AFA and CPA Australia Release ASEAN ESG Focus Group Report 2025

The ASEAN Federation of Accountants (AFA), in collaboration with CPA Australia, has released the ASEAN ESG Focus Group Report 2025, a regional publication that brings together perspectives from business leaders, accounting professionals, regulators, and sustainability practitioners across ASEAN. The report reflects insights from the third joint AFA–CPA Australia ESG Focus Group Discussion and highlights the shared commitment of both organisations to supporting the region’s transition toward more credible and consistent sustainability practices.

As global expectations on sustainability continue to rise, ASEAN economies are facing increasing pressure to improve how environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues are managed and reported. The report shows that while ESG awareness in ASEAN is growing, implementation remains uneven. Differences in regulatory readiness, institutional capacity, and business maturity mean that companies across the region are progressing at different speeds, particularly when responding to international trade and investment requirements linked to sustainability.

Discussions captured in the report highlight ongoing challenges in developing reliable ESG data, especially in measuring and reporting value-chain and Scope 3 emissions. Participants also noted that fragmented ESG frameworks across ASEAN create additional complexity for businesses operating across borders. These conditions underline the importance of continued dialogue between regulators, professional bodies, and industry players to ensure that ESG requirements remain practical, proportionate, and aligned with regional realities.

The adoption of the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) standards was a key theme throughout the discussions. The report emphasises the need for phased implementation approaches that take into account differences in capacity across ASEAN member states, while also ensuring that ESG reporting moves beyond a voluntary exercise. In this context, accountants and finance professionals are increasingly recognised as playing a critical role in integrating ESG considerations into business strategy, risk management, and decision-making.

The ASEAN ESG Focus Group Report 2025 is intended to serve as a practical reference for policymakers, regulators, professional accountancy organisations, and businesses. By consolidating regional insights and experiences, the report aims to support future policy development, regulatory improvements, and capacity-building efforts, helping ASEAN strengthen its position within global sustainability and sustainable finance frameworks.

Read our full Release: Press Release_AFA and CPA Australia Release ASEAN ESG Focus Group Report 2025

Read our FGD Report: 2025 CPA-AFA ASEAN Business Sentiment Report

Category: ASEAN Accountants | Post on 22 Desember 2025