The CACCI Presidential Visit to Singapore held a special session to exchange ideas on the Asia Pacific Green Alliance (APGA) during the afternoon of 29 July 2026. CACCI officers led by President McMullin and SMF officers headed by President Lennon Tan discussed how CACCI and SMF can promote it among CACCI members and encourage them to take an active involvement in achieving its objectives among their respective constituencies.

Officially launched in Singapore during the Asia-Pacific Economic Forum held on 11-12 November 2024, the APGA is a response to the fragmented sustainability landscape that countries worldwide currently navigate. Many countries encounter diverse standards, regulations, and approaches to sustainability. This diversity, while reflective of local priorities and contexts, creates a significant challenge, especially for SMEs.

Its vision is to unify sustainability reporting across the Asia Pacific economies with a standard that ensures transparency and accountability, and amplifies the region’s global influence, while its mission is to empower companies with simplified actionable sustainability tools while advocating Asia-Pacific priorities on the global stage.

To achieve its objectives, the APGA will undertake the following activities:

(1) Standardization and Certification: Establish Reporting Standard, and recognizing excellence with tiered certification (Bronze, Silver, Gold);

(2) Empower with Tools and Support: Provide sustainability templates, guidelines and analysis tools; and Offer localized consulting to develop tailored sustainability strategies;

(3) Educate and Benchmark for Success: Deliver training on standards, certification and sustainability best practices; and provide benchmarking reports comparing performance across industries and regions; and d. Build Networks and Advocate for Change – Access a marketplace of sustainability services and collaboration opportunities; and drive partnerships with industry bodies, governments and NGOs.

The main focus of APGA are the SMEs, which are important contributors to job creation and economic development. But unlike their larger counterparts like MNCs or listed companies,

SMEs often lack the resources or expertise to adapt and thrive amid these varying sustainability demands and legislation around the world. The APGA aims to equip SMEs with the skills, knowledge, and support to take on the climate change challenge.

The meeting noted that prior to the official launching of the APGA in November 2024, President McMullin commissioned a study aimed at getting a better understanding of the needs and challenges faced by SMEs in transitioning their businesses toward net-zero goals. The study also sought to gather insights and suggestions on how CACCI can provide effective support in this transition.

The meeting thereby suggested that a follow-up survey be conducted to engage a wider group of members to provide a more comprehensive understanding of their needs and challenges. SMF offered its assistance in preparing the follow-up survey questionnaire to achieve this objective.

The meeting also noted that CACCI has been coordinating with the ICC World Chambers Federation in conducting a joint webinar on "Sustainability in APAC: What SMEs are being asked – and how chambers can help" in October 2026. The webinar will discuss latest developments on the APGA and aims to encourage chambers and their respective constituencies from the region to participate in the initiative, highlighting the benefits that they and their businesses can derive from their involvement in it.