We begin this message with heavy hearts as we honor the life and legacy of Andrew Kassoy, Co-Founder of B Lab, who passed away on 22 June after a courageous journey with cancer. Andrew’s vision and values shaped the very foundation of the B Corp movement. His unwavering belief in business as a force for good—and his call to build a true Community of Care—continues to guide and inspire us all. We invite you to reflect on Andrew’s vision in the tribute video HERE.
In this spirit, we remain humbled by the strength and solidarity of our community. Even in the midst of grief, we’ve witnessed B Corps across the region—like Nicholas Delange of Yever—rise to meet the devastation of the March 2025 earthquake in Myanmar with courage, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to lead. Whether through bold new programs like the return of Amplifier or the DBS Foundation’s search for transformative ideas, this movement remains a living reflection of the ideals Andrew helped bring to life.
As B Lab introduces the next evolution of B Corp standards, we are reminded that these changes are not simply technical—they are deeply personal. They ask us to dig deeper, to act with intention, and to uphold the collective responsibility that Andrew so passionately believed in.
Let us carry forward his legacy by continuing to build—with care, courage, and community.
The B Market Builder Southeast Asia team.
Turning Myanmar’s Tragedy into a Strategy for Good
Amid the devastation of Myanmar’s recent earthquake, ASEAN B Corp Yever rose to action. Despite suffering personal losses, the team channeled their grief into purpose, launching www.reliefformyanmar.org to support relief efforts. The initiative, built with urgency and heart, reflects Yever’s commitment to using business as a force for good. Please support their efforts by visiting their website
KMC People-First Workspaces Win all WELL Ratings
KMC becomes the first company in the world to earn all three WELL Ratings—Health-Safety, Equity, and Coworking—across its entire portfolio. This achievement reflects KMC’s deep belief that safe, inclusive, and inspiring workspaces spark human potential. KMC continues to build its spaces with purpose, grounded in global standards, and designed to help people thrive at work.
Ready to Scale? Apply as an Amplifier Mentee!
The Amplifier mentorship program returns in 2025 with new thematic tracks—Textile Circularity, Sustainable Tourism, and Inclusive Employment—designed to scale impact-driven businesses across Asia. Co-developed by Centre for Impact Investing and Practices (CIIP) and the Philanthropy Asia Alliance (PAA), the program convenes multi-sector partners to unlock funding, drive innovation, and accelerate sustainable growth.
Applications for the 2025 cohort are now open until 27 July. Don’t miss the opportunity to apply before the deadline.
Fuel Your Impact – DBS Grants Now Open!
The DBS Foundation Grant Call is now open to impact-driven businesses across Asia. With a focus on providing essential needs and fostering inclusion, DBS seeks scalable and sustainable models that uplift lives and empower communities. Eligible businesses can apply for funding to grow their impact through initiatives like R&D, market expansion, and infrastructure development.
When Others Stepped Back, B Lab Stepped Up
B Lab’s 2024 Annual Report is now live – capturing a year when, as others pulled back from sustainability, this global community stepped up. Through bold leadership and collective action, B Lab and its network advanced systemic change. The interactive report highlights key milestones, insights, and voices shaping a more equitable and regenerative future.
The Next Era of B Corp Certification Begins
In April, B Lab unveiled its new standards, marking a bold evolution for the B Corp movement. Clay Brown, Co-Lead Executive at B Lab Global, reflects on the journey behind this transformation, the challenges in raising the bar, and the collective ambition driving what’s next for B Lab, its community, and the future of business.
Stay tuned for more updates! Got questions? Drop us a message at comms@bcorpsea.org
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