The B Corp movement has seen sizable growth in Asia, but with that growth comes complexity. From certification challenges to cultural interpretations of doing good, this episode explores how local leaders are adapting global standards to regional realities.
Guests, Nozomi Torii (CEO of Value Books and B Market Builder Japan), Cecilia Hough (B Lab Singapore), and Sally Ren (Director of B Community B Corp China) offer an honest look at what it takes to expand a global movement across vastly different social, political, and business contexts.
While each country is seeing a rise in certified B Corps, the path forward includes unique hurdles, like communicating long-term value to skeptical companies or re-framing DEI in societies where the dominant equity issues differ from the West.
The conversation also unpacks how new B Corp standards are being received in Asia, and why transparency, collective action, and community-building are becoming essential tools for growth. From startup furniture makers to multi-market brands, the stories shared offer both realism and hope for what’s possible.
If you're curious about the future of business in Asia and what it means to localize impact without diluting its integrity, tune in for this informative and thought-provoking conversation.
Key Points From This Episode
Quotations
“As of now, there are 69 companies in mainland China that have obtained B Corp certifications. While some of these companies have chosen, now, to renew their certification after the three-year period.” — Sally Ren [0:08:44]
“Let me give a shout-out to one of our first B Corps, Bettr Barista. They're actually the first B Corp in Southeast Asia. They've just recently, in the last month, re-certified for the fourth time!” — Cecilia Hough [0:12:49]
“In general, the business culture in Japan it's quite aligned with B Corp’s value. But there are certainly some areas to improve, especially JEDI and then the climate crisis.” — Nozomi Torii [0:22:01]
“Gender inequality is a huge issue in Japan. — So that is something that we have to really work on. And then business has a huge responsibility for that.” — Nozomi Torii [0:35:16]
“I wouldn't say our [B Corp] community is perfect, but we see their actions, not just commitments.” — Sally Ren [0:44:21]
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode
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