Dee Poon, President of Brands and Retailing, Speaks on the Importance of ESG in Today’s Business Landscape at JUMPSTARTER 2025

Dee Poon, President of Brands and Retailing, took “Centrestage” at JUMPSTARTER 2025 to discuss the critical role of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles in today’s business environment on the panel- “The Importance of ESG in Today’s Business Environment – Challenges & Solutions for Companies of All Sizes” on March 27, 2025.

The two day event, serves as a platform for entrepreneurs and innovators to turn their visions into reality. Curated by the Alibaba Entrepreneurs Fund, JUMPSTARTER brought together a diverse array of stakeholders, fostering an atmosphere of collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and networking essential for aspiring entrepreneurs.

During the panel discussion, experts from various sectors—including power company CLP Holdings Limited, transportation and ride-sharing services Tech for Good Institute (founded by Grab), and fashion and retail—shared insights on how ESG has evolved from a "nice to have" to an essential business requirement. They highlighted the pressing need for companies of all sizes to integrate sustainable practices into their operations.

Dee emphasized that sustainability in the fashion and retail industry has progressed beyond mere metrics; it is now considered fundamental. She pointed out that consumers are increasingly prioritizing ethical and sustainable brands, along with a rising expectation for transparency in sourcing and production practices.

Addressing the challenges the fashion industry faces regarding sustainability, particularly in supply chains and waste management, Dee stated that today, “sustainability metrics are merely the basics—what she referred to as 'hygiene.'” She articulated a vision for the future, asserting that sustainability is where the world needs to go moving forward. Acknowledging that while there are no guarantees, she stressed the importance for industry leaders to push forward and invest in innovation, people, and the future.

Dee also highlighted the importance of placing people at the core of sustainability efforts, noting that “there is no dollar that can be happily made if it is done at someone’s expense.” She emphasized that true business success cannot occur without sustainability at its foundation.

Urging businesses to embed ESG into their core strategies rather than treating it as an add-on, Dee emphasized that viewing ESG as a driver of profitability can foster innovation and collaboration. This transformation can turn ESG initiatives into actionable strategies that deliver both environmental and financial value. Such a comprehensive approach is essential for positioning companies for sustainable success in an increasingly ESG-aware marketplace.