News

Opening with a call to trust

The day began with an address from Varun Gujral, Country Manager for Southeast Asia and CEO of Supply & Energy Management for APAC, who reminded us that  “Ethics is not just about policies and rules, but about trust.” This trust must be earned and sustained with all our stakeholders: colleagues, partners, clients, and communities.

Launching Your Voice platform

A key moment of the day was the launch of Your Voice: a new platform designed to empower employees to share feedback, ideas, and HR-related concerns in a completely confidential manner. This channel complements our existing reporting systems, providing everyone in Southeast Asia with a safe and accessible way to speak up and contribute to shaping a better workplace.

Panel on ethics in practice

The morning panel explored real-life scenarios and lessons from ethical challenges. Speakers highlighted the importance of addressing harassment, conflicts of interest, and corruption with courage and transparency. Real stories reinforced that disclosure and accountability protect not only the company but also each individual involved. Further emphasis is placed on individual accountability for ethics because integrity is everyone’s responsibility.

Business consultancy policy and anti-corruption safeguards

The second session centred on our Business Consultancy Policy, emphasising its role in preventing corruption and ensuring responsible partnerships. By walking through the due diligence, legal, monitoring, and archiving phases, the panel reinforced that strict compliance protects our business, reputation, and licence to operate. The engaging discussion on challenges in Southeast Asia led by Andres Hurtado, Regional Counsel for Latin America and Katy Kay, Chief Legal and Ethics Officer for Renewables provided an excellent exchange on much needed clarity on handling the complexity of the policy.

Fireside chat: Leadership values beyond business

In the afternoon, we heard from leaders across industries: Mr Kim Yoon Young, Cluster President for Singapore & Brunei, Schneider Electric; Mr Long Weifeng, Senior Director, Compliance & Ethics, STMicroelectronics; and Mr Varun Gujral, Country Manager for Southeast Asia and CEO of Supply &Energy Management, ENGIE. 

Moderated by Janet Tang, Chief Legal & Ethics Officer for Southeast Asia, ENGIE, the fireside chat reinforced that ethics is not confined to compliance but defines how businesses operate with integrity in society.

Each shared the journey their companies have taken in building ethics in business and shaping organisational culture.  The conversation delved into individual challenges faced by leaders who set the standard while using their mandate to shape a culture of integrity within their companies. Each real story shared emphasised that the journey of one Company is no different from that of another, but with the same values, ethical issues were addressed without compromising principles.

A shared commitment

One Ethic Day 2025 was more than a reminder; it was a call to action. Ethics is not a one-day theme, but the standard by which we live our purpose and earn trust. By engaging openly, modelling values, and utilising the available tools, each of us plays a role in shaping an organisation built on respect and responsibility.

Looking Ahead

As we reflect on One Ethic Day 2025, we are reminded that ethics is a continuous journey, one that truly requires courage, consistency, and collective commitment. Whether it's through new tools like Your Voice, the guidance of our leaders, or everyday decisions made with integrity, each action strengthens the foundation of trust we build with one another.

Together, we move forward with renewed purpose: to embed ethics not only in our policies but in every interaction, with colleagues, clients, and communities alike.

Because ethics is not just about doing things right; it’s about doing the right thing, every day.

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Article contributed by: Guia TOMANENG