The ASEAN Climate Resilience Network highlighted that agriculture, including fisheries, along with forestry and land use, contribute between 13 to 21 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, said Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin.

He added that with aquaculture identified as a key emission source, the Net Zero AquaPV Project presents an opportunity to reverse the trend. The minister outlined this during the inauguration of Southeast Asia’s first net zero aquaculture and artificial intelligence (AI) integrated hub at Serasa Fisheries Hub yesterday.

Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Abdul Manaf highlighted the facility marks the return of blue shrimp cultivation, now enhanced with clean energy solutions and AI-driven systems. It represents a new era of precision aquaculture, where enhanced productivity goes hand-in-hand with environmental responsibility and sustainability.

“This project aligns with the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism’s mission to increase food production through the adoption of advanced technology and modern techniques, while upholding environmental sustainability goal in economic development,” he added.

The 10,000-square-metre pond, powered by photovoltaic panels, demonstrates a valuable example of ‘off-grid’ farming and efficient dual-use land management.

The system demonstrates the synergy between clean energy generation and sustainable aquaculture, serving as a blueprint for future farming models that reduce reliance on fossil fuels and advance the Sultanate’s commitment to achieving net zero by 2050. “More than boosting the shrimp production, this facility embodies a holistic approach that balances economic opportunity with environmental responsibility and sustainability,” said the minister.

“It is a bold move in line with Brunei Darussalam’s long-term development goals – supporting food security, energy transition and low-carbon growth.”

Source: Borneo Bulletin

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The signing of the Joint-Venture Agreement, Land Lease Agreement and Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) between the Government of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and Seri Suria Power (B) Sdn Bhd marks a major milestone in Brunei Darussalam’s renewable energy journey.

The agreements pave the way for the development of a 30-megawatt (MW) Solar Photovoltaic Power Plant (SPVPP) on a remediated landfill site in Kampong Belimbing – Brunei’s first large-scale solar project under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

This significant milestone was highlighted by Deputy Permanent Secretary (Energy) at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Pengiran Haji Jamra Weira bin Pengiran Haji Petra, in his welcoming remarks during the signing ceremony held yesterday.

He shared that the journey began with a Request for Information (RFI) issued by the Department of Energy, PMO, aimed at assessing regional interest in transforming the former landfill site into a solar energy facility. Following the RFI, the project progressed to a Request for Proposal (RFP) stage in 2021 for the provision to invest, build, and operate the 30MW solar power plant. Upon completion, it will generate enough electricity to power approximately 23,000 homes, equivalent to four Class A LNG cargoes, and contribute to the avoidance of 670,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions over its 25-year operational lifespan.

Brunei Darussalam’s economic performance in 2024 demonstrated strength and positive development, having recorded a 4.2 per cent gross domestic product (GDP) growth, the highest since 1999.

The non-oil and gas sector significantly contributed to the economy, accounting for over 50 per cent of the GDP and 70 per cent of the total exports, said Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah in his keynote address at the Brunei Business Conference yesterday.

From the economic performance, he said, “It has shown encouraging signs and tangible proofs that the country’s efforts have yielded some positive results. However, while we acknowledge these ‘small-wins’, our commitment remains unwavering in ensuring sustained economic prosperity.”

Over the years, he noted that the Sultanate has undertaken significant steps to streamline policies and regulations to create a more investor-friendly environment. Today, he said, “we continue to maintain our status as a safe and politically stable country, strategically located in the heart of Borneo and offering favourable and attractive tax incentives. Building on this foundation, we are also guided by the Brunei Darussalam Economic Blueprint to drive our economic diversification agenda forward while continuing to foster growth, innovation and workforce development.”

Source: Borneo Bulletin

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[SINGAPORE] There is growing momentum among micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in South-east Asia to adopt sustainability practices, but stumbling blocks such as financial constraints remain.

This issue was raised in a report by the Centre for Impact Investing and Practices (CIIP), titled Transforming for Sustainability: Driving Impact and Value through Supply Chain Action, released on Wednesday (May 7) at an Ecosperity Week event.

The report found that MSMEs in the region recognise the business value of adopting sustainability practices, with 39 per cent of respondents agreeing that they lower costs and improve long-term efficiency. Twenty-seven per cent believe these practices can attract or retain talent in a values-driven workforce.

This is a crucial trend as many multinational corporations are setting higher expectations across their supply chains in pursuit of their long-term sustainability commitments, the report noted.

MSMEs are often key suppliers for these global companies. Therefore, aligning themselves with the evolving standards is increasingly vital for these businesses to remain competitive and secure long-term growth opportunities, the study added.

Dawn Chan, chief executive officer of CIIP, said: “MSMEs are the backbone of South-east Asia’s economies and essential partners in advancing sustainable supply chains.”

The findings are based on a survey of more than 3,500 MSMEs from countries in the region – such as Indonesia and Vietnam – as well as interviews with about 85 organisations in Asia.

The report also revealed that 84 per cent of MSMEs have adopted at least one environmental, social and governance (ESG) practice, with social measures being the most common due to mandated employee protection policies in each of the countries studied.

However, financial constraints remain a key hurdle to adopting more of such practices, with many of the MSMEs surveyed citing high upfront costs. This is despite half of them planning to increase their ESG budgets by 2027.

Manpower also remains an issue, with 60 per cent of respondents reporting moderate to significant difficulties in hiring staff for sustainability or related roles.

Some also cited the inability to derive immediate benefits from embracing ESG practices. Thirty-two per cent said the ability to gain new clients or enter new markets would be an important motivating factor for the future adoption of ESG approaches.

Key enablers

To help MSMEs, the report identified five key enablers – among them is making the concept of ESG clear and simple. This would require the commercial benefits of ESG practices to be emphasised.

Another enabler is financing the change. While sustainability-linked loans are increasingly available, uptake by MSMEs remains low. This suggests that concessional rates alone are not enough, and investments in innovative MSME-targeted solutions are needed.

To this end, venture capital firms and impact investors are a third vital enabler. They play a crucial role in facilitating ESG adoption across supply chains by providing catalytic funding to incentivise innovation and reduce the barriers to adopting such practices.

These investors are particularly important in backing early-stage solutions and business models which are priced and designed for MSMEs.

“(These enterprises’) growing interest in ESG signals a real opportunity to unlock business resilience and long-term value,” Chan said.

“This report aims to provide a clearer view of what MSMEs need to succeed (in), and how ecosystem players, from industry leaders to governments and financial institutions, can work together to accelerate scalable, sustainable impact,” she added.

Themed “Impact for Outcomes – Perspectives from the Ground”, the Impact Investing Roundtable 2025 where the report was released was co-organised by CIIP and Temasek.

Fashioning a solution

In the same vein, CIIP on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding with the Singapore Fashion Council (SFC) to advance supply chain sustainability within the fashion industry – with a particular focus on empowering MSMEs.

Under the agreement, SFC will lead the development and implementation of three key initiatives to support the sustainability transformation of the fashion and textiles sector. CIIP will contribute insights and ecosystem-building support.

The initiatives comprise:

• a sectoral plan identifying the key challenges and strategic priorities for the local and regional fashion industries;
• a guidebook with resources and practical road maps to help companies at different stages of their sustainability journeys; and
• a digital toolkit providing MSMEs with access to ESG tools to facilitate decarbonisation and broader adoption of sustainability practices.

Zhang Ting-Ting, CEO of SFC, said: “The future of fashion lies not just on the runway, but in the roots of our supply chains. MSMEs are the heartbeat of Asia’s fashion industry – collective action and practical support are key to meaningful progress in sustainability.”

She added: “By partnering with forward-thinking organisations like Temasek Trust’s CIIP, we are bridging insight with implementation – empowering businesses with the tools and knowledge to future-proof their supply chains and thrive.”

Source: The Business Times (published 7/5/2025)

Enabling MSMEs to adopt ESG practices is key to sustainable supply chains: report - The Business Times

The regional bloc has concluded negotiations to upgrade agreements that target easier trade - not just within the grouping itself, but also with its top economic partner, China.

Easier trade among members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as well as with the regional bloc’s top economic partner, China, is on the horizon as the grouping pushes ahead with “bolder” moves to stave off the threat of steep US tariffs.

ASEAN has concluded negotiations on upgrading the ASEAN Trade In Goods Agreement (ATIGA) and the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (CAFTA), with the enhanced deals set to be signed in October, Malaysia’s Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz told reporters on Sunday (May 25) ahead of the 46th ASEAN summit.

“We remain confident that these milestones will serve as a pivotal enabler for ASEAN's sustained growth and competitiveness,” Tengku Zafrul said after chairing an ASEAN Economic Community Council Meeting.

“The successful conclusion of these negotiations is expected to enhance the region's economic integration and generate significant economic benefits for ASEAN as we continue to navigate an increasingly volatile global economic landscape.Top of Form

Bottom of FormAs the rotating chair for ASEAN this year, Malaysia has urged the bloc to diversify its trading partners in the face of sweeping tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump. 

Speaking on Sunday, Tengku Zafrul warned the bloc against staying still at a time of economic uncertainty.

“ASEAN would need to break away from a business-as-usual approach,” he said.

“We need to adopt bolder, more agile and more forward-looking strategies. We need to safeguard and advance ASEAN socioeconomic interests.”

ASEAN has reaffirmed its commitment to stand by the principles of multilateralism and a rules-based global trading order, even as it continues to maintain a policy of non-retaliation against the US tariffs, Tengku Zafrul said.

“We don't plan to have any measures that will represent a retaliation to what has been introduced,” he said.

Tengku Zafrul said every ASEAN member is a “sovereign nation” and should be supported in pursuing bilateral tariff negotiations with the US.

“But it's important that in all these meetings, we also reiterate the ASEAN position,” he added.

At the summit on Monday and Tuesday, ASEAN is expected to explore the expansion of regional free trade agreements alongside engaging other economic blocs and dialogue partners, measures which Tengku Zafrul said were discussed at the economic council meeting.

FACILITATING TRADE WITHIN ASEAN

“We also discussed how ASEAN can improve trade within,” the minister added, noting that intra-ASEAN trade accounts for approximately 23 per cent of the bloc's total trade.

“There's a lot of room for improvement. When we look at other economic blocs, they trade with each other internally more than what ASEAN is doing today.”

ATIGA is aimed at achieving a free flow of goods between ASEAN member states, resulting in lower business costs, increased trade, and a larger market and economies of scale for businesses.

The upgraded agreement targets the further lowering of tariffs and the removal of non-tariff barriers among member countries.

It will feature “forward-looking and commercially meaningful provisions aimed at further boosting regional trade, enhancing supply chain resilience, and also boosting deeper economic integration within ASEAN”, Tengku Zafrul said.

Singapore, which chaired the upgrade negotiations, said it will continue to work with ASEAN and global partners to secure the bloc's long-term growth, competitiveness, and shared prosperity.

The successful conclusion of the upgrade negotiations "demonstrates ASEAN’s commitment to building a more seamless and resilient economic region, as well as to preserve a rules-based trading environment to better support businesses’ operations in the ASEAN region amidst an uncertain global economic climate", Singapore Trade and Industry Minister Gan Kim Yong, also the country's deputy prime minister, said in a statement on Sunday.

Earlier on Sunday, Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan highlighted that ASEAN nations are among those most heavily hit by US tariffs.

“We must seize this moment to deepen regional economic integration, so that we can better shield our region from external shocks,” he said in opening remarks at a meeting of ASEAN foreign ministers.

The US-China trade war is “dramatically disrupting” production and trade patterns worldwide, Mohamad said, cautioning that a global economic slowdown was likely to happen.

TAKING ASEAN-CHINA TRADE FORWARD

ASEAN is China's largest trading partner, with the value of total trade reaching US$234 billion in the first quarter of 2025, according to Chinese customs data.

The so-called 3.0 version of CAFTA will "promote the deep integration of the production and supply chains of both sides", China's commerce ministry said in a statement on Wednesday, when it announced the completion of negotiations.

The upgraded pact will also “inject greater certainty into regional and global trade and play a leading and exemplary role for countries to adhere to openness, inclusiveness and win-win cooperation”, the ministry said.

China has intensified engagement with ASEAN since Trump announced hefty import tariffs on countries around the world and targeted China with even heavier levies. Some of the levies have since been delayed while China and the US agreed this month to pause some of their tariffs.

In his Sunday remarks, Mohamad described ASEAN as a region where geopolitical ambitions, as well as economic and security interests, intersect.

“External pressures are rising, and the scope of challenges has never had higher stakes,” he said, stressing that ASEAN unity is now “more important than ever”.

“It is therefore crucial that we reinforce the ties that bind us, so as to not unravel under external pressures.”

Source: Channel News Asia (published 25/5/2025)

ASEAN to sign improved China, internal trade deals as bloc weighs ‘bolder’ moves to tackle US tariffs

[SINGAPORE] More companies in Singapore view artificial intelligence (AI) as a “practical tool” for growth and innovation today, with many already moving past the experimentation stage and actively deploying AI in their daily operations.

Senior Minister of State for Digital Development and Information Tan Kiat How said this at the inaugural Design AI and Tech Awards ceremony on Monday (May 19), an event that recognised enterprises that harness design, AI and technology to tackle real business challenges.

Tan noted that, according to latest available figures, enterprise adoption of AI has grown steadily from 34 per cent in 2022 to 46 per cent last year.

In 2024, close to 3,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) here adopted AI-enabled solutions from local retailers – making use of the technology to help them forecast demand, optimise venues and reduce wastage.

Tan added that with this greater adoption of AI, SMEs should take advantage of various government initiatives and make use of the platforms and tools on offer.

He cited examples such as the Chief Technology Officer-as-a-Service, which offers over 300 pre-approved digital solutions, nearly a third of which were AI-enabled last year alone. 

It supported more than 330,000 users and helped some 3,000 SMEs adopt AI to enhance operations, improve customer efficiency and make informed decisions.

Another tool is the SME Go Digital programme, which has benefited close to 100,000 SMEs since 2017 by helping them digitalise at their own pace to suit their needs.

“Innovators and startups in Singapore who find solutions to common issues should make use of these platforms to reach out to SMEs and firms,” he said.

These platforms are not just for end-users but also for innovators to scale up and implement their solutions in Singapore and overseas.

Beyond SMEs, Tan also highlighted the importance of helping workers outside of traditional tech sectors, by providing clear and practical guidance on how roles are evolving and to keep pace with them.

In his speech at the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), Tan also spoke of the focus on enrolling more students in information and digital technology (IDT) courses. Last year, around 8,000 students were enrolled in such courses across universities, polytechnics and the Institute of Technical Education.

IDT places at universities have increased from 3,000 in 2020 to 4,000 this year, accounting for more than one in four degree places, he said.

Universities are also making AI more accessible, practical and relevant across fields beyond tech, such as architecture, sustainable design and engineering product development.

“It’s not about our technology, it’s our people and talent. AI and design will only be widely adopted if the tools are designed well with the user interface and experience fitting into existing workflows. Designers not only need skills but (they) also need to understand users and their needs,” said Tan.

The Design AI and Tech Awards, jointly organised by The Business Times and the SUTD, saw three finalists named as this year’s winners – LionsBot, MetaOptics Technologies and Sengkang General Hospital. 

The awards were open to all companies, international and locally, including SMEs, startups and large corporations. 

Applicants were assessed across six criteria: design thinking process and strategies; originality; utilisation of AI and advanced technologies; ethical consideration and sustainability; aesthetic and functional qualities; and whether the design has made quantitative and qualitative impact.

Source: The Business Times (published 19/5/2025)

AI and design will see wider adoption only if tools and systems are designed well: Tan Kiat How - The Business Times