Why Sustainability is the Smartest Business Move You Can Make

Written by: Celestyn Karuppiah, ASME Secretariat

Originally published at ASME Newsroom

On 6 Nov, ASME, supported by Maybank , hosted an engaging seminar on Driving Growth through Sustainable Practices at the Lifelong Learning Institute. Held in an intimate setting, Maybank and local SMEs shared how businesses can pivot to a more responsible business model, emphasising the vital role of collaboration in achieving sustainability goals.

In today’s evolving business landscape, sustainability is no longer just an ethical choice, it is a business imperative. The seminar provided valuable insights and practical strategies for SMEs to embrace environmentally and socially conscious operations. Here are the key takeaways:

Take Small, Impactful Steps

With increasing regulatory demands and environmentally conscious consumers, SMEs face rising pressures to adopt sustainable practices. However, sustainability isn’t only about compliance or consumer expectations—it’s also about creating a resilient and profitable business in the long run.

Adopting sustainable practices can enhance business reputation and profitability, but it’s a gradual journey. SMEs should start with manageable, cost-effective changes that build a sustainable foundation over time without straining resources.

“Sustainability is a journey, not a destination,”, shared Louisa Lee, MA, FMCHC 李偉寧 , Co-Founder of DP Dental one of the 53 B Corp* certified companies in Singapore

Achieving B Corp certification was a two-year process, but DP Dental’s commitment goes beyond sustainability, aiming to reshape healthcare to focus on true wellness rather than mere “sick care.” They prioritized biodegradable materials, team well-being, and exceptional service—an approach that reinforces that sustainability enhances both reputation and profitability.

Sustainability is Reputation

Commitment to sustainability must permeate all layers of the business, creating an authentic brand reputation. The cause is important. For Celine Ng, Creative Director of Fraction Design, sustainability meant rethinking her craft and sacrificing some previous portfolio pieces. Celine now advocates for sustainable, reusable exhibition designs.

“I don’t think there’s a perfect solution to everything…but our main approach is that if is circular, it can be reused again”, Celine shared.?

Fraction Design exemplifies sustainable design by creating a circular ecosystem where her recyclable and modular designs can be rented, re-invented and reused, showing that sustainability can be both innovative and financially beneficial.

Collaboration for a Sustainable Future

"Don't do it alone. Do it together. You'll find that there's actually a lot more cost savings," advised Ching Hwee Tan , Founder of PC Dreams.?

When he decided to incorporate electronics upcycling into his business model, he encountered internal resistance and regulatory challenges. Through collaboration with ASME, guidance from peers, and support from regulatory bodies, he refined his approach and successfully integrated sustainability into his operations. Today, sustainability is a core part of his business model.

Sustainability may come with challenges, but support networks make the journey more manageable. Maybank’s “Myimpact” platform supports businesses on their sustainable journey, providing sustainability readiness assessments, personalised guidance, ESG programs and solutions, and Enterprise financing schemes. Designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, the platform enables SMEs to begin with simple, manageable steps before expanding into more complex solutions. Maybank is committed to equipping SMEs with the tools they need to succeed in an eco-conscious market.

The Road Ahead: Why Sustainability is a Smart Business Move

For SMEs, sustainable growth represents not only regulatory compliance and consumer alignment but also a pathway to improved efficiency, reduced costs, and stronger brand credibility. By adopting Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, SMEs are able to position themselves as forward-thinking leaders and strengthen their long-term viability.

Take the First Step

Ready to explore how sustainability can transform your business? Visit Maybank’s My Impact website to assess your sustainability readiness and begin your journey towards a greener, more resilient future. Together, let’s build a sustainable tomorrow.

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?*B Corp Certification is a designation that a business is meeting high standards of verified performance, accountability, and transparency on factors from employee benefits and charitable giving to supply chain practices and input materials.

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