Sustainability LIVE Singapore: ENGIE Impact Fireside Chat
Speaking at Sustainability LIVE Singapore, Ivan Li, Director APAC Strategy & Implementation at ENGIE Impact, sat down for a fireside chat with moderator Neil Perry to unpack how companies across the Asia Pacific region are navigating the complexities of decarbonisation.
Ivan began by acknowledging the global context, stating plainly that headwinds such as shifting investments and geopolitical tensions are impacting climate commitments. But he was quick to defend the momentum in APAC, arguing that while the region faces unique challenges, it also holds huge innovation potential.
“Singapore, for example, is progressing on multiple fronts – from revising its 2035 emissions targets to implementing a carbon tax and establishing international carbon market mechanisms,” he said.
Other countries like Indonesia are also increasing renewable energy targets and laying the groundwork for greener economies.
At the corporate level, Ivan shared that the number of companies setting science-based targets (SBTs) across the region is rising fast.
“Japan has more than 800 SBT-aligned firms – more than the UK or US,” he noted. But achieving net zero, especially in emerging markets, comes with a just transition imperative.
“The commercial obligations are higher because companies must also support equitable, local development,” he added.
Cost, capability and creative financing
The conversation then turned to the burden many SMEs face in meeting new decarbonisation demands. Ivan was clear: APAC cannot be expected to foot the global climate bill alone. Instead, countries and companies need to be smart and strategic, investing where regional strengths can deliver global value.
“Take data centres,” he said. “Cooling in tropical climates is a uniquely APAC challenge. Innovation in this space—like higher operating temperatures or tropical DC design—can be exported globally.”
Similarly, Singapore’s lack of land has triggered cross-border energy collaborations such as the Australia-Asia Power Link.
Ivan also flagged sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) feedstocks as an area of untapped opportunity in the region. The message was clear: context matters. Tailored solutions can have ripple effects well beyond the region.
He gave concrete examples of financial enablers already in play.
“Singapore is funding carbon capture grants. SMEs can and should apply for these to drive innovation,” he said. Public-private collaboration, smart regulation and government incentives were all positioned as critical accelerators.
Tools for resilience and decision-making
Ivan then shared practical enablers from his own consulting work, highlighting how internal carbon pricing is becoming a valuable tool for companies facing complex growth decisions.
“When companies are expanding, how do they know if an acquisition will derail their net zero targets?” he asked. The answer: model the carbon liability.
“You can estimate future carbon taxes, offset costs, or the expense of decarbonisation pathways—then include that in your investment planning,” he added.
This approach, he explained, helps executives understand the full cost of growth in a carbon-constrained world. He also highlighted scope 3 emissions as a particularly tough challenge in APAC, with many companies needing support to map, calculate and mitigate downstream impact.
Ivan encouraged leaders to tap into government resources where possible. In one example, he described supporting a transport and logistics firm in securing funding to conduct a full decarbonisation roadmap, including scope 1, 2 and 3 assessments.
“It’s not just about internal action—it’s about finding and unlocking external support,” he said.
Data, education and future leadership
A live audience question prompted Ivan to offer guidance on getting started with carbon accounting and tax frameworks. He advised breaking down terminology – understanding the difference between carbon tax, carbon accounting and carbon credits – and starting with accessible resources such as GHG Protocol guides or online training.
“Start with the 101. Learn to walk before you run,” he said, adding that platforms like ChatGPT or registry-led summaries can help beginners grasp complex regulatory language. But, he added, engaging with sustainability professionals is crucial to understand real-world application.
Closing the session, Ivan was asked what leaders should – and shouldn’t – be doing right now.
“Leaders must connect their sustainability actions to commercial value,” he said. Whether it's futureproofing assets, launching green products or responding to shifting investor expectations, the business case must be clear.
But he warned against disengagement or despair.
“There’s a lot of noise in the system, but we need voices pushing forward. Don’t give up. Stay connected. Keep collaborating,” he concluded.
Essential diary dates for 2025
Discover the essential diary dates for Sustainability Magazine and its sister publications – Procurement Magazine and Supply Chain Digital.
To follow Sustainability LIVE on LinkedIn, click here.
To enter for the Global Sustainability & ESG Awards, click here.
- Sustainability LIVE Dubai | 22 April
- Sustainability LIVE Chicago | 28-29 May
- Procurement LIVE Chicago | 28-29 May
- Supply Chain LIVE Chicago | 28-29 May
- Sustainability LIVE London | 9-10 September
- The Global Sustainability & ESG Awards | 10 September
- Sustainability LIVE: Climate Week NYC | 22 September
- Sustainability LIVE: COP 30 Brazil | 11 November
Explore the latest edition of Sustainability Magazine and be part of the conversation at our global conference series, Sustainability LIVE.
Discover all our upcoming events and secure your tickets today.
Sustainability Magazine is a BizClik brand
