As the world comes together to mark World Environment Day, we at NewInAsia are proud to spotlight the Voices in Sustainability in Asia who are leading transformative climate action across the region.
From reviving ancient water bodies to reshaping corporate ESG frameworks and revolutionizing solar energy access, these leaders are not only tackling environmental challenges but also creating inclusive, community-driven solutions.
Their work spans policy, entrepreneurship, science communication, and innovation, and most importantly, it inspires real-world change.
This curated feature brings together ten exceptional individuals who exemplify what it means to lead with purpose in a time of planetary urgency. Through their stories, we celebrate the power of local impact, regional collaboration, and global ambition. These are not just voices, they are catalysts for Asia’s sustainable future.
Highlights
Assaad Razzouk
Assaad Razzouk, a Lebanese-British clean energy entrepreneur, has built a formidable reputation as a sustainability visionary across Asia. Currently the CEO of Gurīn Energy, he leads renewable energy development spanning South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, and Philippines.
Previously, he was the Chairman and CEO of Sindicatum Renewable Energy, where he helped scale clean power infrastructure in the region. Moreover, he serves on the boards of ClientEarth, Reneum Institute, and EB Impact, continuously driving climate-positive policies and projects.
Beyond boardrooms, Assaad hosts the influential Angry Clean Energy Guy podcast, where he unpacks global climate issues with wit and urgency. His career embodies the fusion of business acumen and environmental advocacy in the clean energy transition.
Ramveer Tanwar
Ramveer Tanwar, known nationally as the “Pondman of India,” has emerged as a grassroots environmental hero. An engineer by training, he transitioned into ecological restoration by founding Say Earth and Pondman Enterprises, both focused on reviving India’s vanishing water bodies.
Since 2021, his initiatives have not only rejuvenated ponds but also sparked a movement in water conservation and urban afforestation. Additionally, Ramveer’s work engages local communities, creating green jobs and sustainable ecosystems.
With over four years of consistent on-ground leadership, he is turning India’s climate vulnerabilities into resilience through action and awareness.
Shreya Mishra
Shreya Mishra is driving the solar revolution in India as the Co-Founder of SolarSquare Energy, the country’s most trusted residential solar brand. Since 2019, she has led the charge in bringing rooftop solar to homes, combining affordability with strong customer service and financing options.
In addition to her entrepreneurial vision, Shreya is passionate about democratizing access to clean energy and creating a large-scale environmental impact.
Her goal to empower 100,000 homes by 2024 reflects not just ambition but a deep-rooted commitment to climate solutions for everyday Indians. As solar adoption grows, Shreya stands at the forefront of India’s clean energy future.
Qiyun Woo
Qiyun Woo, a multidisciplinary climate communicator, blends science, art, and storytelling to advance sustainability. Currently serving as Senior Communications Manager at the IPCC, she contributes to global climate narratives while running The Weird and Wild, an acclaimed visual platform making climate issues accessible.
Additionally, Qiyun has collaborated with leading institutions like National Geographic, Temasek, and BBC to spark climate awareness through creative media. Her accolades — from BBC’s 100 Women to Tatler Gen.T — highlight her role as a next-gen environmental thought leader. By merging policy knowledge with illustration, Qiyun is reframing how Asia understands and responds to the climate crisis.
Nimal Raghavan
Nimal Raghavan, often hailed as the “Water Man of India,” has transformed over 261 water bodies and planted more than 2.4 million saplings through his organization, Mega Foundations.
His journey began with a simple goal: to make Earth green again. Since then, his tireless work in organic farming, water conservation, and afforestation has positively impacted over 7 million lives across Tamil Nadu and beyond.
Furthermore, Nimal’s campaigns have inspired youth-led climate actions and public-private collaboration. With a grassroots approach and scalable model, he exemplifies how local action can drive massive ecological change.
Sreelakshmi Sivadas Menon
Sreelakshmi Sivadas Menon is a rising star in corporate ESG strategy, currently serving as Senior Specialist in Sustainability at AD Ports Group. With over six years of experience across South Asia and the Middle East, she leads efforts in climate risk, sustainable finance, and impact-driven CSR programs.
Furthermore, her presence at COP28 as a youth delegate amplified her voice in global climate negotiations. A recipient of the 50 Global Women Leaders in Sustainability award, she also mentors startups on integrating ESG into business models. Bridging corporate sustainability with policy advocacy, Sreelakshmi is redefining leadership in climate-resilient business.
Amita Chaudhury
Amita Chaudhury is the Group Head of Sustainability at AIA, with over two decades of transformative leadership across sustainability, brand, and inclusion.
Based in Singapore, she also serves as Vice Chair of the UNEP FI’s Principles of Sustainable Insurance, where she works with the PSI Board and the Secretariat to strengthen the insurance industry’s contribution to building resilient, inclusive, and sustainable futures.
Amita’s career spans more than 20 years of experience across diverse industries and geographies, including leadership roles at Unilever, AIA, and other global organizations in London, Singapore, and India. She has led brand P&Ls and driven strategic initiatives in sustainability and inclusion.
Her superpower lies in embedding sustainability into the core of business strategy – creating long-term value for stakeholders, including investors, employees, and customers. Through innovation, cross-sector collaboration, and advocacy, she champions inclusive solutions for systemic impact for People and Planet.
Spencer Low
Spencer Low leads Google’s Regional Sustainability efforts in APAC, drawing on a decade of experience at Bain & Company and a global track record in strategy and innovation. Now part of Google’s Global Sustainability Team, he manages programs across carbon, water, and circular economy while promoting product-level sustainability.
In addition, Spencer chairs the Innovation Task Force under the UN ESCAP Sustainable Business Network, where he shapes Asia-Pacific’s green business agenda. With deep insights into M&A, corporate development, and multicultural policy, Spencer bridges corporate ambition with planetary responsibility.
Jessica Cheam
Jessica Cheam, founder and CEO of Eco-Business, is a trailblazer in Asia’s sustainable development ecosystem. With 20 years of media and ESG leadership, she has advised boardrooms, launched award-winning content platforms, and led impact journalism through documentaries and thought pieces.
Notably, she sits on the boards of ComfortDelGro and Wilmar International, while also guiding Singapore’s largest youth and sustainability nonprofit, EB Impact. Beyond corporate governance, Jessica is a passionate ecosystem builder, having co-led The Liveability Challenge to accelerate climate innovation. Her voice, often heard at Davos and global forums, continues to shape sustainability narratives across sectors.
Tuyen (Kelly) Vo
Tuyen Vo, founder of Dear Our Community, is on a mission to engage one million Southeast Asian youth in climate solutions and social change.
With over 13 years of cross-sectoral experience, she has built platforms that champion CSR, sustainability, and youth empowerment — from launching Vietnam’s first CSR column to advising companies on impact investing.
In recent years, her leadership has been recognized by U.S. and Australian government fellowships, including YSEALI and DFAT’s Climate Change Masterclass. Through content, collaboration, and regional programming, Tuyen is enabling the next generation to lead Asia’s sustainability transformation.
Why These Voices in Sustainability in Asia Matter More Than Ever
As we reflect on World Environment Day and the climate challenges that lie ahead, it’s clear that the Voices in Sustainability in Asia are not just raising awareness; they are shaping the future.
Whether it’s through creative climate storytelling, grassroots water conservation, or building scalable clean energy ventures, each of these leaders contributes to a growing movement that refuses to settle for business as usual.
At NewInAsia, we believe that visibility fuels momentum. By spotlighting these voices, we aim to empower more individuals, communities, and corporations to embrace sustainability as a core value, not just a checkbox. The journey to a greener Asia is far from over, but with leaders like these at the helm, it is undoubtedly gaining strength.
Let this list serve not just as a recognition of past achievements, but as a call to action — to collaborate, innovate, and rise together for a more sustainable and equitable future.
Highlights
Read the Chinese article here, or listen to the podcast here.
