Recognising
Steward Leadership Excellence
in the Asia-Pacific
Steward Leadership 25 (SL25) is an annual listing of the 25 best projects of steward leadership excellence within the Asia-Pacific region.
Steward Leadership is the genuine desire and persistence to create a COLLECTIVE BETTER FUTURE. In business, this means pursuing a stewardship purpose which aims to create win-win-win prosperity wherein employees, shareholders and society-at-large all thrive together.
The SL25 list showcases projects from for-profit organisations that have demonstrated resolute actions to drive profitable growth by addressing the very challenges that threaten humanity. Projects that are included in SL25 are part of the organisation’s core strategy and purpose and strive to have a significant positive effect on stakeholders, society, future generations, or the environment.
The 25 projects that have excelled in steward leadership was revealed during the Steward Leadership Summit at Shangri-La Singapore on 21st November 2023.
Leveraging edtech for inclusion and digital literacy
Advanced Info Service Plc
Restoring tropical forests and biodiversity
APRIL International Enterprise
Fostering equity and resilience for marginalised communities
Bettr Barista Pte Ltd
Improving rural health with cookstoves that cut emissions
C-Quest Capital LLC
Enabling carbon reduction through algae cultivation
Chyau Bio Technologies Pvt. Ltd.
Upskilling communities to bridge the digital divide
DBS Bank
Converting construction waste to build homes
Eather Group Pty Ltd
Propagating native tree species through geothermal energy
Energy Development Corporation
Driving employment for youths with special educational needs
Inclus Inc.
Tackling malnourishment and food waste through whole foods
landlink Co., Ltd
Creating health equity in rural and semi-urban areas
Last Mile Care Private Limited (LMC)
Producing Organic Food through Wool-based Fertiliser
Monpellets LLC
Channelling a love of agriculture towards tackling food insecurity and land degradation
Monpellets LLC
Impact geography: Mongolia
By Delgermaa Shagdarsuren, Shareholder
Globally, the organic trend is on the rise. In September 2018, Monpellets LLC launched its organic sheep wool fertiliser plant, aiming for nutrient-rich harvests and a thriving organic fertiliser market with the motto of “healthy soil, healthy food, rich harvest.” Mongolia heavily relies on imports for 97% of its green products (as of 2021), posing significant risks to food safety and raising concerns about product origin. Mongolia has one of the highest cancer rates in the world, a problem believed to be closely linked to inadequate food safety measures. In response to this crisis, the president of Mongolia, Ukhnaa Khurelsukh, unveiled the "Food Supply and Security" national movement on May 13, 2022, at the State Khural Assembly. This marked the inception of a transformative food revolution in our nation, leading us towards a healthier and happier society. We take immense pride in producing organic fertiliser from Mongolian sheep wool, which is then used in green products and houses to cultivate a bountiful harvest of wholesome, organic food. This initiative holds great promise for a more sustainable and food-secure future.
Yet, progress is often accompanied by hurdles. In 2022, we only collected 150 tonnes of unwashed wool despite having the capacity for 2,500 tonnes. The primary factors contributing to this shortfall were the inadequate supply chain for sheep wool, a shortage of skilled shearers, and an exceptionally low daily shearing performance rate. Using hand scissors, Mongolian shearers could only manage 30 sheep per day, whereas the world record stands at an impressive 754 sheep in 8 hours.
Mongolia has 31 million sheep, presenting an annual potential of 45,000 tonnes of wool. However, due to a scarcity of skilled shearers, extensive land leading to heightened logistic costs, and less efficient manual shearing methods, only 26,000 tonnes are currently processed. This situation calls for change, and we took the initiative to do just that. We partnered with Share Mongolia, an NGO (non-governmental organisation) of New Zealand and Australian farmers. In the summer of 2022, we initiated an electric shearing training programme in collaboration with New Zealand farmers. This resulted in a win-win-win outcome where herders adeptly tackled shearing challenges while prioritising the welfare of their sheep. Shearers not only enjoyed significant earnings but also acquired invaluable international shearing skills. At the same time, wool facilities like mine received wool promptly, guaranteeing a consistent supply at competitive rates. Furthermore, we are starting to use a better rate of our plant capacity to produce value-added premium quality organic fertiliser, which has increased in demand since 2022 in both local and global markets.
The Monpellets team in conversation with New Zealand farmers
The innovation in this venture knows no bounds. From 1000 tonnes of unwashed wool, we’ve yielded 920 kg of premium organic fertiliser, devoid of water or additives. This not only boosts herders’ shearing capacity from 30 to 200 sheep per day, significantly increasing their income, but also guarantees superior soil and plant health. Acting as a water reservoir, this wool-based fertiliser imparts vital nutrients, promoting soil aeration and facilitating deeper, denser root growth. This groundbreaking product is Mongolia’s latest non-mining export, with an annual potential of EUR6 million in sales. Beyond its monetary value, it fosters fertile soil, resilient food production, and elevated health and safety standards. This internationally certified product garners trust, benefiting a wide range of stakeholders, from herders, cooperatives, and factories to consumers.
Organic fertiliser made from sheep wool
Fertiliser stands as a critical component for several vital sectors, including environmentally friendly forest and tree planting, as well as anti-land desertification efforts. In agriculture, it supports the production of value-added, animal-based exports, aligning with light industry development. Mongolia is recognised for its lucrative mining endeavours, yet extensive land degradation demands effective biological rehabilitation, with fertiliser as a pivotal ingredient. The labour sector offers substantial opportunities for skilled shearers, contributing to sustainable employment. Naturally, this positively impacts the economy and finance sectors. Wool-based fertiliser holds the potential to become Mongolia’s flagship export, bolstering the nation’s revenue in dollars.
Our project has garnered significant recognition and exhibits the potential for nationwide expansion. We’ve established the following mid-term objectives:
The Monpellets team
My aspiration is to share the joys of agriculture with every Mongolian child. I plan to establish a greenhouse for berries, specifically organic strawberries, fertilised with natural products derived from Mongolian sheep wool. In doing so, I aim to create an environment where my children, alongside their classmates, can pick and savour these delectable berries. I am, after all, a typical hardworking Mongolian mother.
Monpellets pioneers eco-friendly plant that offering organic fertiliser crafted from additive-free sheep wool, conserving water. This nutrient-dense blend promotes fertile soil and environmental sustainability. With a 2500tn production capacity, we export to the EU and US, backed by organic certification by FIBL Europe and OMRI US, proudly Mongolian. Beyond fertilisers, we target farming and greenhouse sectors, both locally and internationally. Collaborating with Mongolian shearers and herders, we plan second and third plants to harness abundant waste wool resources. We, Monpellets, aspire to be a premier global fertiliser supplier, renowned for quality and green business ethics. www.monpellets.com
The SL25 partners – Stewardship Asia Centre, the INSEAD Hoffmann Global Institute for Business and Society, WTW and The Straits Times – are not responsible for the statements and opinions expressed by the organisations behind the SL25 initiatives. These organisations are responsible for the truthfulness, accuracy and completeness of their content in their nominations as well as those presented on this site, which are not guaranteed by the SL25 partners. All information on this site reflects the submissions received as of 30 June 2022, the closing nomination date for SL25. Inclusion to the SL25 list is based on the particular initiative(s) described in the nomination form. SL25 is not intended as a blanket endorsement of the organisation as a whole.
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Tailoring investment solutions for net zero
OCBC
Championing inclusion for the disadvantaged via vocational training
Project Dignity Pte Ltd
Uplifting village communities through regenerative farming
PT Industri Jamu Dan Farmasi Sido Mancul Tbk
Protecting marine ecosystems and coastal communities
PTT Exploration and Production Public Company Limited
Unlocking healthcare access in underserved communities
reach52 Pte Ltd
Developing a zero-waste society to empower vulnerable communities
ReFuse SARL
Providing safe sanitation in sub-tropical villages
Safe Water Gardens (SWG) Pte Ltd
Empowering vulnerable communities to thrive in a digital economy
Singtel Group
Building resilience in infrastructure design
SM Prime Holdings., Inc.
Moving people, enhancing livestyles through inclusive service delivery
SMRT Corporation Ltd
Integrating data analysis to halve food waste
Sodexo Singapore Pte Ltd
Empowering elderly and kidney patients through employment
Tea Ideas Pte Ltd
Manufacturing electric jeepneys to combat pollution
Tojo Motors Corporation
Stewardship is creating value by integrating the needs of stakeholders, society, future generations and the environment. Uplifting communities, sustainability and responsible investing are forms of stewardship.
Stewardship is brought to life through Steward Leadership, the genuine desire and persistence to create a collective better future. It involves activating the Steward Leadership Compass.
The SL25 projects are manifestations of different forms of stewardship, and the organisations' values and purpose serve as their compass in directing strategies and execution.
The judges assess the nominees based on:
The judges consider whether the project has a clear purpose and values that seeks to create sustainable growth while benefitting its stakeholders, society, future generations and the environment. Judges also consider the extent to which the project align with the organisation’s overarching purpose and values.
The judges consider how the project is integrated into the overall business or growth strategy, as well as the scale of the project in relation to the size of the organisation’s business.
The judges consider the reach and positive impact that the project has on the environment, society, and/or other impact areas. Judges also consider how the project fulfilled a need of the community.
The judges consider the innovative nature of the project relative to that of others in its industry and its commitment to long-term sustainable impact.
Director, SPH Media Trust
Vice Chairman, Roche Holding AG
Founding Panvestor & CEO, Panarchy Partners
Executive Director, APEC Secretariat, Singapore
President, Yale-NUS College
Chairman of the Executive Board, Mae Fah Luang Foundation
Professor Emeritus of International Management, INSEAD, Singapore
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How Steward Leadership Makes a Difference
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How does one practise steward leadership?
The SL25 partners – Stewardship Asia Centre, the INSEAD Hoffmann Global Institute for Business and Society, WTW and The Straits Times – are not responsible for the statements and opinions expressed by the organisations behind the SL25 projects. These organisations are responsible for the truthfulness, accuracy and completeness of their content in their applications as well as those presented on this site, which are not guaranteed by the SL25 partners. All information on this site reflects the applications received as of 31 May 2023, the closing application date for SL25. Inclusion to the SL25 list is based on the particular project described in the application form. SL25 is not intended as a blanket endorsement of the organisation as a whole.
Copyright © Stewardship Asia Centre 2023
https://stewardleadership25.com/
Monpellets pioneers eco-friendly plant that offering organic fertiliser crafted from additive-free sheep wool, conserving water. This nutrient-dense blend promotes fertile soil and environmental sustainability. With a 2500tn production capacity, we export to the EU and US, backed by organic certification by FIBL Europe and OMRI US, proudly Mongolian. Beyond fertilisers, we target farming and greenhouse sectors, both locally and internationally. Collaborating with Mongolian shearers and herders, we plan second and third plants to harness abundant waste wool resources. We, Monpellets, aspire to be a premier global fertiliser supplier, renowned for quality and green business ethics. www.monpellets.com