25 companies to be lauded for projects’ positive impact on environment, society in Asia-Pacific

SINGAPORE - Companies that engaged in projects that provide viable solutions for the environment and society across the Asia-Pacific will be lauded on Oct 8.

The Steward Leadership 25 (SL25) award, now in its fourth year, has received nearly 450 applications, spanning 27 countries and 25 industries, with China joining for the first time in 2025.

Twenty-five firms will be lauded for their steward leadership projects on Oct 8 under the SL25 list at Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel Singapore.

SL25 is an annual listing of the 25 best projects of steward leadership excellence in the Asia-Pacific region.

It is curated by Stewardship Asia Centre (SAC), Insead Hoffman Institute, global advisory firm WTW, and The Straits Times.

SAC said that of the 25 projects that made it to this year’s list, 13 of them are involved in advancing environmental sustainability, comprising eight addressing climate and nature, and five in promoting waste reduction and circularity.

The remaining 12 projects focused on the social front, involving uplifting people and communities, with seven addressing inequalities and empowering marginalised groups, and the other five projects on improving access to and outcomes in healthcare. India emerged as the most significant impact area, followed by Malaysia and Singapore.

SL25 has seen a steady rise in technology-driven solutions year after year, addressing challenges such as inclusive employment, empowering smallholder farmers, and enhancing waste management. In recent years, more initiatives have also leveraged artificial intelligence to drive solutions and safeguard against its potential misuse.

“This year’s SL25 list showcases a growing wave of innovative solutions addressing both environmental and social challenges across Asia and the Pacific,” said Ms Jane Ang, assistant manager for research and engagement at SAC, who leads the SL25 initiative.

“With many headquartered in Singapore, it also reflects the nation’s emergence as a hub for stewardship-led innovation and impact.”