Asean CSR

The Regional Strategy on CSR and Human Rights in ASEAN was drafted by ASEAN CSR Network, with inputs from two regional meetings in Singapore (Nov 2016) and Bangkok (June 2017). The document is based on internationally-accepted standards, particularly the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs), recognising the importance of a multi-stakeholder approach to achieving business and human rights in the region. The role of states, businesses, trade unions, civil society organisations and national human rights institutions are stated, in accordance with the 3 pillars of the UNGPs. ACN is working with the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) and other partners to see the Strategy adopted and implemented across ASEAN.

Together with our partners, ACN has published a comprehensive directory of Financing and Technical Support Options for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in ASEAN. It provides a comprehensive overview of available financing tools – from traditional finance, such as bank loans, to alternative finance such as crowdfunding and social investing – as well as available technical support such as accelerators and incubators. Significant effort has gone into detailing the options available in all 10 ASEAN Member States. For ASEAN to achieve prosperity for all, efforts must be focused on uplifting the (M)SME sector, accounting for between 88.8% and 99.9% of the total establishments in ASEAN and between 51.7% and 97.2% of total employment.

This directory was a result of a collaboration with our partners - ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC), Oxfam and AVPN.

The directory can be found here.

It is also part of a larger research report, entitled 'Towards Inclusive and Sustainable Growth in the ASEAN Economic Community'. The year-long research sheds light on the challenges MSMEs in ASEAN face and presents holistic policy recommendations to further MSME development and realise an inclusive and sustainable ASEAN. The full report can be found here.

ASEAN CSR Network is proud to present the comprehensive report on financial inclusion for MSMEs, titled "Towards Inclusive and Sustainable Growth in the ASEAN Economic Community."  

The focus of the report is on how ASEAN could build up the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector, with greater financial and technical support to ensure their growth and prosperity.

The report covering 10 ASEAN Member States is a result of a 12-month study which began in September 2016. The study was jointly conducted by the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC), Oxfam, ASEAN CSR Network (ACN) and AVPN, funded by the Rockefeller Foundation and the Government of Sweden.

The aim of the study is to comprehensively assess the opportunities and challenges faced by MSMEs in ASEAN – particularly those with inclusive and responsible business practices such as Social Enterprises (SEs) – with regards to access to finance, technical support, and an enabling environment for their sustainability and growth.

You may view the full report here.

Click here for a 6 page summary.