Ant International is collaborating with industry partners to create new tools to improve the sustainability of small and medium-sized enterprises in Asia.
The digital solution, called ‘MSME Sustainability Impact Scorecard’ (MSME S-Card), will enable these businesses to easily track their environmental and social impact.
The scorecard is part of Ant International’s broader program Sirius Initiative focuses on helping MSMEs adopt sustainability practices in line with global standards.
This tool is designed to be easy to use and helps small businesses understand how they can operate more sustainably.
It works by automating the collection of ESG (environmental, social and governance) data through a digital platform, helping companies verify their sustainability credentials.
This makes it easier to attract investors and compete in the global market.
Ant International recognizes the challenges that small and medium-sized enterprises face in adopting sustainable practices, including lack of knowledge, limited resources, and difficulty accessing green finance.
Specific challenges include the high cost of green-certified solutions such as solar power equipment and the increasing demand for meeting complex sustainability requirements in global supply chains.
The MSME S-Card addresses these issues by providing actionable insights, a clear framework, and access to tools to help small businesses advance their sustainability efforts.
GCash, a mobile wallet provider in the Philippines, will be the first company to pilot the Scorecard.
In collaboration with Gprnt, a technology partner with expertise in ESG reporting, GCash will customize the tool to meet the specific needs of local MSMEs. The project is scheduled to begin next year.
A program called Sirius launched Founded by Ant International in March 2024 to support MSMEs in their sustainability efforts.
Supported by partners including IFC and 13 fintech leaders in the Asia-Pacific region, the initiative focuses on helping small and medium-sized enterprises align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Lionel Wong, Executive Director of Gprnt, said:
“The launch of MSME S Card could not have come at a better time. Gprnt launches unique auto-disclosure and marketplace toolsIt is designed to simplify sustainability reporting for all companies and connect them to an ecosystem of solutions that support their financing and decarbonization needs. ”
Laiming Cheng, Chief Sustainability Officer, Ant International, said:
“When we launched Program Sirius earlier this year, one of our key priorities was the critical sustainability inclusion of MSMEs who have been left behind in the global transition to sustainability and are missing out on new opportunities. It was a challenge to tackle.
We are confident that the first initiative of Program Sirius, the MSME S-Card, will provide a benchmark for MSMEs and financial institutions to work together to support MSMEs in their sustainability efforts, and will help MSMEs achieve practical results. We look forward to working together to contribute to a shared vision for a better future. Benefit from sustainable payments, ESG reporting and green finance. ”
