The Asia Business Council was established in Hong Kong in 2002. It was founded by its first executive directorRuth Shapiro, and founding chairman, Ronnie Chan. They worked with prominent business leaders to create an organization that focuses on sustainable economic growth in Asia. The council is an independent organization of top executives, typically from leading Asian companies or multinational corporations with significant Asian operations. The council's goal is to provide a setting for members to think about how the private sector can contribute to Asia's continued economic development and competitiveness. The council is funded by its members and has no government affiliation. The council is a membership organization limited to 75 CEOs and chairmen with operations in Asia. The council's current chairman is Lim Boon Heng, who is chairman of Temasek Holdings. The council's current vice-chairman is Daniel Tsai, who is chairman of the Fubon Group. is the council's executive director.
Mandate
The Asia Business Council was formed by a group of prominent business people and is the first pan-Asian CEO organization. The mission of The Asia Business Council is to:
• Improve the efficacy of the private sector in promoting continued economic growth and development in the region
• Be a collective voice to influence other corporations, governments, multilateral organizations and members of civil society
Research
The council conducts research on specific issues that are important to Asia's future, including green jobs, climate change, corporate social responsibility, the food and agriculture sector in Asia, energy efficiency, innovation within Asian firms, and intellectual property rights. Most recently, in 2020, the council published a report on . In 2019, it examined and the intersection between in Asia. In 2018, the council studied in the U.S. and China and . In 2017, the council’s research focused on the ASEAN region. In 2016, it published briefings on as well as on in Asia. In 2015, the focus of research was on the globalization of . In 2014, a briefing discussed measures of well-being beyond . In 2013, the council published a briefing on . In 2012, the council discussed as an emerging global player in a research briefing. In 2011, the council published a research briefing on the economic transformation of the . In 2010, the council's research included containing and solutions for Asia’s cities. In 2009, the council's research focused on and . In 2008, the council's research focused on and the . In 2015, executive director Mark L. Clifford authored , which provides a behind-the-scenes look at how companies in Asia are building businesses that will lessen the environmental impact of Asia’s extraordinary growth. In 2011, the council published , which draws excerpts from selected essays from over 400 entries submitted by young Asians to Asia’s Challenge 2020 contest organized by the council, Time, and Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore. The book offers insights into the minds of young Asians, including their worries and ideas for solving Asia’s many challenges. In 2007, it published , which looks at how large energy savings can be achieved in Asia through better building design and operation, highlighting what business and governments are doing now as well as what should be done to realize both economic and environmental benefits. The book was translated into Chinese in 2008.
