EVENTS

Webinar: Financial Inclusion for MSMEs in ASEAN, 21 June 2018

ASEAN CSR Network, together with partners Oxfam, AVPN and ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ABAC), is proud to present the findings of a new report on the landscape of MSMEs in the 10 ASEAN member states. 

Financial Inclusion of MSMEs in ASEAN

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MSMEs form the backbone of the ASEAN economy, making up 89-99% of all enterprises in the region and 52-97% of total employment. A discussion on responsible business and economic development must include this vital group.

The webinar will cover the following issues:

  • How well-supported are MSMEs in ASEAN?
  • What are the key sources of finance and technical support available to them?
  • Is the macro environment  conducive for their sustainability and growth?
  • How wide is the availability  of altrnative financing mechanisms  for them?

Most importantly, one of the key findings is that MSMEs are still facing formidable barriers in access to finance.  There exists a sizeable ‘missing middle’ where MSMEs in early- to growth-stage, requiring USD 5,000 to USD 2 million in ticket sizes, remain underserved by financiers. The webinar will also cover how this 'missing middle' can be addressed.

The research findings will be presented by Ms Melissa Chong (Programme Manager, ASEAN CSR Network) and Ms Anh Nguyen (Knowledge Manager, AVPN).

Read the full report here.
View the "Financing and Technical Support Options for MSMEs in ASEAN" directory here.
Check out the infographics here.

AVPN Conference 2018

AVPN Conference 2018

4-7 June 2018
Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre

Now in its sixth year, the AVPN Conference will bring together a diverse group of funders and resource providers from around the globe to take part in the largest gathering of social investors in Asia. With the theme "Maximising Impact", the 2018 Conference reflects the importance of strategic, collaborative, and outcome-focused approaches to social investing - from philanthropy to impact investing, the conference will cover a range of impact areas and investment approaches.

ACN's Programme Manager, Ms Melissa Chong, will be representing the network at the conference. She will present the findings from the Rockefeller research on financial inclusion for MSME's at one of the panel discussions.

View the Agenda for key topics of interest.

AICHR Interregional Dialogue: Sharing Good Practices on Business and Human Rights

AICHR INTERREGIONAL DIALOGUE:
SHARING GOOD PRACTICES ON BUSINESS AND HUMAN RIGHTS

4-6 June 2018
United Nations Conference Centre Bangkok, UNESCAP

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The dialogue programme will be conducted on behalf of the AICHR by the Representative of Thailand to the AICHR, in partnership with the United Nations Development Program, the Rights and Liberties Protection Department of the Ministry of Justice of Thailand, and the ASEAN CSR Network with support from the E-READI Programme of the European Union.

This Interregional Dialogue marks the first occasion that the AICHR, the overarching human rights mechanism of ASEAN, convenes a meeting of key regional human rights mechanisms from around the world, the national human rights institutions from the Asia-Pacific region, business participants as well as representatives of civil society organisations. The objective is to exchange views and good practices on how the regional mechanisms, NHRIs and other stakeholders have played a role in helping mainstream the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the way in which these stakeholders can cooperate and collaborate further to enhance the effectiveness of the implementation of the UNGP both at the regional and national levels. The members of the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights, including the Chair and Vice Chair, will honour us with their presence. The Prime Minister of Thailand is also invited to open the event.