Amid global crises across multiple dimensions—including geopolitical conflicts, global economic slowdown, trade wars, and increasing risks from severe natural disasters due to climate change—the ASEAN region faces direct impacts and challenges that necessitate rapid, just, and sustainable transformation. Simultaneously, business organizations in the region must adapt to compete on the global stage by implementing ESG approaches as essential tools for enhancing sustainable business competitiveness.
Therefore, SCG is organizing the ESG Symposium 2025 under the theme “Green Breakthrough amid the Perfect Storm” on August 1, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM at SCG Headquarters in Bang Sue. This platform brings together leaders from diverse sectors who play crucial roles in driving ASEAN’s transformation to exchange perspectives, collaborate in brainstorming, and develop recommendations for advancing a low-carbon society.
The ESG Symposium reflects SCG’s commitment to driving sustainable development in ASEAN, beginning in 2010 under the name SD Symposium. In 2022, the scope was expanded to encompass governance and equality issues more comprehensively.
This year’s focus emphasizes regional cooperation through strategic dialogue platforms and collaborative efforts by global and regional leaders, including:
- Mr. David McLachlan-Karr – Regional Director, UN Development Coordination Office (DCO), Asia-Pacific presenting “Driving Just Transition in ASEAN: A Regional Perspective”
- Mr. Koji Sato – President and CEO, Toyota Motor Corporation presenting “Multi-Pathway Approaches to Net Zero: Blending Innovation with Social Responsibility”
- Dr. Sai Ravela – Principal Research Scientist, Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences, (EAPS), MIT presenting “Risk-Smart Resilience for a World of Rising Climate Extremes”
- Prof. Miho Mazereeuw – Director of MIT Climate Mission and Director of Urban Risk Lab, MIT presenting “A Participatory Path to Climate Adaptation for Cities”
- Dr. Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput – Governor of the Bank of Thailand presenting “Thailand in an Uncertain Era: From Vulnerability to Resilience and Sustainability”
The symposium also features in-depth national-level panel discussions aimed at exchanging experiences and developing approaches for driving clear policies that lead to practical implementation to enhance national competitiveness through two key areas:
- Energy Transition focuses on strengthening sustainable energy transition approaches and mechanisms at the national level, featuring distinguished speakers such as Dr. Somkiat Tangkitvanich (TDRI) and Mr. Danucha Pichayanan (Secretary-General of the National Economic and Social Development Council).
- Just Transition for SMEs emphasizes supporting SME entrepreneurs in upgrading their competitive capabilities in the modern world through practical ESG implementation and access to actionable support mechanisms.
SCG believes that ESG will not merely serve as a sustainability goal but as a strategy for future business growth that not only addresses environmental and social challenges but also creates competitive advantages in the global market, leading ASEAN toward a stronger and more sustainable future together.
Published on: Jul 24, 2025