About This Resource
Building the Business Case for DE&I in Asia is a comprehensive, open-access toolkit designed to help organisations strengthen their diversity, equity and inclusion strategies across the region. Developed by Community Business Network (CBN), this resource provides clear, evidence-led insights for organisations at any stage of their DE&I journey.
In line with CBN’s mission, the toolkit is free and accessible to all, ensuring that businesses can continue advancing inclusion in Asia, regardless of global DE&I headwinds.
Why Understanding the Regulatory Landscape Matters
Asia’s DE&I-related laws and policies continue to evolve rapidly. For organisations operating across multiple jurisdictions, understanding this landscape is not only essential for compliance—it is a strategic advantage.
A clear view of regulatory expectations helps organisations:
- Build a credible and locally relevant business case for DE&I
- Align programmes with national requirements and emerging standards
- Navigate risks and demonstrate compliance more effectively
- Strengthen advocacy through legally grounded arguments
- Make informed, context-sensitive decisions
At a time when some Western markets are facing growing anti-DE&I sentiment, Asia continues to demonstrate progress—with new developments across gender equality, disability inclusion, mental health, and corporate governance. This toolkit helps organisations remain aligned with that momentum.
What the Toolkit Includes
A core feature of this resource is the Comparative Snapshot of the DE&I Legal and Regulatory Landscape across Asia-Pacific, offering a concise and high-level overview of protections, obligations and emerging policies across the region.
Based on data collected as of 8 September 2025, the snapshot covers 14 markets: Mainland China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, the Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.
The snapshot highlights:
- Gender equality regulations
- Disability rights and accessibility requirements
- LGBTQ+ protections and restrictions
- Freedom of religion and cultural safeguards
- Race and ethnicity–related policies
- Age-related non-discrimination laws
- Mental health and wellbeing regulations
- Corporate governance and ESG reporting requirements
The reference tables also identify recent reforms, limited enforcement, legal contradictions, and regulatory gaps, enabling organisations to better anticipate risks and align strategies with evolving standards.
Who This Toolkit Is For
This resource is designed to support a wide range of professionals, including:
- DE&I, HR and People & Culture practitioners
- Senior business leaders and decision-makers
- Legal, governance and compliance teams
- Employee Resource Group (ERG) leaders
- Organisations beginning their DE&I journey
- Organisations enhancing or regionalising DE&I strategies
The toolkit provides the structure, context and clarity needed to build resilient, future-ready DE&I programmes.
Our Commitment
This initiative is rooted in the mission of the Community Business Network: to empower organisations with the insights and tools required to sustain and advance inclusion across Asia.
By making this toolkit open to all, CBN reaffirms its commitment to building inclusive, equitable and human-centred workplaces, regardless of shifting global narratives or external pressures.
Access the Toolkit
Download the full toolkit and strengthen your organisation’s DE&I strategy with clarity, context and confidence.
This resource is available free of charge to all organisations committed to advancing inclusion across Asia.