Summer 2024

As we step into the Summer of 2024, the Asian Impact Management Review continues to be at the forefront of the discourse on sustainable and impact investing. The conversation around impact measurement and management is becoming increasingly sophisticated as the region draws on global insights to enhance its sustainable and impact investing (SII) journey. This issue is dedicated to exploring these advancements, offering our readers a blend of thought leadership, case studies, and practical frameworks that can empower our readers to drive meaningful change in their organizations and communities.

Our cover story, by Deegan Lee and Somerset Gall from a women-owned specialist consulting firm, Tideline, highlights the importance of adopting robust impact measurement and management practices, supportive policies, and green transition strategies to foster a thriving Sustainable and Impact Investing (SII) ecosystem in Asia. Their insights are crucial for understanding how Asia can expedite the adoption of SII by drawing on proven strategies and frameworks worldwide. Mitch Koshiba, in his regional report, delves into how sustainable finance principles are applied in the healthcare industry. This article underscores the strategic use of financial investments to foster innovative health-tech solutions, illustrating the synergy between economic growth and impactful health advancements. In the realm of corporate strategy, Kotaro Sueyoshi’s organizational report proposes a pathway for companies to address social issues while enhancing their corporate value. Sueyoshi's insights provide a compelling argument for how businesses can achieve a harmonious balance between social responsibility and economic growth, ultimately driving corporate and industrial competitiveness. This issue features two compelling case studies that offer practical examples of successful impact measurement and management. Reana Rossouw uses a South African case study to showcase the importance of rigorous impact assessment in achieving sustainable investment goals. Similarly, Ainurul Rosli, Jane Chang, and Carrie-Ann Huelin's article use the Connect Activities to Goal (CAG) framework to explain the challenge of translating a social value strategy into actionable plans for a business through a case study of ISG Ltd, a company with over 2,000 employees globally. In the realm of research, Jeffrey Cheah's article challenges traditional models like the Balanced Scorecard and SROI. Cheah advocates for a more comprehensive, standardized, multi-dimensional approach to evaluating the financial and social outcomes of social enterprises, emphasizing the need for innovation in performance models. Agnieszka Koziel's methodology article underscores the importance of integrating standardized metrics and reporting guidelines to accurately measure and communicate the sustainability impacts of investments. Our two book reviews further enrich this issue with critical analyses of recent publications in sustainable finance, each offering a unique perspective from diverse authors. Richard Hardyment reviews "Measuring Good Business: The Future of Sustainable Finance Data," which explores the complexities of business impacts and the future of sustainability standards. Elisa Aracil’s review of "Essential Concepts of Sustainable Finance: An A-Z Guide" offers readers a detailed guide on integrating sustainability into financial systems, focusing on regulatory frameworks, reporting standards, and investment strategies. Lastly

In our Impacter Insights section, Tim West, founder of Pioneers Post and Fable Bureau, shares his transformative journey from opera singer to philanthropist, impact journalist, and leader in social change. This interview provides a unique perspective on the transformative power of journalism to drive social enterprises and highlights how Time West’s platforms connect societal problems with innovative solutions through impactful storytelling.

We are confident that the insights and discussions presented in this issue will inspire and equip our readers to navigate the complex and rapidly evolving field of sustainable and impact investing. Join us on this journey towards a more sustainable, inclusive, and impactful future.