Formally opening the inaugural AsrIA conference, Tessa Tennant noted the modern economy operates as if it has the resources of several other worlds available to it. "There are many reasons for the growth of SRI, but I suggest the most compelling reason – especially for Asia – is SRI’s fundamental rationale. We have one planet as home. Industry must change, and companies which learn to operate within planetary constraints are the winners."

Key tasks for AsrIA in the coming year will include an educational outreach program "targeting key opinion formers such as financial advisers and trustees", Tennant told the conference. ASrIA will also carry out more research into the scope for SRI in the region and into the forms SRI needs to take in the region. The organisation will also help, when requested, with the launch of SRI funds and help raise the profile of SRI in the region. "We also want to work with others to support corporate accountability initiatives throughout the region."

With many thanks to Murray Griffin for the notes published in these pages