From Rainforests to Recycling: Southeast Asia’s Regional Push for a Greener Future

Across Southeast Asia, the momentum for corporate sustainability is surging. Governments, NGOs, and companies are working in tandem to balance rapid growth with environmental responsibility.

In Indonesia, the GoTo Group — parent company of Gojek and Tokopedia — has pledged to reach net-zero emissions by 2030, investing in electric vehicle fleets and offset projects in Java. In Thailand, PTT Global Chemical is turning waste into energy while training SMEs in sustainable operations. Vietnam’s VinGroup has expanded its green real estate portfolio and EV production under VinFast, signalling how CSR aligns with national climate goals.

The ASEAN Green Deal discussions have further united the region, aiming to harmonise ESG reporting and sustainable finance standards. “Southeast Asia is not short on ambition — what we need is alignment and shared frameworks,” said Datuk Seri Nik Norzrul Thani, chair of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council.

Multinational corporations are also playing a vital role. Unilever Southeast Asia has strengthened its “Waste-Free World” initiative, targeting 100% recyclable packaging and investing in waste collection across Malaysia and Indonesia. Meanwhile, Coca-Cola ASEAN has expanded its “World Without Waste” programme, supporting community recycling hubs and education.

What makes the region’s CSR story compelling is its diversity — each country tackles sustainability from its own cultural and economic standpoint, yet all are moving toward a collective vision: growth that includes, not excludes. The challenges remain — infrastructure gaps, financial limitations, and education barriers — but the spirit of collaboration has never been stronger.

The result is a vibrant mosaic of progress, proving that Southeast Asia’s greatest resource is not its natural wealth, but its people’s willingness to change for the better.