A Region Moving Toward Accountability
Across Southeast Asia, the conversation around Environmental, Social and Governance standards has entered a new phase.
In Singapore, climate related disclosures are required for all listed issuers from the 2025 financial year using requirements aligned with the ISSB standards. Regulators have since adjusted some timelines for other entities to support readiness, while keeping the FY2025 requirement for listed issuers intact.
Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines are strengthening their sustainability frameworks through updated reporting rules, roadmaps and taxonomies that reflect global standards and local realities.
The region is no longer asking if ESG matters but how deeply it should shape decisions, disclosures and the way organisations define value.
Beyond Reporting to Real Resilience
This shift reflects more than compliance. It signals a move from statements to measurable action where sustainability information is expected to be decision useful and comparable.
Across the region, regulatory updates and guidance point toward higher quality reporting that connects claims to operations, supply chains and data integrity. Reporting alone may satisfy formal requirements, but only embedded practice builds trust and long term competitiveness.
Regional Progress, Local Challenges
Singapore’s early mover stance places it at the centre of Asia’s sustainability reporting and green finance efforts.
Malaysia is advancing requirements for listed companies to report using the IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards.
Indonesia has issued Version 2 of its national sustainable finance taxonomy in 2025 that aligns with the ASEAN taxonomy.
Thailand’s securities regulator has proposed an ISSB aligned roadmap for listed entities.
The Philippines is revising its sustainability reporting guidelines for publicly listed companies to reflect global developments. Each market is moving at its own pace, yet expectations are rising across ASEAN.
Who Is Impacted by ESG Disclosure Requirements in Southeast Asia
The expanding scope of ESG regulation means that accountability is no longer limited to listed firms. A wide range of industries are now expected to demonstrate transparency, sustainability and resilience.
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Financial and Insurance Services: Regulated under new climate and sustainability disclosure rules. Strengthening governance, portfolio transparency and sustainable finance practices.
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Energy, Utilities and Resources: Among the first sectors required to report emissions and transition plans. Driving accountability in carbon reduction and renewable initiatives.
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Manufacturing and Materials: High resource use and supply chain exposure make this sector a focus area. Pursuing operational efficiency and responsible production standards.
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Construction and Real Estate: Facing stronger green building requirements and investor scrutiny. Embedding sustainability into long term property and asset management.
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Transportation and Logistics: Reporting on emissions, energy use and supply resilience. Modernising infrastructure for a lower carbon economy.
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Agriculture and Food: Monitoring deforestation, sourcing ethics and labour standards. Aligning operations with regional ESG frameworks and sustainable food systems.
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Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals: Managing energy, waste and ethical supply risks. Integrating sustainability into clinical, research and production settings.
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Technology and Telecommunications: Addressing data centre energy use, cyber ethics and e waste management. Building digital infrastructures that support sustainability goals.
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Public Sector and Education: Implementing sustainability in procurement, campus operations and learning. Expected to model responsible governance and ESG awareness.
Collaboration for a Sustainable Future
Regional collaboration continues to grow.
In October 2025, Hong Kong hosted a regional ESG forum (Media OutReach) that brought together leaders from government, business and academia across Asia Pacific to discuss shared frameworks, credible data and cross-border knowledge exchange.a assurance and professional capability remain central to advancing ESG maturity across the region.
From Obligation to Opportunity
The future of ESG in Southeast Asia will not be determined by regulation alone.
It will depend on whether organisations convert compliance into capability and principles into measurable performance.
Readiness will be measured by how well purpose, performance and accountability are aligned, and by the ability to demonstrate credible progress as expectations rise across the region.
ESG, once viewed as an obligation, is now becoming a pathway to resilience and sustained value.
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