6 July 2025
Sustainability has become a critical component of business operations globally, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are essential players in this transformation. In Asia, SMEs form the backbone of the economy—representing the majority of businesses and providing vital employment opportunities.
Despite their importance, SMEs often face unique challenges in adopting sustainable practices. These include limited financial and human resources, lack of technical expertise, and fragmented access to information on best practices.
Today, integrating sustainability into core business strategies is no longer optional—it’s a necessity. Embracing sustainability helps businesses build resilience, access new markets, enhance competitiveness, and unlock long-term growth. For SMEs in Asia, sustainability represents more than just regulatory compliance; it is a strategic investment in future success.
To support SMEs on this journey, the SPARK initiative, led by the UN Global Compact, offers knowledge, tools, and peer support tailored to the unique challenges faced by small businesses in the region. SPARK 2025 builds on the success of previous programs, with a focus on practical, real-world solutions for sustainability integration.
We recently held our first Regional Live session for the SPARK Programme, titled “Building the Business Case for Sustainability.”
This session went beyond the basics to demonstrate how sustainability can create real business value—boosting profitability, increasing resilience, and opening up new market opportunities. Actionable strategies and success stories were shared by industry experts from UN Global Compact Network Indonesia and UN Global Compact Network Singapore.
● Aparna Bhatnagar Saxena – CEO, TORAJAMELO (member of UN Global Compact Network Indonesia)
Aparna shared how TORAJAMELO, an ethical lifestyle brand, integrates environmental, social, and cultural sustainability into its work with indigenous communities in Indonesia. Through initiatives like AHANA, she promotes conscious consumerism and advocates for sustainability rooted in values and community impact. In the Q&A, Aparna emphasized the importance of authentic leadership, starting small, and staying grounded in empathy. She acknowledged the challenges of balancing purpose with profitability, encouraging SMEs to see sustainability as a continuous journey rather than a fixed goal.
● Nichol Ng – CEO, FoodXervices Inc (member of UN Global Compact Network Singapore)
Nichol presented how her company leverages technology—such as IoT sensors and solar panels—to achieve measurable environmental impact and cost savings. Initially driven by ESG compliance needs from clients, her team embraced sustainability as a long-term strategy. She also highlighted Xcelerate Academy, which trains F&B and wholesale SMEs in sustainability and digitalization. In the Q&A, Nichol emphasized the power of data, employee engagement, and partnerships. She encouraged SMEs to be open to learning, external audits, and collaboration—underscoring that collective progress in sustainability is more powerful than competition.
The session brought together over 100 participants from SMEs across seven countries in the Asia-Pacific region, including: Bangladesh, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Philippines And Australia
