About US

Sustainable Growth is our Credo

A world where companies achieve sustainable AND profitable growth driven by climate aware leaders, implementing sustainable business practices, enabled by innovative technology, and supported by smart government policy.

The Purpose of the Asian Sustainability Network (ASN) is to inspire and inform, develop & connect, leaders and professionals with a Climate Mindset. Today, we are in a world being transformed by Climate Change, and just as a decade ago, leaders needed a “Digital Mindset,’ today’s leaders need a ‘Climate Mindset.’

ASN is dedicated to developing the necessary knowledge and skills for leaders, managers, and young professionals, to build more profitable and sustainable businesses - without costing us the Earth.

Our training courses, webinars, events, and community of thought leaders and practitioners, will accelerate your business, advance your careers, and provide you with the necessary mindset, tools and capabilities to succeed in a rapidly changing and ever more competitive world.

ASN equips leaders, managers, and young professionals with skills to build profitable and sustainable businesses while protecting the Earth.

What people are saying about ASN's courses.

I like the way the Essentials course mixes theory with local case studies. I now understand how sustainability isn't just an environmental imperative, but a significant business opportunity.

Mahesh Krishnamurthy, PMA Services

As a small business owner, I was overwhelmed how simple sustainability practices gave me a competitive edge. A practical course with easily applicable ideas.

Mark Winkel, GroupW

When I applied for my first full-time job, employers sought candidates with sustainable business knowledge. This course helped me secure interviews and stand out.

Maharani Katansa

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Transform Your Career with ASN: Where Sustainability Meets Success

In today's business landscape, sustainability isn't just an option – it's your competitive edge.

At ASN, we're empowering Asia's next generation of climate and ESG leaders to drive profitable, sustainable transformation.

1 .   The Business Imperative

Forward-thinking companies are discovering that sustainability drives profitability. Here's how our expertise helps you capitalize on this opportunity:

  • Launch innovative green products that capture emerging markets and boost revenue streams
  • Cut operational costs through smart energy management and circular economy strategies
  • Future-proof your business against climate risks and regulatory changes
  • Access profitable global markets by meeting international sustainability standards
  • Build resilient supply chains that withstand disruption and attract top-tier partners
  • Secure preferential financing through strong ESG credentials
  • Become an employer of choice for top talent in Asia's competitive market

2 .   Your Career Acceleration Platform

With 800,000 sustainability leadership roles opening across ASEAN by 2030 (Asian Development Bank), ASN positions you at the forefront of this explosive growth

  • Industry-leading content featuring practical Asian case studies and global best practices
  • Flexible learning paths combining AI-powered digital courses, interactive cohorts, and hands-on workshops
  • Direct access to veteran sustainability executives and industry pioneers
  • Personalized career guidance from global talent development experts
  • Industry networking through regular GreenMondays gatherings
  • One-on-one mentoring opportunities with seasoned

3 .   Why ASN?

We don't just teach sustainability – we provide career advice and professional networks to support your green job hunt. Our students go on to join Asia's most innovative companies, commanding competitive salaries while driving meaningful impact.

4 .   Your Next Step

Join Asia's fastest-growing sustainability network. Whether you're a seasoned professional pivoting to ESG or a fresh graduate seeking your first role, ASN provides the knowledge, networks, and opportunities to fast-track your success.

Ready to lead Asia's sustainable future? Join ASN today and transform your career path.

Laurence Smith Co-Founder

As a teenager, Laurence was inspired by Scientist James Lovelock’s Gaia Hypothesis, leading him to dedicate his career to transforming organizations and leaders using technology for better business practices while preserving the planet. After 30 years with organizations like World Bank and McKinsey & Co., he realized he needed a larger impact, prompting the launch of the Asian Sustainability Network (ASN) to empower 5,000 leaders by 2030.
In 2008, while Head of Learning for GE Money in Tokyo, he helped launch GE’s EcoMagination strategy in China and Japan, which inspired him to create GreenMondays, a networking event, and gain certification from the International Society of Sustainability Professionals (ISSP). In senior roles, he has helped DBS Bank re-define its purpose, published a global number 1 bestseller on ‘Transformation Mindset’, trained and mentored leaders at major global and Asian companies, and organized hackathons on Climate Tech and Green Finance. Laurence holds certificates in Sustainability and Climate Science from from the University of Cambridge, Stanford Business School, ISSP, and the UN SDG Academy. He also has a Masters in Organisation Design & Knowledge Management, and is a popular and sought after keynote speaker.”
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Paul Kanwar Co-Founder

Hi, I’m Paul Kanwar, a third culture kid with roots in the UK, US, and Switzerland, and a global mindset. My sustainability journey began early, earning a green badge as a Scout in Geneva in the 1970s for recycling. Later, I sold coffee and furniture in Camden Market, honing my sales instincts.
I started my marketing career at a London advertising agency as a media planner/buyer, handling two phones and a calculator. With over 25 years of experience across Europe and Asia, I've been involved in CPG brands, loyalty marketing, digital transformation, and martech.
I started my marketing career at a London advertising agency as a media planner/buyer, handling two phones and a calculator. With over 25 years of experience across Europe and Asia, I've been involved in CPG brands, loyalty marketing, digital transformation, and martech. My passions include:
  1. People growth: Teaching hard and soft skills.
  2. Community: Connecting like-minded individuals for discussions.
  3. Marketplace: Offering virtual stalls for products and services.
  4. Bookshops: Like a good bookshop, our Knowledge Hub will become a rich font of knowledge and ideas.
  5. Technology: Without terrific tools and marketing technology, ASN would not be possible!
I’m a creative entrepreneur, passionate about telling stories, all aspects of marketing, and finding fresh ways to challenge assumptions and disrupt markets. Based in Bali, by the end of 2024, I will have reached a 20-year milestone in Indonesia!

Building Success Together for a Greater Purpose

At our core, we’re absolutely passionate about the incredible power of collaboration to spark meaningful change!
Our mission is to support and empower individuals and teams by creating cutting-edge learning experiences that make a real difference and stand the test of time.
We’re all in on continuous improvement, tirelessly crafting solutions that ignite personal growth while driving us toward a bigger purpose!
Together, we’re excitedly shaping a future where business success and positive impact go hand in hand, creating a brighter tomorrow for everyone!
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WORKING WITH ASN

The ASN Advisery board

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Friska Wirya

Friska Wirya is a renowned, multi-award-winning leader focused on sustainability in leadership, change management, and coaching within global enterprises. Recognized as one of the Top 50 Global Change Management Thought Leaders and a TEDx speaker, she authored the best-selling book, The Future Fit Organization: A Leader's Guide to Transformation.


A champion of sustainable transformation, Friska has improved safety standards and reduced environmental impacts in engineering and mining. Her initiatives have empowered companies to commit to a sustainable future by fostering behavioral change.


As a sought-after speaker, she has worked with organizations like the Women Leaders Institute, Women in Tech, and UN Women to enhance women’s representation in the C-suite. Her upcoming book, The Future Fit Asian Organization: Balancing Tradition with Transformation, is set for release in December 2024 by Penguin Random House.

Friska also hosts the podcast 'Future Fit with Friska,' where she interviews leaders building a more sustainable world. 

Friska resides in Indonesia.
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Steve Piro

Steve has a degree in Environmental Science and Economics from the University of San Diego. After earning his degree, Steve continued his studies at Harvard Business School and has completed a specialized Energy Specialist training program at the Pacific Energy Center in San Francisco.


Steve has spent the last 17 years in Indonesia which is one of the largest potential energy efficiency markets in the world. The IEA estimates that there are more than $16 billion dollars of money that can be saved with energy efficiency in Indonesia alone. Though Energy Efficiency in Indonesia is a sunrise industry, some companies are seeing the light as SES has already completed more than 200 energy efficiency projects.


Steve is the principal at Synergy Efficiency Solutions. Synergy Efficiency Solutions was founded in 2008 on the same principles that make the company successful today. Our discipline drives us to deliver superior energy efficiency solutions that convert wasted energy into profits for our clients. We have listened to our customers and purposefully developed the services we offer today based on their needs.

Steve is based in Jakarta.
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Eric Natanael

Eric has been working on a combination of sustainability and technology work for over 25 years in numerous countries - building upon his background in environmental engineering. Throughout his career, he's been committed to addressing social and environmental challenges by working with businesses, academia, government, and international organizations. His current approach focuses on getting everyone to integrate sustainability into their core operations rather than treating it as a side project. Eric teaches many aspects of sustainability, including the business benefits.

Driven by a deep passion for improving quality of life and preserving natural resources, Eric has worked across numerous sectors, from agriculture, food, waste, transportation, energy, and finance to name a few. He also contributes to non-profit initiatives, providing consulting, advisory, and research services, on top of venture building for sustainability-focused startups.

Preferring to stay in the background, he continues to pursue impactful solutions that help build a more sustainable future for businesses and communities alike.

Eric is based in Jakarta

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Zal Dastur

Zal Dastur is a seasoned entrepreneur and communication coach with over 15 years of experience in building startups and businesses. In that time, he has built core competencies in storytelling, sales strategy, and pitch delivery. As the host of Impact at Scale, one of Asia’s most popular sustainability podcasts, Zal engages with global leaders to discuss impactful solutions for climate and sustainability challenges. He specializes in coaching founders, sales teams, and sustainability leaders, empowering them to communicate effectively, connect with investors, and drive business growth. Zal’s unique approach combines practical sales techniques with compelling storytelling, making him a sought-after speaker and trainer.

Zal is based in Singapore