Bcorpsea

In This Issue

This month, we celebrate stories that show how business can be a powerful force for good, rooted in creativity, purpose, and real-world impact.

From Bali’s vibrant sustainability scene to B Corp banks reshaping the future of finance, the momentum in Southeast Asia is unmistakable. We spotlight Potato Head’s inspiring 15-year journey in Bali, VISTA’s 26th Eye Carnival bringing care across Malaysia, and the Better Business School program empowering changemakers in Kuala Lumpur.

We take a deeper look into JEDI: Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, a transformative framework for building fair businesses. At KMC Solutions, we highlight its bold vision for work without borders, showing how innovation can unlock opportunity across the region.

Finally, a solemn moment to honor the legacy of Andrew Kassoy, whose vision helped spark a global movement for a just and accountable business. His obituary in The New York Times is a powerful reminder of how one person’s commitment to purpose can inspire generations and reshape systems.

As we continue to build momentum, we’re reminded that meaningful change starts with connection to people, place, and shared values.

Thank you for being part of this community. Let’s keep building together.

The B Market Builder Southeast Asia team

News from ASEAN

Potato Head Turns Fifteen

Step into the heart of Bali to celebrate Potato Head’s 15 years of creativity, culture, and conscious hospitality. Founder Ronald Akili shares the story behind Desa Potato Head’s transformation into a cultural village, a place where sustainability meets soulful design. From sacred rituals to surf breaks and culinary treasures, discover how this iconic destination reflects the vibrant spirit of the island and a vision for a better future.

 Celebrating Sight the VISTA Way

VISTA Eye Specialist marked its 26th anniversary with the Vision Wonderland Eye Carnival, a vibrant celebration of eye health and community. Held across two weekends in July 2025, the carnival brought engaging, family-friendly eye health experiences across Malaysia, including PJ, Penang, Ipoh, and Johor Bahru. Visitors explored advanced treatments like LASIK, ICL, and CLEAR PRO in a festive setting that blended wellness, innovation, and fun. 

Purpose is the New Power to Scale

From 21 to 25 July, Lynch Pin Holdings conducted the Better Business School (BBS) program at the Asia School of Business in Kuala Lumpur, a week of deep learning and bold ideas. Business leaders gathered to explore how to scale with integrity and impact. Thomas Ng, Founder and CEO of Genashtim, delivered a powerful message on purpose-driven leadership, reminding us that meaningful change starts with purpose. Genashtim’s ESG Services Manager, Ee Beng Tan, followed with a practical breakdown of ESG as a tool for driving measurable, lasting impact.

JEDI is The New DEI

B Market Builder Thailand, in collaboration with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Atsasit Pankaew from Thammasat University explores the evolution from DEI to JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) as a more impactful framework for sustainable business. The article highlights how structural justice goes beyond representation, laying the foundation for long-term resilience. JEDI is positioned not as a CSR initiative but as a strategic business imperative aligned with global ESG standards and B Corp values.

KMC Co-Founder: The Future of Work is Borderless

TechShake Asia, a startup ecosystem builder, explores the future of work with Michael McCullough, Co-Founder of KMC Solutions. A Certified B Corp in the Philippines, KMC is redefining workspaces and offshore staffing with 30+ locations, empowering Filipino talent and supporting startups, SMEs, and multinationals in navigating a fast-changing, borderless business landscape through flexible, impact-driven solutions.

In the Network

Andrew Kassoy’s Impact Lives On

The New York Times recently honored the life and legacy of Andrew Kassoy, co-founder of B Lab, whose vision helped redefine the role of business in society. Leaving behind a successful career in private equity, Andrew dedicated himself to building a movement rooted in justice and care. His work laid the foundation for the global B Corp community and inspired lasting reforms in corporate governance, with a focus on people, communities, and the planet.

Banking on Equity: How B Corp Banks are Rewriting Finance

While global account ownership is rising, true financial inclusion remains elusive. Certified B Corps Toss Bank in South Korea and Androscoggin Bank in Maine are challenging this status quo by redesigning financial services to meet real community needs. From digital saving tools for underserved populations to culturally responsive mortgage solutions, these banks are proving that finance built on equity, trust, and accountability can empower and not exclude. 

Intrepid’s Blueprint for Better Business

Intrepid Travel has released “The Business of Better,” an open-source guide that reveals how B Corp certification has fueled its growth across governance, finance, and brand. With a 2025 B Corp score of 102.5, Intrepid demonstrates how purpose-driven businesses can deliver measurable, lasting success. The guide highlights stronger risk management, record financial performance, and deeper staff engagement, offering a practical blueprint for companies committed to scaling with impact.

Coming up next Month!

 Putting People at the Heart of Impact

The ESG Business Institute will host a webinar on 06 August 2025, exploring People-Centered Sustainability, a framework that places human potential at the core of sustainable business strategy. Featuring Nana Sbeihi of KHRS, a leader in strategic HR and leadership development, the session will examine how culture and leadership drive long-term impact. Register now to explore how people drive real sustainability.

Curated Malaysian Gifts for a Memorable Merdeka

In celebration of Malaysia’s Independence Day, Batik Boutique is offering exclusive corporate gifts featuring thoughtfully curated and fully customizable bundles to reflect the richness of Malaysian culture. Featuring artisanal, locally made products, these gifts offer a meaningful way to honor national pride, strengthen relationships, and showcase your brand’s commitment to authenticity and impact. This Merdeka, make a lasting impression with gifts that speak to quality, heritage, and care.

Stay tuned for more updates! Got questions? Drop us a message at comms@bcorpsea.org

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