ASEAN Corporate Philanthropy Framework

ASEAN CORPORATE PHILANTHROPY FRAMEWORK

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Tan Sri Nazir Razak

Chairman, ASEAN-BAC Malaysia

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KNOWLEDGE PARTNER

CONCEPT & OBJECTIVES

This initiative presents a policy report with a set of actionable recommendations for governments and companies to better respond to community needs and the evolving sustainability imperatives. The research aims to help policymakers and business leaders across the region identify effective policy mechanisms and business strategies to increase corporate engagement in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The objective is to encourage companies in ASEAN to contribute more to CSR, promote the adoption of best practices in CSR regulations among ASEAN Member States (AMS), and ensure that CSR remains distinct and impactful, without being overshadowed by ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) concerns.

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY IN ASEAN REPORT

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (CSR) IN ASEAN – 2025 INSIGHTS

This report, commissioned by the ASEAN Business Advisory Council Malaysia (ASEAN BAC Malaysia) and conducted by the Centre for Asian Philanthropy and Society (CAPS), offers the first comprehensive look at Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) across Southeast Asia. It highlights the private sector's crucial role in addressing major regional challenges like improving livelihoods, access to education and healthcare, and tackling climate change.

SUMMARY

With international financial aid to Southeast Asia decreasing and governments facing budget limits, this study was initiated to understand and boost private sector contributions to societal needs. While businesses in the region have a long history of supporting communities, and their investment is vital for development, CSR's full potential is hampered by unclear definitions, limited regulations, and underused support systems.

To improve CSR's impact, the report calls for coordinated action from ASEAN as an organisation, national governments, individual companies, and business groups.

Key recommendations include:

Standardising CSR definitions and reporting across ASEAN.
Introducing stronger policies and incentives, such as broadening tax benefits for corporate giving and promoting government-endorsed CSR awards.
Increasing and strategically deploying CSR funds, moving beyond just education and healthcare to address critical issues like environmental protection.
Encouraging more cross-border giving and regional collaboration.
Clarifying how CSR fits within sustainability (ESG) frameworks for listed companies, ensuring community investment is explicitly included.

Ultimately, by improving and expanding CSR, ASEAN can not only deepen its commitment to community development but also become a leader for other Global South nations, enhancing its social and economic resilience.

Tan Sri Nazir Razak

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