Enviro News Asia, Kuala Lumpur – The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and Temasek Foundation launched the Green Shift Programme on 12 September 2025 to accelerate the green transition of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia, the Philippines, and across Southeast Asia.
The initiative seeks to strengthen institutional and business capacities by equipping SMEs and government agencies with tools, knowledge, and networks that enable sustainable business practices. Over the next two years, the programme will identify green procurement opportunities, connect SMEs with larger corporations, and foster regional knowledge exchange through practical training and action plans.
Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and ESCAP Executive Secretary, stated that SMEs are the backbone of Southeast Asia’s economy and essential for a successful green transition. She emphasized that businesses adopting sustainability will gain better access to markets and investments while building long-term resilience.
Ng Boon Heong, Chief Executive Officer of Temasek Foundation, highlighted that SMEs play a central role in driving low-carbon growth in the region. He explained that the programme will provide SMEs with actionable tools and partnerships to cut carbon footprints, adopt sustainable practices, and unlock new market opportunities.
In Malaysia, the programme will be implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives through SME Corp. Malaysia and the Centre for Entrepreneur Development and Research (CEDAR). CEDAR has also been designated as the ASEAN Centre of Excellence for SMEs in Green Transition, enhancing its regional leadership role.
In the Philippines, the Department of Trade and Industry, through its Bureau of Small and Medium Enterprise Development (BSMED), will lead the rollout of the programme. Emma Asusano, Director of BSMED, affirmed that the initiative strengthens the country’s ability to guide SMEs toward sustainability while improving competitiveness in global markets.
Dato’ Sri Khairul Dzaimee bin Daud, Secretary General of the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives of Malaysia, underlined that the initiative enhances national institutional capacity and ensures SMEs receive structured support to adopt sustainable practices.
The Green Shift Programme positions SMEs at the center of Southeast Asia’s green economy transformation by combining ESCAP’s policy expertise and regional networks with Temasek Foundation’s commitment to resilient and sustainable communities. (*)
