FAQ – Asia Sustainability Reporting Awards
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FAQ

background and introduction

What are the Asia Sustainability Reporting Awards?

Established in 2015, the Asia Sustainability Reporting Awards (ASRA) has become the highest recognition for ESG reporting. Widely recognised as the Oscars of corporate reporting, ASRA has firmly established as the most coveted mark of excellence.

What is the purpose of ASRA?

ASRA’s mission is to encourage all organisations to embrace transparency in their corporate reporting.Our vision for ASRA is to become the most inspiring recognition of corporate reporting. ASRA aims to introduce healthy competition among the reporting organisations to constantly raise the overall quality of disclosure.

What types of reports are covered by ASRA?

ASRA covers all forms of sustainability reporting and integrated reporting.

How may award categories are available?

ASRA is offered in multiple categories to recognise best practice in various aspects of reporting. See the detailed information about the current categories here.

Who organises ASRA?

ASRA is organised by Singapore-based CSRWorks International, a trusted name in sustainability services since 2005. CSRWorks has instituted ASRA as a non-profit programme to reflect its commitment to sustainability. Learn more about CSRWorks here

Who are supporting partners of ASRA?

ASRA is supported by a host of sustainability-minded organisations across the region. The British High Commission Singapore and Embassy of Sweden have been key supporting partners of ASRA since its inception. The British High Commissioner has hosted the awards ceremony gala dinner event every year to encourage organisations in Asia to embrace transparent corporate reporting. The Swedish Ambassador to Singapore has graced the awards ceremony as the Guest of Honour all these years.

Why was ASRA founded?

ASRA was created to promote corporate transparency and disclosure.We firmly believe that a transparent reporting of economic, environmental, social and governance issues makes organisations more resilient and restores trust between business and society.

Background and Introduction

What are the Asia Sustainability Reporting Awards?

Established in 2015, the Asia Sustainability Reporting Awards (ASRA) has become the highest recognition for ESG reporting. Widely recognised as the Oscars of corporate reporting, ASRA has firmly established as the most coveted mark of excellence.

What is the purpose of ASRA?

ASRA’s mission is to encourage all organisations to embrace transparency in their corporate reporting.Our vision for ASRA is to become the most inspiring recognition of corporate reporting. ASRA aims to introduce healthy competition among the reporting organisations to constantly raise the overall quality of disclosure.

What types of reports are covered by ASRA?

ASRA covers all forms of sustainability reporting and integrated reporting.

How may award categories are available?

ASRA is offered in multiple categories to recognise best practice in various aspects of reporting. See the detailed information about the current categories here.

Who organises ASRA?

ASRA is organised by Singapore-based CSRWorks International, a trusted name in sustainability services since 2005. CSRWorks has instituted ASRA as a non-profit programme to reflect its commitment to sustainability. Learn more about CSRWorks here

Who are supporting partners of ASRA?

ASRA is supported by a host of sustainability-minded organisations across the region. The British High Commission Singapore and Embassy of Sweden have been key supporting partners of ASRA since its inception. The British High Commissioner has hosted the awards ceremony gala dinner event every year to encourage organisations in Asia to embrace transparent corporate reporting. The Swedish Ambassador to Singapore has graced the awards ceremony as the Guest of Honour all these years.

Why was ASRA founded?

ASRA was created to promote corporate transparency and disclosure.We firmly believe that a transparent reporting of economic, environmental, social and governance issues makes organisations more resilient and restores trust between business and society.

Eligibility

Which countries are covered by ASRA?

All organisations which publish a sustainability report or an integrated report in any country in Asia continent are eligible to participate in ASRA.

Can not-for-profit organisations submit their entries?

Yes. ASRA is open to all organisations including non-profits, social enterprises, academic institutions, public sector organisations, government agencies, non-governmental organisations, municipal councils, and SMEs.

How do I know if my report is eligible?

Only publicly available sustainability reports are eligible to participate in ASRA.
We accept only your latest or last published report.

Our organisation has subsidiaries in different Asian countries. Can we still enter under the same organisation name?

For each subsidiary, you may enter into the sameor different categories, if it is based in Asia and have their own individual reports or disclosures that are publicly available.

Our organisation publishes more than one report. Can we submit all reports?

Yes, as long as they are published for the same year. Please indicate the categories you are entering each report in.

Can we submit a report or communication in a different language?

Currently, we only accept entries in English. Reports published in other languages will be accepted only if participating organisations can provide an English translation.

Submitting Entries

Who can submit entries?

All organisations in the Asia Pacific region are eligible to submit entries.

How do we submit entries?

All organisations are invited to submit their entries through our simple to complete online form.

When is the submission deadline?

Please refer to the home page for the early bird and final submission deadlines. Do contact us for a case-by-case evaluation, if you are unable to adhere to the final submission deadline.

Can we enter more than one category?

Organisations can enter multiple categories, subject to a maximum number of entries as indicated on the Entry Form.

What are the benefits of entering multiple categories?

On entering multiple categories, you increase the chances of being one of the finalists and to win an award. Moreover, you can compare your performance with other organisations who have entered the same category.

What categories should we enter?

Consider the strengths of your report when choosing the categories. For example, if your report discloses extensively on climate-related risks and opportunities, it may be a good idea to submit your report for the “Asia’s Best Climate Report” category.

Is there any entry fee to enter the Awards?

ASRA is a non-profit initiative. We charge a small entry fee to cover the administrative expenses of organising the awards. The entry fee is inclusive of one complimentary pass for each participating organisation at the Awards Ceremony event. Learn more about the entry fees here.

How will we know if our submission is accepted?

Upon receiving your online application, we will screen your submission for eligibility and send an invoice for the entry fee if they meet the criteria. Please note that your submission will be considered onlyonce we have received your entry fee payment.

How many entries are received?

We receive a large number of entries each year from over 20 countries in the region. We have witnessed a progressive increase in the number of entries received every year.

Are entry forms kept confidential?

Yes,the organisers will ensure that all sensitive information is kept private, and relevant documents are reviewed only by the judges. All results of finalists and winners are also kept confidential until the time of release.

Awards

What is the judging process?

There are three awards available to be won in each category: Gold, Silver and Bronze.

Judging

Who judges the entries?

An independent panel of judges decides the finalists and winners. The judging panel is independent of the organisers to maintain the highest possible neutrality and objectivity. More information about the judges can be found here.

What is the judging process?

The multi-tier judging process follows a rigorous process and due diligence. Learn more about the judging process here.

What are the judging criteria?

Click here to see the judging criteria.

Are the entries judged by industry sector?

Currently, entries are judged only by category irrespective of industry sector.

Judging Feedback

Will we receive judging feedback?

A structured feedback on entries can be useful for organisations who are keen to improve their next report. Participating organisations can choose from the following options:

  • Assessment Report: A detailed assessment of the report may be provided for a fee. The assessment report would include recommendations for improvement. Any participating organisation can avail this service. Fee: US$ 5,000.00
  • Virtual Feedback Session: A 90-minute virtual session in a live webinar format where a member of the judging panel and a reporting expert from CSRWorks will provide specific feedback on the entry and answer questions. Any participating organisation can avail this service. Fee: US$ 1500.00

These services are completely optional and voluntary. Interested organisations should contact us after the awards have been announced. Please write to asra@csrworks.com for more information.

Finalists

How many finalists will be there?

It is expected to have 8-12 finalists in each award category. However, this is subject to the number and quality of entries submitted and may vary from year to year.

When are the finalists announced?

Please refer to the Home Page for the announcement dates. View the complete timeline here

How will we know if are a finalist?

Names of finalists are announced on the awards website and our social media channels.

What do we get as a finalist?

All finalists will receive a personalised merit certificate and also a distinct finalist branding logo which they can use as a mark of their sustainability excellence.

What should we do if we are a finalist?

All finalists are strongly encouraged to attend the awards ceremony where winners will be announced. Awards Ceremony has been hosted virtually after Covid-19 pandemic. We plan to go back to in-person event as soon as feasible. Our Awards Secretariat will e-mail your organisation’s primary contact mentioned in the entry form with more information.

Winners

How many winners will be awarded?

There are three awards available to be won for each category: Gold, Silver and Bronze. In exceptional cases, there may be joint winners for a certain category or categories.

When are the winners announced?

Winners will be revealed only at the awards ceremony. Names of the winners will be kept confidential until then. View the complete timeline here.

What do we get as a winner?

Each winner will receive a customised plaque (Gold/Silver/Bronze) at the awards ceremony. Winners will also be given a branding logo that they can use in their communication materials as a mark of reporting excellence.

What is Sustainability Reporting: Learn from Asia’s Best (SR-LAB)?

SR-LAB is an exclusive annual publication dedicated to showcase reporting leadership of ASRA winners. The aim of SR-LAB is to promote the winners internationally. See the past editions here.

How can winners participate in SR-LAB?

Winners will be invited to participate in SR-LAB after the results have been announced. There is a small sponsorship fee for participating in SR-LAB to meet the cost of the publication. Please note that participation in SR-LAB is completely voluntary.

Certificate of Participation

Will the participating organisations get a certificate of participation?

All winners and finalists will receive a Certificate.

Becoming a Supporting Organisation

How can we become a partner?

We welcome opportunities to partner with other organisations which are interested in promoting responsible business practices and ESG reporting. Contact us here to find out how you can be a valuable partner of ASRA.

Sponsorship

How is ASRA financed?

ASRA is a non-profit initiative that is funded mainly by the entry fees contributed by participating organisations.

How can we become a sponsor?

Sponsorship from organisations participating in ASRA is not accepted to maintain independence and neutrality.

Awards Ceremony

When will the Awards ceremony take place?

Please refer to our timeline  for more details. We will announce the precise date closer to the day of the event.

Do we need to pay to attend the awards ceremony?

No. Every participating organisation will be provided with one complimentary pass to attend the awards ceremony. However, if an organisation wants to send more representatives to attend the event it can purchase additional passes subject to availability. More information can be obtained from ASRA Secretariat closer to the event.

Where will the ceremony be held?

The Awards Ceremony will be held in Singapore. The exact venue will be announced in due course. Awards Ceremony has been hosted virtually after Covid-19 pandemic. We plan to go back to in-person event as soon as feasible. Our Awards Secretariat will e-mail your organisation’s primary contact mentioned in the entry form with more information.

Is it required to attend the awards ceremony?

Awards ceremony is a very special occasion where winners receive their awards and finalists get their certificates. All participants are strongly recommended to attend the awards ceremony.

Are winners expected to give a speech at the event?

Due to time constraints, on-stage speeches by all winners are not expected. However, the winners will be asked for a short interview for the official event video by our crew.

What if I can't make it to the awards ceremony?

You are strongly encouraged to attend the awards ceremony. However, if you are not able to attend, you can collect your award from our office in Singapore. Awards will not be shipped to winners or finalists.

Sponsorship

How is ASRA financed?

ASRA is financed largely by the entry fees contributed by participating organisations.

How can I become a sponsor?

Sponsorship opportunities are available. Please contact us here to learn more about how you can contribute to ASRA.

Awards Ceremony

When will the Awards ceremony take place?

Please refer to our timeline for more details. We will announce the precise date closer to the day of the event.

What will it cost to attend the Awards Ceremony?

Every participating organisation in ASRA will be provided with a complimentary pass to the Awards Ceremony. Organisations may also purchase additional passes if they plan to send more representatives. Additional passes are given on first-cum-first-serve basis due to limited availability. Organisations interested in purchasing additional passes should contact ASRA Secretariat to get more information.

Where will the ceremony be held?

The Awards Ceremony will be held in Singapore. The exact venue will be announced in due course. Awards Ceremony has been hosted virtually after Covid-19 pandemic. We plan to go back to in-person event as soon as feasible. Our Awards Secretariat will e-mail your organisation’s primary contact mentioned in the entry form with more information.

Is it necessary to attend the Awards Ceremony?

Winners must be present at the awards ceremony to receive their award(s). A no-show may result in the award being given to the next in line finalist.

Every participating organisation is strongly encouraged to attend as it adds to the significance of the Awards Ceremony. The Awards Ceremony also serves as a platform for sharing of best practices in sustainability communication, which can be useful for organisations in enhancing their stakeholder communication and preparing their future reports.

Will I have to say anything at the ceremony if I am one of the winners?

The winners may be requested to deliver a few words about their reporting experience upon receiving the Awards. They may also be approached by members of the media for comments.

What if I can't make it to the Award Ceremony?

You are strongly encouraged to attend the Awards Ceremony. However, if you are not able to attend, you can collect the finalist’s certificate from our office in Singapore.