Lance Ng

Ready to explore the road less travelled? In the evolving landscape of the MICE industry, second- and third-tier cities across Asia are emerging as compelling alternatives to traditional event hubs. Second-tier destinations like Penang, Nagoya, and Surabaya offer well-developed infrastructure and strong connectivity, making them attractive for clients seeking a unique experience without compromising on essential amenities. Meanwhile, third-tier cities such as Kuching, Chiang Mai, and Da Nang bring a different kind of charm. These destinations offer authentic cultural immersion and boutique venues, creating a sense of discovery and exclusivity. While there are some logistical challenges, the trade-offs often lead to truly memorable, community-centered events that resonate well beyond the typical conference setting. This shift aligns with a growing focus on sustainability — choosing these lesser-known locations not only reduces the pressure on over-touristed areas but also supports local economies, creates jobs, and encourages sustainable tourism. By integrating local culture and designing community-focused events, these destinations contribute to sustainable urbanisation, fostering more resilient and inclusive urban spaces. With thoughtful planning, events in these areas encourage responsible resource use and mindful consumption, strengthening the local ecosystem and leaving a positive impact on both attendees and the community. If you’re considering taking your next event off the beaten path, what have you discovered in these unconventional destinations? Let’s share insights and explore how embracing Asia’s diverse locales can truly elevate our industry and foster more sustainable practices. #Sustainability #Penang #Nagoya #Surabaya #Kuching #ChiangMai #DaNang #SustainableTourism #EquitableTourism #MICE #B2B #BusinessEvents #EventProfs #EventPlanning #EmergingDestinations #TravelWithPurpose #SDG8 #SDG11 #SDG12 #SDG17

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Southeast Asia 'woefully off track' on green investment, Bain says Summary: Southeast Asia is significantly lagging in its green investment efforts needed to curb emissions, as outlined in a comprehensive report by Bain & Company, GenZero, and Standard Chartered Bank. Despite an increase in green investments, the region is not on track to meet the necessary reductions required to combat climate change effectively. Key Points: Energy Consumption and Emissions: The region's energy consumption is projected to rise by 40% within this decade, contributing to an increase in climate-warming CO2 emissions due to heavy reliance on fossil fuels. Investment Shortfalls: The current pace of green investment grew by 20% last year but remains substantially below the required $1.5 trillion target for the 2020s. The 10 countries in Southeast Asia could exceed their 2030 emission reduction commitments by 32% if current trends persist. Clean Energy and Subsidies: Renewable energy constitutes only 10% of the total energy supply, overshadowed by fossil fuel subsidies which are five times greater than renewable funding. This discrepancy highlights significant financial and regulatory challenges in transitioning to renewable energy. Carbon Pricing: Only Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam are making strides towards effective carbon pricing mechanisms to reduce emissions. Potential for Improvement: The report emphasizes the early stage of Southeast Asia’s decarbonization process and identifies multiple actionable measures to decrease emissions quickly. Revenue Opportunities: There are 13 identified investment opportunities that could generate approximately $150 billion by 2030, focusing on sectors like sustainable agriculture and large-scale renewable energy projects. Recommendations: Enhanced policy frameworks, increased regional collaboration, and a focus on scalable technology solutions are essential for accelerating Southeast Asia’s transition to a greener economy. Outlook: Although Southeast Asia faces substantial challenges in aligning with global emission targets, the presence of "low-hanging fruit" and a variety of investable projects provides a hopeful perspective for future improvements in green technology and infrastructure investments. The report from Bain & Company reveals a critical juncture for Southeast Asia in terms of environmental responsibility and sustainable development. By addressing the highlighted deficiencies in investment and policy, the region has a pivotal opportunity to transform its energy landscape and achieve its long-term environmental goals. This would not only help in combating global warming but also in setting a sustainable economic foundation for the future. #GreenInvestment #SustainableDevelopment #SoutheastAsia #RenewableEnergy #ClimateAction #EnvironmentalPolicy #Decarbonization #EmissionReduction

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Excellent panel on family business boards and sustainability transitions with Michelle Cheo (Mewah Group) and Kelvin Fu (Gunung Capital/Gunung Raja Paksi), moderated by Shai Ganu yesterday at the Singapore Institute of Directors’ family business group. We heard from a steel company that became green and a downstream palm oil manufacturing business that embraced sustainable practices ahead of others. Some insights: ➡ Build a Better Business: Sustainability can become a flywheel: it allows you to change the value proposition, improve margins, get better valuation, more business opportunities, better partnerships, tap sustainability-linked loans and to become a more attractive employer.  ➡ Align Family Members: It’s important to get the family members on board around the sustainability transition, starting with small wins ➡ Move Ahead of the Trend: It is beneficial to start investing ahead of the trend and grab the benefits when the trend comes along. If you fail to do this, you will be caught off guard by changing standards and rules. ➡ MMM Playbook: Start with a stakeholder survey around materiality, measure progress, achieve maturity by setting more ambitious goalposts over time. ➡ Collaboration: The magic is in partnerships as nobody in the room has all the wisdom, you need to activate all stakeholders. Change management is an essential skillset. ➡ Board Leads: With more transparency, the board, in particular independent directors, can initiate, monitor, and steer progress of management. ➡ Choice: A sustainability transition is a choice to future-proof the family business: One that requires change management but if done well can truly transform the family business, rejuvenate the family brand and sustain the family legacy. Thanks again to Michelle, Kelvin, Shai, Richard, and the audience for all the great insights. Our thanks also go to SID for allowing us to showcase workings of family business boards through the SID Family Business Group. #familybusiness #businessfamilies #sustainability #boardofdirectors #independentdirectors #boardofdirectors #changemanagement Michella I. Richard Eu Jeffery Tan Rena Chai Yuelin Yang Terence Quek Lee Edwin  Juanita Woodward

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Join the webinar, and see how the negative impacts of nickel mining on the environment and human rights. These are all things that must be addressed properly in the #energytransition. Please, see Satya Bumi report about Nickel in Kabaena https://lnkd.in/gd7BPXKC

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[READ]: The Ministry of Economic Planning and Development, Macroeconomic Analysis and Research Unit, has published the Economic Review and Outlook report FY2023/24 - 2026/27. This report provides an analysis of economic developments domestically and globally. It also provides short to medium term economic prospects, reflecting the key assumptions and implications of future economic developments on the domestic economy. This is to support policy direction in the domestic economy by depicting the prevailing macroeconomic environment as well as the portrayed picture of the country’s medium term macroeconomic outlook. Download the report here: https://lnkd.in/eb94qb_u

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Going into our new financial year, SGTech #Sustainability continues to steer #enterprises towards a more sustainable future for all! Together with our corporate stalwarts, we had a good start over the last 1.5 years. With our new stalwarts onboard now steering our north star, we look forward to another change-making year doing what tech does best — disrupting norms and narratives which no longer work, and doing what works to propel #tech and all other industries ahead of the sustainability curve!

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From K-Dramas to BTOs (Built-To-Order public housing in Singapore), the #humanities and #socialsciences offer indispensable insights into everyday life. They help us understand how, beyond the deleterious effects of addiction, watching K-Dramas could enhance viewers’ empathy and emotional awareness. And reveal how young couples purchasing their first home should be mindful of choice overload, which can unduly skew their decisions. And bring to bear crucial economic principles that underpinned bringing Taylor Swift to perform in Singapore recently. Every aspect of our lives - fertility rates, bilateral relations, crime, social cohesion, inflation, unemployment, healthcare accessibility, legal reforms, sports, arts, food, identity, and so much more, is influenced by these disciplines. Science and technology tell us “what” can be done – what vaccines can be produced, what speed and distance electric vehicles can achieve with a reduced carbon footprint compared to petrol-run vehicles. However, science does not explain the “why” of human behaviour. Why do some embrace vaccines while others are hesitant? Why aren’t car owners rushing to convert to electric vehicles? Why don’t technologies to build underground rapidly address housing shortages in land-scarce cities? The answers often lie in psychological, social, cultural, and economic factors. My latest op-ed in The Straits Times, “Humanities and social sciences – everything, everywhere, all at once”, explains why these disciplines are not mere handmaidens to STEM. Instead, they inspire and inform technological innovations, critique and contextualise them, ensure they align with human values and needs, and recognise when they cause unintended harms or exacerbate existing inequalities. More so, the disciplines attest to our #shared #humanity, presenting opportunities for wisdom amid chaos. https://lnkd.in/dra-U4yF

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What does it take to be an Innovation Advisor? At IPI, our Innovation Advisory service is designed to empower businesses with expert guidance on scaling and product development. But what exactly does an Innovation Advisor do? We spoke with Benny H Goh, an IPI Innovation Advisor, who shared: "As an IA, I see myself as both a mentor and a friend, helping businesses avoid the pitfalls I've experienced as an executive. Our role is to guide and support enterprises on their path to success." Our Innovation Advisors, industry veterans from diverse sectors, provide tailored strategic guidance and actionable insights to help businesses drive sustainable growth. Meet Benny and other Innovation Advisors at TechInnovation 2024! Join insightful panel discussions on Day 1 and 2, attend business masterclasses, and selected companies will also have the chance to access the exclusive 1-on-1 Innovation Advisory clinic for personalised consultation to address specific business challenges. Don’t miss it. Register now https://lnkd.in/ggcbEgFz #TechInnovation2024 #InnovationAdvisors #BusinessGrowth

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The Net Present Value (NPV) method is key for selecting investments to enhance organizational value. However, it falls short in valuing projects with real options, which can greatly influence a project's worth. Ignoring real options might lead to rejecting beneficial projects. Associate Professor Charlie Charoenwong of Nanyang Technological University advises companies to consider three practices for evaluating investments, as discussed at the Sasin Research Seminar. Read more ➡ tinyurl.com/yc873kze

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RimbaWatch's newly launched State of Malaysian Rainforests 2024 report shows Sarawak is by far at highest risk of deforestation due to timber plantations (68.2 per cent, more the four times that of the next highest state, Sabah, at 16.1 per cent). I noticed the data currently includes the Marudi concession, where SaraCarbon has a forest carbon study permit and is working towards applying for a license to develop a carbon project instead of pursuing earlier plans for a timber plantation. This means the concession area is not out of the woods (pun intended) yet but the watchdog's findings are another reminder that Malaysian states need to make geospatial data on land use public, so that that financiers, international agencies and civil society are properly informed. Find Rimbawatch's report here, which also highlights the problems with non-transparency in Malaysian forest data: https://lnkd.in/gSP3DHdG Adam Farhan #Malaysia #rainforests #deforestation

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𝗨𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗼𝗽 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗘𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰⁣ ⁣ This report dives into the hottest emerging markets for foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2024. FDI involves investments from one country into businesses or assets in another, fueling economic growth and job creation.⁣ ⁣ Surprisingly, Cambodia takes the crown! With a booming GDP forecast of 6.1% (up from 2023's 5.6%), it's poised to be Southeast Asia's fastest-growing economy. Strong trade ties with China, South Korea, and the EU further solidify its appeal. Tourism is also on the rise, benefitting from China's relaxed travel restrictions.⁣ ⁣ Stay tuned for more insights and unlock the potential of these dynamic markets!⁣ ⁣ #OpenOceansGroup #FinanceMarket #EmergingMarkets

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Much appreciate the Institute of Environment and Sustainability - Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy for confirming my particpation at this Incubator Dialogue. I hope to offer some insights towards the understanding how we can improve access to energy which is still a big problem for the rest of ASEAN. Singapore has a unique opportunity to help the rest of ASEAN with regards to sustainable finance, technical knowhow and consultation towards smart grid retrofitting in all ASEAN economies. Such upgrade does have a multiplier effect towards the provision of scalable ecosystems that enable in-country innovation and entreprenuership. Photonic wireless energy technology has the ability to change how we live, work and place. Our interaction of our digital tools will be greatly enhance through the use of wireless energy transmisson and this technology will also redistribute finite resources to better use such as battery energy storage system that will provide much enhance grid resillence and stability. This is just some of the benefits that will occur when we transform towards smart wireless energy grids. #IES #LKYSPP #AEIR #Netzium #WirelessEnergyTransmission #IncuabtorDialogue #PublicPolicy #SustainableFinance

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Here we go again. The NEA announced their effort as usual for cleaning up the public toilets in Singapore but they're not serious enough to make a real impact. 1. There are 1200 coffeeshops in Singapore. NEA issued fines of SGD 500 to 1200 owners as a penalty for keeping their toilets dirty for a whole year. It costs the owners SGD 2k a month or 24k a year to clean up. If the fine is SGD 500 a year average, they saved SGD23,500 a year by keeping it dirty. Therefore, this Deterrent is quite useless. 2. Pasting posters telling the public to keep toilets clean. This has been the same thing since 40 years ago and repeating it will not change anything, since it has never changed anything for the last 40 years. The definition of insanity is to do the same thing and expect a different result. 3. Suspending 10 coffeeshop licenses. We have to name and shame these coffeeshop so that the others will not want to ne named and shamed and will clean up. Why didn't the SFA want to use this opportunity to motivate the other owners? Justice needs to be done and also seen to be done. 4. Getting Primary Schools students to clean up toilets. Is this a compulsory course? Please let us know the details. Mr Baey Yam Keng has not offered any new ideas after heading the Toilet Task Force. Time to bring in another person who is more innovative. https://lnkd.in/gDsVeEKT

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🌍 ReThink HK 2024 - Partnerships for Good: Connecting Education, Business, and Change Makers 🌍 We’re excited to introduce the session Partnerships for Good: Connecting Education, Business, and Change Makers at ReThink HK 2024, where we’ll investigate the dynamic collaborations between educators, businesses, and social innovators. This session will highlight inspiring social projects that have emerged from these partnerships, demonstrating how cross-sector collaboration can make a lasting impact. In a time when sustainable solutions are more critical than ever, we’ll explore how these sectors can work together to drive meaningful change, overcome common challenges, and look ahead to future trends in social impact partnerships. 📆 Event Details: 📆 Date: 12 Sep 2024 Time: 16:25 – 17:15 Venue: Change Makers Stage, Hall 1, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre We’re honored to have Prof. Tina Choi, Adjunct Associate Professor, CUHK Business School, as our moderator for this engaging discussion. Our esteemed panelists include: Dr. Fred Ku, Programme Director, Business Education for Social Good (BESGO); Associate Dean, CUHK Business School Mr. Jason Lo, Co-Founder, Flowsophic Limited Ms. Janet Ng, Partner Development Manager, Google During the session, we’ll discuss: -Real-world examples of social projects that have emerged from collaborations between education, business, and social innovators -The challenges these sectors face when working together and how to navigate them -What the future holds for cross-sector partnerships and the potential for long-term, sustainable social impact You can view the full programme via: https://lnkd.in/gSwXPgus Looking forward to an insightful conversation on how we can harness the power of collaboration to shape a brighter, more sustainable future! 🙌 #ReThinkHK #SocialImpact #PartnershipsForGood #Collaboration #Sustainability #CUHK #BESGO #CUHKBusinessSchool

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Idiotopedia Lite: Review - UNDP ESG Investment Asia Report Another report that I have read since a couple months ago. Everyone knows that Southeast Asia has diverse cultures and tempting economic growth. I'm always puzzled by ESG investing's contradiction, especially in this country. ESG investing promises sustainable earnings and great social impact, but the reality is often a farce. What I can say, if you read this report throughly, ESG investing is touted as the future, yet Southeast Asia faces major obstacles. And I can say that Indonesia, a big greenhouse gas emitter, has pollution and societal challenges but also huge ESG investment opportunity if one can manage its complexity. Then what is the red tape maze in Indonesia? 1. Yet this country's regulatory framework is a bureaucratic masterpiece with siloed agencies and laws meant to trip up investors (CMIIW). Green projects here are like obstacle courses with moving finish lines. It seems like the government is holding a hidden sweepstakes to dissuade investors. 2. Cultural resistance is another issue. ESG investing is like selling salt in the sea, where rapid profits trump sustainability. Sustainable growth mindsets are hard to change due to traditional company methods. Maybe a national ESG awareness day might help. 3. Also, finding ESG experts is like finding unicorns. In simpler terms, I can say high demand, poor supply. ESG investment remains unattainable unless we bridge this talent gap. Well, let me draw a financial story to make it easy to understand from a business perspective; consider Indonesia's $50 million green bond: - The projected annual return is 5%, with regulatory delays costing $5 million, market resistance costing $3 million, and talent costs costing $2 million. - Net Return: Only 3%, eclipsed by hurdles. ESG investing must face negative effects on profitability in a short termsheet model. Then, what do you think? Indeed, educational investment is necessary to train ESG entrepreneurs and investors. My closing on this: If Indonesia, with its immense resources and potential, can't lead sustainable development, what hope does the region have? Entrepreneurs and investors perceive Indonesia as a golden opportunity. Challenges are big, but rewards are greater. Southeast Asia needs change leaders... and it start from you! Enjoy reading the report!

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🌍 Assisting Singapore SMEs on Sustainability - 1 company at a time! 🌍 The evolution of Singapore’s sustainability landscape over recent years has been nothing short of remarkable! 🚀 From the 1st sustainability reporting guide introduced by SGX Group in August 2010 to the phased TCFD mandatory reporting that began this year—and now the transition to IFRS S1 and S2 reporting for all listed entities—Singaporean companies are proving their adaptability amidst increasingly rigorous reporting requirements. The The Straits Times (https://lnkd.in/gY9KNiMC) recently highlighted this journey, mirroring the experiences we at Grant Thornton Singapore have observed with our clients. Larger companies are seizing sustainability reporting as a chance to unlock growth and innovation, especially with the energy transition now a critical focus and a significant green premium on sustainable products. For smaller companies, however, the additional compliance burden can feel overwhelming due to limited capacity and resources. That's why, as growth market specialists, we’re thrilled to partner with like-minded organisations (National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), ESGpedia, CRIF) equipping SMEs with tools to make their sustainability journey both accessible and impactful: 💡 Free ESG Maturity Assessment – Get a clear starting point on your sustainability journey! 💼 Sustainability Starter Kit – A cost-effective package covering maturity assessments, GHG calculations, and sustainability reporting that competes with even post-subsidy options. Let’s empower every business—big or small—to thrive sustainably! Reach out to our team (Chetan Hans, Anne Liew, Benjamin Tan, Benjamin Soh, Terence Kam, Richard K.) to find out more. 🌱 #Sustainability #ESG #GrantThornton #Singapore #SustainableFuture

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In the complex landscape of Singaporean acronyms, what does IES represent? Recently, I had the privilege of meeting Professor Ben Cashore in person at the Singapore Botanic Gardens. It has been a longstanding aspiration to meet Ben, a distinguished expert in global environmental governance and corporate social responsibility. His pioneering research on collaborative approaches to addressing the world's "super-wicked problems" has significantly influenced my research, shaping my perspectives and professional endeavors. Now the Li Ka Shing Professor in Public Management and Director of the Institute for Environment and Sustainability - Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (IES), National University of Singapore, Ben's insights into Singapore's government policies on climate change and sustainability were invaluable. Our conversation delved into a wide range of critical questions. We explored strategies to ensure the effectiveness and durability of climate policies, considering factors such as policy coherence, stakeholder engagement, and long-term planning. Additionally, we discussed the importance of learning from diverse global experiences and integrating these perspectives to develop effective and equitable climate solutions. Some of the outcomes of the discussion could be found in a recent commentary piece by him in the Straits Times (Why Singapore's climate policies are likely to be effective and durable, 20 May 2024). A key takeaway from our discussion is the critical importance of participatory policymaking in the realm of sustainability. Many of the most effective solutions to sustainability challenges originate from the collective efforts of individuals and communities. By actively engaging in participatory policymaking and supporting initiatives that promote sustainability, we can address the pressing challenges of climate change and environmental degradation as a community. Have a read of the article and tell me what you think!

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