August 2025 was a landmark month for procurement in the Pacific and Asia-Pacific region. New legislation, digital breakthroughs, and a strong focus on sustainability are transforming how governments and businesses operate. How ready is APAC for paperless & fair procurement?

Philippines Leads on Digital Transparency

The Philippines is setting a high standard for digital and sustainable trade in the region.

• UN Recognition: The country was ranked second in Southeast Asia in the 2025 UN Global Survey on Digital and Sustainable Trade Facilitation. This recognition highlights the nation’s success in paperless trade and streamlining customs, making it easier for businesses to operate with transparency.
• Green Procurement: In a major move toward sustainability, engineering firm Arup is spearheading a new project to decarbonize inter-island ferries. This initiative shows a clear shift toward integrating “green” criteria into public procurement processes.

Malaysia’s New Law for Fair Procurement

Malaysia is taking a significant step to fight corruption with the new Government Procurement Bill 2025.

• Key Reforms: The bill, debated in Parliament this month, aims to bring Malaysia’s procurement practices in line with international standards. It will establish a Procurement Appeal Tribunal and enforce open, fair competition for government contracts.
• Cracking Down on Fraud: The new law includes tougher penalties, like fines and imprisonment, for fraud and document falsification. This sends a strong message that integrity and fairness are non-negotiable in Malaysia’s business environment.

Pacific Islands Focus on Climate Resilience

Procurement in the Pacific is being shaped by the urgent need for climate change resilience.

• Regional Conference: The Pacific Infrastructure Conference 2025, held in Brisbane, brought together leaders to discuss the critical need for resilient infrastructure. Experts emphasized the importance of capacity building and preparing for natural disasters.
• ADB Projects: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has announced new projects, including those for climate-resilient health infrastructure in Kiribati and sustainable energy in the Federated States of Micronesia. These procurements show a clear commitment to building a more resilient future.
• Financing Gap: An ANZ report highlighted a significant infrastructure investment deficit in the Pacific, estimated at US$11 billion through 2035. To bridge this gap, governments are exploring private sector participation and “green” financing options.

• Top Predictive Analytics Tools Supply Chain Managers Need in 2025
• World Bank Strengthens the Philippines’ Transport and Healthcare Systems 
• From Delays to Efficiency: How Smart Contracts Transform Procurement
• Bangkok’s  Rising Heat Crisis Sparks Urgent Urban Resilience Plan
• Avoiding Greenwashing in Procurement to Meet Sustainability Goals

Regional Push for Paperless & Fair Procurement

Throughout Asia-Pacific, there’s a strong, unified effort to make procurement more efficient and transparentthrough digitalization.

• Cooperation: Countries in the East Asia and Pacific region have signed a new cooperation statement to advance the use of digital tools and promote professional ethics in public procurement.
• Paperless Trade: The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) continues to champion paperless trade platforms to reduce costs and boost efficiency. This ongoing digital shift is crucial for building a more connected and fair regional economy.