Media OutReach
New Report Highlights Need for Ecosystem Approach to Help MSMEs in Southeast Asia Adopt More Sustainable Practices
- Report by the Centre for Impact Investing and Practices (CIIP) finds growing momentum among micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Southeast Asia to adopt sustainability practices, driven by commercially motivated goals such as reducing costs, improving long-term efficiency, meeting consumer demand, entering new markets and attracting talent.
- As significant variations in ESG awareness and adoption exist across the region, advancing the adoption of ESG practices will require coordinated efforts from governments, industry associations, MNCs, investors, and financial institutions to provide MSMEs practical, constructive assistance.
- The report identifies key challenges and five ecosystem actions to unlock the full potential of MSMEs in advancing sustainable supply chains.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 May 2025 – The “Transforming for Sustainability: Driving Impact and Value through Supply Chain Action” report, by the Centre for Impact Investing and Practices (CIIP) found that MSMEs in Southeast Asia recognise the business value of adopting sustainability practices – from lowering costs and improving long-term efficiency (39%) to attracting or retaining talent in a values-driven workforce (27%) – and want to do more.
At the same time, many global multinational corporations (MNCs) are making long-term sustainability commitments, setting higher expectations across their supply chains. As MSMEs often serve as key suppliers, aligning with these evolving standards – including MNC supplier codes – is becoming increasingly critical to remain competitive and secure long-term growth opportunities.
Launched today at Ecosperity Week’s Impact Investing Roundtable 2025, the report explores key barriers to increasing supply chain sustainability and identifies practical enablers and tools across four sectors: consumer goods, food and beverage, electrical and electronics, and tourism. The findings are based on a survey of over 3,500 MSMEs from Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam, alongside interviews with 85 organisations across Asia — including MNCs, solution providers, and ecosystem enablers. The report builds on CIIP’s 2024 study, developed in partnership with PwC Singapore, titled “It Takes a Community”: Enabling SME Resilience in FMCG Supply Chains.
While sustainability and ESG are separate concepts, they are closely linked – especially when looking at how ESG practices support sustainability goals. To better understand how MSMEs are putting sustainability into action, 21 practices were identified and mapped across the areas of “environmental”, “social”, and “governance”.
Encouragingly, 84% of MSMEs have adopted at least one ESG practice, with social practices being the most common due to mandated social employee protection policies in each of the countries studied. Waste management was the most common environmental practice, reflecting this key concern across the region. However, much more needs to be done.
“MSMEs are the backbone of Southeast Asia’s economies and essential partners in advancing sustainable supply chains,” said Ms. Dawn Chan, Chief Executive Officer, CIIP. “Their growing interest in ESG signals a real opportunity to unlock business resilience and long-term value. This report aims to provide a clearer view of what MSMEs need to succeed, and how ecosystem players, from industry leaders to governments and financial institutions, can work together to accelerate scalable, sustainable impact.”
MSMEs Are Making Progress, But Practical Challenges Continue to Hold Them Back
While MSMEs are making progress in meeting new sustainability requirements, many continue to face practical challenges in advancing their efforts. With lean, multi-functional teams focused on daily operations, they often lack the capacity for dedicated roles to oversee the adoption of more ESG practices – and 60% report moderate to significant difficulties in hiring staff for sustainability or ESG roles.
Financial constraints remain a key hurdle. Many cite high upfront costs, though encouragingly, half of all MSMEs surveyed plan to increase their ESG budgets by 2027.
Many also cite the inability to derive immediate benefits from adopting ESG practices, with 32% saying the ability to gain new clients or enter new markets would be a key motivating factor for future adoption of ESG practices.
To overcome these challenges, the report provides five recommendations to shape ecosystem actions.
Five Key Enablers to Raise ESG Awareness and Adoption among MSMEs
- Make ESG clear and simple. Clearly emphasise the commercial benefits of ESG practices – from cost savings to increased revenue opportunities – while highlighting clear improvement pathways. Companies should be assured that adopting ESG practices is not a formidable task and can be done in gradual steps.
- Build capacity, both internal and external. Develop industry-specific toolkits or education materials with global standards and local inputs, which are simple and actionable, while encouraging MSMEs to leverage external expertise for ad-hoc support and personalised guidance.
- Encourage more win-win customer-supplier partnerships. MNC buyers are a strong predictor of ESG adoption, and some are already leaning in to support their supply chains. This should be more widespread – MNCs can offer incentives such as longer-term contracts, paying more for sustainable products or services, and implementing shorter payment cycles.
- Invest in innovative MSME-targeted solutions. Venture capital firms and impact investors play a crucial role in facilitating ESG adoption across supply chains, providing catalytic funding to incentivise innovation and reducing the barriers to adopting ESG practices. They can play a particularly important role by backing early-stage solutions and business models that are priced and designed for MSMEs.
- Finance the change. While sustainability-linked loans are increasingly available, MSME uptake remains low – suggesting that concessional rates alone are not enough. A more holistic approach is needed, combining fit-for-purpose financing with practical guidance, stronger support for early adopters, and tools like digital platforms to assess ESG baselines and customise loan terms. These elements must work together to drive meaningful, scalable ESG adoption.
For more insights and takeaways, the full report is available at:
https://ciip.com.sg/knowledge-hub/research-insights/Details/transforming-for-sustainability–driving-impact-and-value-through-supply-chain-action
Turning Insights into Tangible Solutions
The report also revealed that country-specific conditions significantly influence ESG adoption, underscoring the importance of tailored approaches that address local needs. Notably, industry associations serve as a key source of sustainability and ESG guidance for MSMEs, given their deep understanding of sector-specific needs and ability to recommend fit-for-purpose tools and approaches.
In line with this, CIIP today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Singapore Fashion Council (SFC) to drive supply chain sustainability within the fashion and textiles industry. Under the agreement, SFC will lead the development of a sectoral plan, a resource guidebook, and a digital toolkit tailored to the sustainability needs of fashion and textiles MSMEs, leveraging insights from this report and CIIP’s ongoing ecosystem engagement efforts.
In parallel, CIIP and the Philanthropy Asia Alliance have launched the second edition of the Amplifier mentorship programme, with two dedicated tracks aimed at scaling innovative solutions for supply chain sustainability in tourism, as well as, fashion and textiles. Adopting a whole-of-ecosystem approach, the programme is supported by over 55 cross-sector partners this year.
CIIP welcomes more partners – including industry associations, corporates, technology and solution providers, investors, and financial institutions – to work together and collectively advance ESG adoption among MSMEs in the region.
For the full announcements, please refer to: https://www.temasektrust.org.sg/newsroom
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About the Centre for Impact Investing and Practices
The Centre for Impact Investing and Practices (“CIIP”) was established in 2022 as a non-profit entity by Temasek Trust to foster impact investing and practices in Asia and beyond by building and sharing knowledge, bringing together stakeholders in the community, and bringing about positive action that accelerates the adoption of impact investing principles and practices. CIIP is the anchor partner for the United Nation Development Programme’s Private Finance for the SDGs, providing Asia investors and businesses with clarity, insights and tools that support their contributions towards achieving the SDGs. Temasek and ABC Impact are CIIP’s strategic partners. For more information, please visit www.ciip.com.sg.
Transforming Smiles Through Expert Guidance
Orthodontic Consultation Days are tailored for anyone considering braces or aligners but uncertain about their options. Attendees will benefit from the expertise of TruCare Dental’s highly qualified team—all graduates of the University of Hong Kong’s Bachelor of Dental Surgery program—who will provide personalized, one-on-one orthodontic assessments and clear recommendations.
What Participants Can Expect
Guests who register for the event will receive:
- Comprehensive oral evaluation: A detailed examination by a registered dentist to assess individual needs
- Bite and alignment analysis: Professional insights into current dental alignment and potential improvements
- Preliminary diagnosis and treatment planning: Customized guidance on possible orthodontic solutions
- Overview of braces and aligner options: Information on both traditional metal braces and modern invisible aligners
- Transparent discussion of pros, cons, and timelines: Clear explanations regarding each treatment’s suitability, advantages, and expected duration
- Cost breakdown and installment options: Detailed cost estimates and available payment plans for affordable care
TruCare Dental is dedicated to delivering exceptional dental care with a strong emphasis on patient education and individualized treatment. The clinic’s mission is to help every patient achieve optimal oral health and a confident smile through compassionate, professional service.
Registration Details
Due to the personalized nature of the consultations, advance registration is required and spaces are limited. Interested individuals are encouraged to secure an appointment as soon as possible by calling 2152 0280 or by visiting the online registration page.
Event Venue:
Room 2201, 22/F, Tower A, Mira Place, Tsim Sha Tsui
Hashtag: #TruCareDental
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Grand Prize Trip to Korea, New Speed Building Finale, and Unforgettable Prizes Await Young Builders!
JOHOR BAHRU, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 May 2025 – Ready, set, build! The most anticipated LEGO® school event in Asia is back—and it’s bigger, bolder, and more inspiring than ever. The LEGOLAND® Malaysia School Challenge 2025, organized in partnership with the Ministry of Education, kicks off its fourth edition with a mission to unlock the boundless creativity of students across the region.
Since its inception in 2022, the Challenge has become a regional phenomenon. Following record-breaking participation in 2024, this year promises an even more thrilling experience, packed with new features and prizes that spark imagination and ignite a passion for learning.
New Theme, New Thrills: “Build Your Dream Destination”
Now open to three age categories (7–9, 10–12, and 13–17), the 2025 edition challenges students to design their ideal travel destination using LEGO bricks. Whether it’s a futuristic underwater world, an island of imagination, or a dreamland among the stars, participants are encouraged to combine creativity, storytelling, and technical building skills to bring magical destinations to life.
What’s New in 2025?
Two major updates make this year’s Challenge truly unmissable:
- Grand Prizes Go Global: Winners from the Primary and Secondary Categories will experience a trip to LEGOLAND Korea, while Junior Category champions will enjoy a getaway at LEGOLAND Malaysia.
- Speed Building Showdown: For the first time, the finale will feature a high-energy Speed Building Challenge. The Top 5 finalist teams in each category will compete live in front of a judging panel and audience, racing against the clock to create an original LEGO build in just 45 minutes.
Each finalist team will also enjoy a 3D2N stay at LEGOLAND Hotel, receive exclusive LEGO trophies, exciting LEGO sets, and Annual Passes to LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort.
Inspiring Young Innovators: A Story of Growth
Among the Challenge’s most inspiring alumni is Nathanael Yap, a three-time Grand Prize winner. At the launch event, he shared:
“Being part of the LEGOLAND School Challenge for three years in a row was honestly one of the best parts of my school life. Every year, I got to team up with friends, solve problems in creative ways, and build something we were proud of — brick by brick. It taught me how fun learning can be when you get to think outside the box.
Even though I’ve graduated and can’t take part anymore, the experience has stayed with me. As I look ahead to university and start thinking more seriously about my future, I realise how much the Challenge helped shape my interests — especially in areas like design, engineering, and creative thinking. I’m excited to see what this year’s participants will build, and I hope they take the chance to push themselves and discover what they’re capable of.”
His story reflects what the Challenge is all about – empowering young minds to explore, imagine, and create.
Shaping Future Creators, One Brick at a Time
Cs Lim, Vice President of LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort, remarked, “The LEGOLAND School Challenge has always been more than just a competition. As an event centered around our LEGO DNA of learning through play, it helps cultivate essential skills such as problem solving, critical thinking, and innovation in our future leaders. Since we expanded last year to include participation from schools across Asia, this has also become an avenue for cultural exchange for students and teachers alike. We look forward to welcoming more participants this year across the region and seeing their creativity unleashed.”
The 2025 Challenge is proudly supported by the Ministry of Education, Tourism Malaysia, Trip.com Group, and the LEGO Group—all sharing a common goal: to ignite the passions of the next generation of builders, dreamers, and doers.
Register for the LEGOLAND School Challenge 2025
The competition is open to students aged 7 to 17 across three separate categories:
- Junior: Ages 7 to 9
- Primary: Ages 10 to 12
- Secondary: Ages 13 to 17
Each team must consist of 3-4 students and 1 teacher. Registration is open from now until 15 June 2025 via https://www.legoland.com.my/tickets-passes/day-tickets/schools/school-challenge/. Follow us for updates, tips and behind-the-scenes on Facebook and Instagram.
Let your imagination run wild. Build your dream destination—and win the trip of a lifetime!
Hashtag: #LEGOLAND® #LEGO®
https://www.legoland.com.my/
https://www.facebook.com/legolandmalaysia/
https://www.instagram.com/legolandmalaysia/
https://www.tiktok.com/@legolandmalaysiaofficial?lang=en
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
LEGOLAND® Malaysia Resort
LEGOLAND® Malaysia Resort brings together a LEGOLAND Theme Park, Water Park, Hotel and SEA LIFE in one LEGO® themed location. It is the ideal family holiday destination with more than 80 hands-on rides, slides, shows, and attractions. It is the first of its kind in Asia that offers comprehensive adventure, education, and fun for either an action-packed day trip or a short break destination ideal for families with kids aged 2 to 12 years old.
The Theme Park is divided into eight themed areas containing thrilling rides, exciting LEGO workshops, awe-inspiring Miniland where Asia’s interesting landscapes, countries and landmarks are recreated in miniature made with more than 30 million LEGO bricks. The Water Park is the largest LEGOLAND Water Park in Asia which features 20 unique slides, waves, wade pools, interactive water-play structure and Build-A-Raft River.
LEGOLAND Hotel Malaysia is the first LEGO themed hotel in Asia. Choose your preferred theme room at a hotel all equipped with LEGO theming elements, giving you choices to be trained like a NINJA, playing pirate, commanding a Kingdom or embarking on an adventure option. All rooms include a king-sized bed for parents and a separate private sleeping area for 3 kids. Participate in our in-room treasure hunt activity and stand a chance to win cool LEGO gifts.
SEA LIFE is the world’s largest international aquarium brand with more than 50 outlets in the world and it is the latest addition to LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort. This attraction will immerse all guests in an intimate and interactive journey underneath the waves. All guests will have a chance to enjoy up-close experiences with sea creatures and be inspired to learn more about our blue planet’s invaluable natural marine assets through magical storytelling, interactive displays and hands-on encounters. SEA LIFE Malaysia has more than 25 display tanks in 11 habitat zones featuring 13,000 amazing sea creatures. The Malaysian Rainforest is one of the unique exhibit zones featuring local creatures in Malaysia. Don’t miss this special zone where you can never find it in other SEA LIFE attractions.
Media OutReach
Transform Your Home with the Next-Generation Cleaning Companion: Tineco’s Young Series – Powerful, Efficient, and Affordable
- Tineco launches the Young Series with three new floor washers: the Y2, Y3, and Y5 Stretch Ultra
- Experience the ultimate cleaning experience with these innovative floor washers, where cutting-edge technology meets energy efficiency and sleek design for unmatched performance
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 May 2025 – Tineco, a global leader in smart cleaning technology, today announced the official launch of its Young Series Floor Washers in Singapore. Designed with new homeowners and first-time users in mind, the series features three value-driven models—Y2, Y3, and Y5 Stretch Ultra—offering high-performance cleaning at an accessible price point of just $299 onwards.
YOUNG SERIES: PERFECT FOR THE SINGAPORE HOUSEHOLDS WITH ITS COMPACT BUILD AND EFFICIENT TECHNOLOGIES
The Young Series delivers professional grade cleaning, making it ideal for everyday messes. Designed to handle wet and dry debris, pet hair, and edge dust with ease, these versatile floor washers work seamlessly across hard floors and carpets. All models feature a convenient one-touch self-cleaning. Experience premium cleaning at an accessible price—Tineco’s Young Series delivers top-tier value.
Meanwhile, the Y3 and Y5 Ultra models gives you an elevated cleaning experience that includes:
- 5-Minute Hot Air Drying and 85°C Hot Water Self-Cleaning: Keeping your vacuum clean with this cutting-edge system that eliminates odors and bacterial growth.
- 180° Lay Flat Design (Y5 Stretch Ultra): With its 13cm ultra slim profile, it can reach places that are harder than usual to access, guaranteeing a 360° deep clean.
In conjunction with the launch, from May 19th to June 8th, all Courts stores and Courts.com.sg will offer a range of exclusive promotions. It is the perfect opportunity for new and young families to upgrade their cleaning routine and enjoy a superior, fuss-free cleaning experience.
AVAILABILITY & LAUNCH PROMOTIONS
| Device | Availability | Launch Promotions
T&Cs apply, while stocks last |
| Y2 (Entry-Level)
$299 (u.p $499) |
Available now at Courts, Shopee, and Lazada | Exclusively at Courts, from May 19th to June 8th
Free Tineco Woven bag (worth $49 or wagon (worth $299). |
| Y3 (Hot Drying)
$399 (u.p $799) |
Available now on Courts ,Shopee, and Lazada | |
| Y5 Stretch Ultra
$549 (u.p $999) |
Available now on Courts, Shopee, Lazada |
Hashtag: #Tineco
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Tineco
Founded in 1998, Tineco is a high-tech company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of ECOVACS Group (SHA: 603486). Dedicated to innovation, Tineco has consistently delivered smart home cleaning solutions that redefine convenience and efficiency. Tineco has secured “World No.1” sales in the wet & dry category in 2024. With the launch of the Young series, Tineco continues to lead the way in creating products that make everyday life easier and more enjoyable.
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