Sustainability Insights

With growing consumer awareness, stringent regulations, and the urgent need to curb environmental impact, companies are reimagining packaging solutions to align with eco-friendly practices. In 2025, businesses are adopting cutting-edge materials, circular economy models, and digital innovations to reduce waste and carbon footprints. The Shift

The idea of net zero has long been a defining goal for businesses, yet there’s an idea even beyond net zero. One that envisions a future where companies go beyond merely balancing emissions. While net zero was once the gold standard, companies can aim for

Southeast Asia is experiencing a data center boom driven by cloud computing, AI, and digital adoption. Countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia are attracting major tech investments, with Singapore leading at 60% of the region’s data center capacity.   However, data centers are among the

The 12th Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (APFSD), held from February 25 to 28, 2025, in Bangkok, served as a vital platform for governments, international organisations, and civil society to assess progress on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. With only five years left until

The ASEAN region has recognised the urgent need to transition from a linear “take-make-dispose” economic model to a more circular and regenerative approach. With growing concerns over waste management, resource depletion, and climate change, governments are strengthening policies to encourage businesses to adopt circular economy

Geopolitics refers to the influence of geographic, economic, and political factors on international relations. In the ASEAN context, understanding geopolitics is crucial as it directly impacts Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices within the corporate sector.   ASEAN businesses must adapt to these global shifts

Sustainability reporting has become a crucial part of corporate governance around the globe. As companies face increasing scrutiny regarding their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices, standardized sustainability disclosures are more important than ever.   In response to this demand, Malaysia has launched the National

Fast fashion brands have long faced criticism for their environmental impact, from excessive waste to carbon-heavy supply chains. In recent years, some of the industry’s biggest names have pledged to phase out coal from their factories by 2025. But as the deadline approaches, the question

Plastic pollution is becoming an increasingly urgent issue, with over 400 million tons of waste entering our oceans each year. This not only impacts marine ecosystems but also contributes to landfill overflow and even affects human health. Recognizing the severity of the crisis, the United

Donald Trump’s presidency marked a significant departure in the U.S.’s approach to sustainability and foreign policy. With his “America First” agenda, Trump prioritised domestic concerns over global commitments. This led to the U.S. withdrawal from key international organisations, the dismantling of foreign aid programs, and

ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) is one of the fastest-growing regions in the world, comprising 10 countries with a combined population of over 660 million people. According to the World Bank, the region is expected to experience rapid economic expansion in the next decade.

As environmental challenges escalate globally, the circular economy has emerged as a sustainable solution to tackle resource depletion, waste management, and economic inefficiencies. The 2nd ASEAN Framework for Circular Economy (FG-CE) Meeting marks another crucial step in the region’s commitment to transitioning from a linear

The UK’s largest untapped oil field, Rosebank, has been blocked by a significant legal ruling, marking a major victory for climate activists. Scotland’s Supreme Civil Court declared that the UK government’s approval of the Rosebank oil project was unlawful due to insufficient environmental assessments, specifically,

Climate change is a powerful force altering financial systems around the world, particularly in areas like the Asia-Pacific. Financial institutions, both in developed and developing countries, along with global organisations like the World Bank, are responding to these challenges by creating innovative solutions, directing financial

As we approach 2030, climate action is more pressing than ever. Governments and industries are intensifying their efforts to shift towards sustainable energy sources, motivated by policy changes and technological progress. This article examines significant global initiatives influencing the renewable energy sector, focusing on investments,

In 2023 alone, wildfires burned over 4 million acres in the U.S., causing billions in damages and displacing thousands. These devastating events are more than just natural disasters—they’re fiery alarms signalling a deeper climate crisis. Wildfires have emerged as a tragic representation of environmental imbalance. 

Southeast Asia is rapidly emerging as a hub for sustainable finance. Malaysia is leading the charge and implementing innovative strategies to integrate environmental considerations into its financial systems, aiming to combat climate change and promote sustainable development. Understanding Green Financing Green financing refers to allocating

Donald Trump’s presidency (2017–2021) brought about a notable change in U.S. environmental and sustainability policy. As the world continues to face mounting climate challenges, understanding the impact of his first-term policies and anticipating the potential direction of a second Trump administration is essential. Trump’s Environmental

As all the countries strive to fulfil their net-zero commitments, finding a balance between ambitious climate objectives and fiscal responsibility proves challenging. By learning from the experiences of nations like Germany, France, and Japan, and considering the financial needs of Southeast Asia, we can pinpoint

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) are essential climate action plans established under the Paris Agreement. They detail countries’ commitments to cut emissions and adapt to climate change’s impacts. Their primary goal is to keep global warming within 1.5°C, providing a framework for accountability, collaboration, and advancement

The year 2024 has brought about significant changes in sustainability, characterised by major advancements, important policy updates, and inspiring innovations. This overview reflects on some of the most influential events and developments that have shaped the global sustainability landscape.   This year has seen significant