Beyond Compliance: How International Standards Forge Resilient Businesses in APAC with Stacey Varsani
Amina
Adhering to international standards isn't just a regulatory checkbox—it is the bedrock of investor confidence, operational efficiency, and business success in today's competitive global market. But navigating the complex world of ESG, environmental, and quality standards can be daunting for many businesses, especially those entering or expanding within the Asia-Pacific region.
In this blog, we'll share key insights from our recent interview with consultant Stacey Varsani from Hadouken, who breaks down essential standards like ISO 14001, effective implementation strategies, and how digital solutions are revolutionizing compliance management.
ESG is no longer just a buzzword; it's a critical framework for modern business. It breaks down into three core pillars:
Environmental (E): An organization's impact on the natural world.
Social (S): How an organization treats its people—employees, customers, and the community.
Governance (G): The systems of leadership and management that guide an organization.
"This is very relevant right now in Singapore, for example, with regulations gradually being introduced over the next few years," the expert notes. As investors, partners, and customers scrutinize corporate behavior more than ever, a proactive stance on ESG is essential.
ISO 14001: The Strategic Tool for Environmental Excellence
For companies daunted by the "E" in ESG, the ISO 14001 standard for environmental management offers a clear path forward. It provides the systems and processes needed to operationalize a company's environmental strategy.
Implementing ISO 14001 helps businesses:
Collect essential data on emissions, waste, and resource usage required for ESG reporting.
Proactively manage environmental risks, understanding how environmental changes could impact the organization.
Demonstrate a commitment to reducing their environmental footprint.
Contrary to the belief that implementation is just a costly burden, the standard is designed to foster efficiency. "The standard is all about efficient use of resources and looking at your energy use, at your waste," the expert emphasizes. "When implemented properly, this should have a positive impact on your bottom line as well."
The Dual Benefits: Slashing Costs While Driving Growth
Adopting standards like ISO 14001 offers a powerful "dual positive impact." On one hand, it helps prevent failure costs such as fines, penalties, and brand-damaging incidents. On the other, it actively enables revenue growth.
The benefits are extensive and tangible:
Global Market Access: Recognized in nearly 170 countries, ISO standards help businesses meet international requirements, opening doors to new markets and supply chains.
Enhanced Trust and Reputation: Certification signals to investors, customers, and partners that a company operates according to best practices, making it a trustworthy organization.
Operational Efficiency: Standards streamline processes and improve productivity. A prime example is NTUC FairPrice in Singapore, which adopted ISO 9001 for quality and other standards, enabling them to handle double the goods with the same number of employees, adding millions to their bottom line.
Winning Tenders: Many tender processes now require suppliers to hold certifications like ISO 14001 or ISO 45001 for Occupational Health and Safety, making it a crucial business decision.
Common Myths, Busted
Despite the clear advantages, many leaders hesitate, often due to two key misconceptions:
"My company is too small for this."While certification might be best for companies with 10 or more employees, it's never too early to start thinking about standards. Smaller companies can begin by mirroring a standard's principles to build good habits. "Excellence is a habit," the expert states. Implementing standards ingrains solid processes that allow a company to scale smoothly and puts the business on "autopilot," ensuring consistency regardless of employee turnover.
"It's just a paperwork exercise."Viewing standards as a mere compliance task to be dusted off for an audit is a missed opportunity. "The benefit is really in the implementation versus the actual certification," the expert clarifies. The implementation process is where companies customize the framework, uncover process efficiencies, and derive tangible ROI. It's about ingraining proven recipes for success, not just adding administrative overhead.
The Digital Future of Standards Management harnessing data
In an era defined by data, digital technology is transforming how companies manage standards. Modern digital platforms are invaluable for:
Centralized Monitoring: Keeping track of all compliance activities and assigning responsibilities in one place.
Simplified Audits: Ensuring all documentation is organized and easily accessible for auditors.
Navigating Complexity: For global companies juggling different regulations across geographies, digital tools can translate and merge requirements into clear, actionable roadmaps.
"It's very valuable versus looking at what may seem to be a very dry, complicated PDF document," the expert concludes. Technology makes standards accessible, translating them into practical checklists and questionnaires that can be managed seamlessly across complex supply chains and franchise networks. By embracing these tools, companies can turn complex requirements into a strategic advantage for a successful future.
tuss.io is a Compliance-as-a-Service platform designed to replace manual inefficiency by streamlining the entire compliance journey for businesses. We empower companies to navigate complex regulatory requirements and international standards with a single, automated platform from finding a right consultant, auditor to managing your compliance digitally.
.png)
.png)
