Grab: Leading the Charge in Environmental Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility

In a world where the environment is as much a part of the corporate agenda as profitability, one company stands out in Southeast Asia for its commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. Grab, a leading multinational technology firm was established in Malaysia and later moved its headquarters to Singapore. Anthony Tan and Tan Hooi Ling founded it in June 2012 and initially launched as a ride-hailing service named MyTeksi. Gradually, Grab transformed into a super app, broadening its offerings to include ride-hailing, food delivery, grocery delivery, parcel delivery, e-commerce, online payment, financial services, and vehicle rental. This expansion signifies Grab's evolution from a single-service platform to a comprehensive ecosystem catering to many consumer needs.

Operational Footprint

Operating in countries like Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam, Grab has achieved the status of Southeast Asia's first decacorn, symbolising a startup valuation exceeding $10 billion and marking it as the region's largest technology startup. The company's workforce includes 1,934 full-time employees, 1,268 fixed-term contract employees, and 5,434 temporary agency workers. Its 2021 NASDAQ listing following the largest SPAC merger at the time underlines Grab's industry dominance.

Commitment to Sustainability and Community

Grab's commitment extends beyond business success to encompass corporate social responsibility (CSR), particularly in environmental stewardship and community welfare. The company is dedicated to combating environmental threats like climate change and has set ambitious goals to become Carbon Neutral and achieve Zero Waste to Nature by 2040. Grab's CSR initiatives emphasise reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fostering sustainable practices among users and the wider community.

As part of its CSR initiatives, Grab has committed to 100% renewable energy for all its premises since 2021 and aims for Net Zero Carbon Buildings by 2030.

Carbon Neutrality Roadmap to 2040:

By 2021, all Grab corporate offices switched to 100% renewable energy, and its two-wheel rental vehicles in Indonesia became fully electric.

The company aims to achieve net zero emissions for all Grab premises and ensure all ride-hailing vehicles in Singapore are low-emission by 2030. By 2040, the goal is to achieve carbon neutrality, with residual emissions offset, while advancing towards the use of zero-emission vehicles.

Impact and Initiatives:

Grab has significantly reduced CO2e emissions (>48,000 tonnes of Greenhouse Gas) through various strategies, including promoting zero-emission and low-emission transportation methods.

 Adopting eco-friendly options in Singapore has led to millions of rides with low-emission vehicles and a substantial portion of deliveries made by cyclists and walkers. Establishing over 800 battery swap stations in Indonesia facilitates the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs).

Driving Economic Empowerment and Innovation

At its core, Grab's mission to drive Southeast Asia forward is interwoven with its CSR strategy. By connecting consumers with various services, Grab not only offers unmatched convenience but also contributes to economic empowerment and innovation within the region. This approach underscores Grab's dedication to environmental sustainability while fostering community engagement and economic growth.

Grab's integrated strategy towards operational efficiency, environmental stewardship, and corporate social responsibility sets a benchmark for Southeast Asian companies and beyond. With its ambitious goals, Grab is not just advancing technology but is also leading the way in creating a sustainable, accessible, and empowered future for all.