Sustainability Reporting in ASEAN: An overview of current developments

ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) has today launched a new regional report titled Sustainability Reporting in ASEAN: An overview of current developments, offering insights and recommendations to guide the region's transition to globally aligned, decision-useful sustainability disclosures.

Produced by ACCA as part of its knowledge partnership with ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) Malaysia, the report forms the technical foundation for the recently launched ASEAN Sustainability Reporting Advocacy Collaborative (ASRAC) Statement, jointly endorsed by ASEAN-BAC Malaysia, Sustainable Finance Institute Asia (SFIA), and APEC-BAC Malaysia.

The report maps the current sustainability reporting landscape across ASEAN's ten member states, capturing each country's regulatory context, reporting frameworks, and implementation challenges. It provides a clear-eyed view of the region's readiness to adopt the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) standards as a global baseline.

Sharath Martin, Senior Policy Consultant at ACCA and author of the report, said:

"Sustainability reporting is fast becoming the language of business. This report shows how ASEAN can lead by aligning around the ISSB standards while remaining responsive to local needs and capacities. At ACCA, we believe professional accountants have a vital role in shaping transparent, trusted reporting that supports sustainable growth and inclusive prosperity across the region."

The report proposes a building-blocks approach to implementation, enabling national regulators to adopt the ISSB standards as a core baseline while adding jurisdiction-specific requirements as needed. It also highlights the need for capacity building across both the public and private sectors, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and early-stage markets.

Other key recommendations include:

• Developing national roadmaps for ISSB implementation

• Engaging with finance ministries and capital market regulators

• Establishing regional data-sharing and reporting infrastructure

• Strengthening professional education and support

ACCA has been embedded in ASEAN for more than 90 years, with strong institutional presence in Malaysia, Singapore and across Southeast Asia. This report is the latest in its ongoing contribution to shaping a more sustainable, resilient regional economy.

Download the full report here.

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About ACCA

We are ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), a globally recognised professional accountancy body providing qualifications and advancing standards in accountancy worldwide.  

Founded in 1904 to widen access to the accountancy profession, we've long championed inclusion and today proudly support a diverse community of over 252,500 members and 526,000 future members in 180 countries.   

Our forward-looking qualifications, continuous learning and insights are respected and valued by employers in every sector. They equip individuals with the business and finance expertise and ethical judgment to create, protect, and report the sustainable value delivered by organisations and economies.  

Guided by our purpose and values, our ambition is to lead the accountancy profession for a changed world. Partnering with policymakers, standard setters, the donor community, educators and other accountancy bodies, we're strengthening and building a profession that drives a sustainable future for all. 

Find out more at: https://www.accaglobal.com