MOVING THE PARADIGM IN ASEAN POLICIES, FINANCING & CORPORATE ACTIONS FOR GREEN ECONOMY

Southeast Asia (ASEAN) is currently positioned at a critical inflection point regarding its environmental and economic trajectory. While the region is experiencing rapid economic growth, it faces the dual challenge of meeting rising energy demands—projected to increase by nearly 42% by 2030—while transitioning to a low-carbon economy. This paper analyzes the structural barriers hindering ASEAN’s green transition, including a reliance on fossil fuels, high capital costs, and fragmented policy landscapes. Despite a 20% increase in green investments in 2023, funding levels remain significantly below the $1.5 trillion required by 2030. Through an examination of three core dimensions—policy interventions, financial innovations, and corporate actions—this study identifies gaps and proposes a comprehensive roadmap. The research suggests that by aligning regional cooperation, implementing blended finance mechanisms, and fostering green industrial clusters, ASEAN can unlock an estimated $300 billion in additional annual revenue by 2030.