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THE 25 BEST PROJECTS OF STEWARD LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC

Steward leadership is the genuine desire and persistence to create a COLLECTIVE BETTER FUTURE for stakeholders, society, future generations, and the environment.

In business, this means pursuing a growth strategy that aims to create win-win-win prosperity wherein employees, shareholders and society at large thrive together.

The Steward Leadership 25 (SL25) list showcases projects from for-profit organisations that have demonstrated resolute actions to drive profitable growth by addressing the very challenges that threaten humanity.

Submissions for SL25 2024 have closed. The shortlist will be unveiled on 23 October 2024.

THE 25 PROJECTS OF 2023

These projects showcased resolute actions that went beyond profit-making to tackle the existential challenges our society faces today, such as climate change and social inequality.



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Leveraging edtech for inclusion and digital literacy
Advanced Info Service Plc

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Restoring tropical forests and biodiversity
APRIL International Enterprise

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Fostering equity and resilience for marginalised communities
Bettr Barista Pte Ltd

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Improving rural health with cookstoves that cut emissions
C-Quest Capital LLC

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Enabling carbon reduction through algae cultivation
Chyau Bio Technologies Pvt. Ltd.

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Upskilling communities to bridge the digital divide
DBS Bank

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Converting construction waste to build homes
Eather Group Pty Ltd

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Propagating native tree species through geothermal energy
Energy Development Corporation

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Driving employment for youths with special educational needs
Inclus Inc.

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Tackling malnourishment and food waste through whole foods
landlink Co., Ltd

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Creating health equity in rural and semi-urban areas
Last Mile Care Private Limited (LMC)

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Producing Organic Food through Wool-based Fertiliser
Monpellets LLC

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Tailoring investment solutions for net zero
OCBC

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Championing inclusion for the disadvantaged via vocational training
Project Dignity Pte Ltd

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Uplifting village communities through regenerative farming
PT Industri Jamu Dan Farmasi Sido Mancul Tbk

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Protecting marine ecosystems and coastal communities
PTT Exploration and Production Public Company Limited

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Unlocking healthcare access in underserved communities
reach52 Pte Ltd

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Developing a zero-waste society to empower vulnerable communities
ReFuse SARL

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Providing safe sanitation in sub-tropical villages
Safe Water Gardens (SWG) Pte Ltd

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Empowering vulnerable communities to thrive in a digital economy
Singtel Group

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Building resilience in infrastructure design
SM Prime Holdings., Inc.

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Moving people, enhancing livestyles through inclusive service delivery
SMRT Corporation Ltd

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Integrating data analysis to halve food waste
Sodexo Singapore Pte Ltd

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Empowering elderly and kidney patients through employment
Tea Ideas Pte Ltd

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Manufacturing electric jeepneys to combat pollution
Tojo Motors Corporation

Click here to see 2022 Honourees.

Curated By

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Supporting Partners

 

Methodology

Steward Leadership involves activating the Steward Leadership Compass to have a significant positive effect on uplifting communities or tackling today’s environmental challenges.

Projects that are included in SL25 are part of the organisation’s core growth strategy, which is subsequently guided by the organisation's values and purpose and serves as its compass in directing operations and execution.


The judges assess the nominees based on:

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    Purpose and values

    Whether the project has a clear purpose and values that seek to create sustainable growth while benefitting its stakeholders, society, future generations and the environment. Judges also consider the extent to which the project aligns with the organisation’s overarching purpose and values.

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    Strategy and planning

    How the project is integrated into the overall business or growth strategy, as well as the scale of the project in relation to the size of the organisation’s business.

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    Tangible outcomes

    The reach and positive impact of the project on the environment, society and/or other impact areas and whether it has improved the current state of the environment and society.

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    Sustainable value creation

    The innovative nature of the project relative to that of others in its industry and its commitment to long-term sustainable impact. Judges also consider how the project fulfilled a pressing need of the community and its stakeholders.

Judges

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Mr Patrick Daniel

Director, SPH Media Trust

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Mr Munib Madni

Founding Panvestor & CEO, Panarchy Partners

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Tan Sri Dr Rebecca Fatima Sta Maria

Executive Director, APEC Secretariat, Singapore

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Professor Joanne Roberts

President, Yale-NUS College

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Dr Veerathai Santiprabhob

Member of the Board, Mae Fah Luang Foundation

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Professor Dr. Hellmut Schütte

Professor Emeritus of International Management, INSEAD, Singapore

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Ms Elissar Farah Antonios, QRD®

Founder & CEO, Soul Ventures Holding Ltd.

FAQ

SL25 started in 2022. Past SL25 honourees can be found here.

No.

We do not accept applications from charities, non-profit organisations or publicly funded organisations. SL25 aims to recognise and celebrate businesses that create value and profit by integrating the needs of stakeholders, society, future generations and the environment, thus demonstrating that companies can perform financially by positively impacting society and the environment. Therefore, for-profit organisations such as large companies, SMEs, and social enterprises are eligible and encouraged to participate in SL25.

Yes! We encourage Honourees who have previously made the SL25 list to reapply for a consecutive year with a new project or a previously submitted project that can demonstrate significant new progress. In the case of submitting a project similar to previous years, we ask that you focus on examples of how your project has made significant progress. For example, has your project expanded to new geographies? Or has it impacted new target consumers? How has your project adapted to suit newer or different needs of your consumers?

At SAC, we believe that everyone has the potential to be a steward leader. To share your stewardship and steward leadership story, feel free to publish it on this content hub, Stewardship Commons.

Our judges will ensure fair representation from each of the two categories. Each category is judged independently and is not unilaterally compared against each other, as large companies and SMEs undertake their efforts differently due to factors such as size and capital. Steward leadership excellence can be demonstrated by all organisations, regardless of size and capital, and the judging process reflects this.

SL25 is a list of 25 projects of steward leadership excellence. It is not a ranking, as each company has a unique demonstration of steward leadership excellence. The SL25 projects are not selected according to an organisation’s measurement, reporting and disclosure strength. The judges will evaluate the impact of the projects and the extent to which their strategy and execution are aligned with stewardship values. The 25 projects all hold equal merit.

No. All projects must have been implemented in the Asia-Pacific region.

For non-APAC-headquartered companies, you may nominate a project if its geographical impact is in APAC and you have an office in the area(s) where your project is implemented.

We may follow up with applicants through the application platform to clarify information in the application form and/or request applicants to provide more information via email or virtual interviews. Applicants will be informed of their status before the Steward Leadership Summit.