Leading with Purpose in 2024: Celebrating Southeast Asia’s Trailblazing B Corp Agencies
In the business world, standing on the sidelines isn’t an option. To thrive, companies need to not just adapt but lead — with purpose. This shift toward social responsibility is catching steam globally, and Southeast Asia isn’t far behind. Getting B Corporation™ certified is your ticket to the future of business. It’s about joining a movement that leverages business power for social good, a step every forward-thinking company should consider.
The marketing and PR industry, known for shaping perceptions and building narratives, is increasingly embracing this transformation. In Southeast Asia, where the concept is still budding, B Corp certification represents a significant leap toward sustainability and ethical business practices. Whether you’re a seasoned agency or a startup carving out your niche, understanding the value of this certification can position you at the forefront of a new business paradigm, one that balances profit with purpose and fosters a healthier society.
What is B Corp certification?
B Corp certification represents a company’s pledge to rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency. Certified B Corps are leaders in the global movement for an inclusive, equitable and regenerative economy. Think of it as a stamp of approval from the business world that says, “We operate for the greater good.”
The benefits of becoming a B Corp go beyond internal satisfaction or public recognition. It’s about real impact. Certification helps businesses stand out in a crowded market, attract talent and connect with like-minded companies and consumers who prioritize ethical practices. For a region like Southeast Asia, with its diverse cultures and booming economies, embracing such standards can catalyze significant positive change.
As of February 2024, 8,254 businesses across 162 industries in 96 countries have achieved B Corp status, proving that profitable businesses can also be ethical and responsible. Adopting practices from successful B Corps could give your agency an edge, setting a gold standard for others to follow.
Now that we understand the what and why of B Corp certification, let’s take inspiration from some of the top B Corps in our region. Their innovative approaches and impactful campaigns have set them apart and also contributed significantly to their communities and industries.
Milk & Honey PR: Nurturing reputations for a better world
Milk & Honey PR excels as a beacon in the global PR landscape, dedicated to nurturing reputations and driving meaningful change for growth-oriented companies. With multi-award-winning operations across London, Munich, Singapore and New York, the agency stands at the forefront of the industry, committed to enhancing the profiles of clients who prioritize significant social and environmental impact.
As the highest-scoring B Corp communications agency globally, Milk & Honey PR embodies the principle that business can, and should, be a force for good. By adhering to the United Nations’ sustainability goals and supporting robust ESG policies, the agency leverages its influence to promote businesses that prioritize the planet and people alongside profit.
Milk & Honey PR’s innovative Purpose Academy is a shining example of its commitment to social impact. This six-month program offers pro-bono training for global charities and not-for-profit organizations, empowering them to effectively communicate their missions and magnify their impact. Through collaborations with clients like NESsT and Waterdrop, Milk & Honey PR tells stories that underscore sustainability and positive change. NESsT, for instance, supports high-impact entrepreneurs in creating sustainable jobs, while Waterdrop encourages healthier, more sustainable hydration habits, all aligned with Milk & Honey PR’s vision of using business as a catalyst for environmental and social progress.
From nurturing the reputations of companies that make a difference to promoting transparency and engagement in corporate practices, Milk & Honey PR is setting the pace for its evolution. Their work in nurturing reputations and connecting purpose-driven brands with like-minded audiences exemplifies the potential of PR to foster a more ethical, sustainable and profitable business ecosystem.
Make The Change: Creative solutions with a heart
Based in Singapore, Make The Change (MTC) operates at the intersection of creativity and social responsibility. As an integrated creative agency, MTC is not only known for its innovative services but also for its commitment to inclusivity and social impact. They offer a unique blend of creativity and purpose, driving change through every project and initiative.
MTC’s collaboration with SG Enable is evidence of their dedication to inclusivity. This partnership has resulted in a groundbreaking program tailored for individuals with disabilities, fostering a supportive environment where everyone has the opportunity to shine. Graduates of this program are welcomed into MTC’s Younite platform, which aims to promote inclusivity and diversity within the creative industry.
Apart from their client services, MTC’s Change Agency dedicates a portion of its profits to supporting community projects. These include incubator programs for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) and efforts to assist refugees in Indonesia with skills development. Their commitment to social impact extends beyond their client work, embedding purpose in all facets of their operations.
MTC exemplifies how creative agencies can operate sustainably and ethically, making a significant impact on both the community and the industry. By integrating social responsibility into its business model, MTC advances clients’ goals and contributes to a more inclusive and equitable society.
Vero: Pioneering impactful campaigns across Southeast Asia
Vero has emerged as a prominent figure in digital marketing and PR in Southeast Asia, garnering industry recognition for its innovative campaigns and commitment to a positive work culture. Their dedication is reflected in being awarded second place for Best Asia-Pacific Agency to Work for, Large (100+) at PRovoke Media’s 2022 SABRE Awards Asia-Pacific, along with other accolades at Campaign Asia’s PR Awards Asia.
One of Vero’s standout projects, “Duolingo English Test Webinar,” revolutionized access to language proficiency assessments. In another impactful campaign, “‘Grow Green with Booking.com’ Sustainability Campaign in Thailand,” Vero helped position Booking.com as a leader in sustainable travel in Thailand. Another notable initiative, the “6 Months Mother’s Milk is All You Need” campaign, transformed breastfeeding practices in Myanmar. In partnership with Bridge Agency, this campaign successfully educated mothers and their support circles on the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding, reaching a third of all new mothers in Myanmar’s major cities over a three-month period.
Operating across Indonesia, Myanmar, Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam, Vero offers a deep understanding of the ASEAN region’s dynamic digital landscape. From influencer partnerships to creative digital solutions, Vero’s strategies are meticulously crafted to resonate within local contexts, reflecting a profound connection with the region’s culture and consumer behavior.
Vero’s dedication to positive social impact aligns perfectly with the ethos of a B Corp. By integrating sustainable practices into their campaigns and fostering an inclusive workplace, Vero elevates brands and also contributes to the broader goals of social responsibility and environmental stewardship in Southeast Asia.
PAPER & PAGE: Purpose-driven creativity
As Thailand’s first B Corp-certified agency, PAPER & PAGE is at the forefront of integrating social responsibility and environmental stewardship into the heart of its operations. The agency is committed to regular re-evaluations of its relationships with clients, suppliers, and team members to embed social and environmental responsibility into every aspect of its operations.
PAPER & PAGE’s dedication to making a positive impact is reflected in its two-year long partnership with the Biochar Phrao Thailand project. This initiative addresses the critical issue of agricultural waste burning, transforming it into biochar—a carbon-negative solution with far-reaching benefits for sustainable agriculture. By committing to be carbon negative by 2027, PAPER & PAGE is setting a new standard for environmental accountability in the creative industry.
Continuing its journey of impact, the agency now supports the Clean Drinking Water in Laos project, further underscoring its dedication to fostering sustainable change across the region. Globally, two billion people lack access to clean drinking water, forcing many families to boil water over open fires, which contributes to CO2 emissions and deforestation. Through this partnership, the agency not only helps mitigate climate change but also supports essential access to safe water for communities in Laos, furthering its impact on global sustainability.
Leading with purpose and partnership
The journey through the inspiring landscapes of B Corp-certified agencies like Milk & Honey PR, MTC and Vero offers a glimpse into the potential of business as a force for good. Each of these agencies pioneers substantial social and environmental impacts through their innovative practices and commitments.
At PAPER & PAGE, we not only draw inspiration from these leading agencies but are proud to stand alongside them as pioneers in championing sustainability and social responsibility in Southeast Asia, with a notable leadership presence in Thailand. Our B Corp certification is a continuous commitment to lead and innovate in ways that benefit both our community and the planet.
As we strengthen our network of impact-driven partners, we invite like-minded businesses and organizations to join us. Whether you’re looking to collaborate on sustainability initiatives or elevate your brand with integrity, PAPER & PAGE is poised to help you make that difference. Together, we can shape a future where business success is synonymous with positive impact.
For more information on how to partner with us or learn about our services, reach out. Let’s venture on a journey of transformation and growth, driven by purpose and guided by shared values.
