asset owners in Asia, including insurers, pension funds and sovereign wealth funds diversifying their portfolios into alternatives. In particular infrastructure as an asset class, given they are seen as long-term assets offering inflation protection, and can support government efforts to achieve their social and economic development agendas.