ASEAN Social Enterprise Structuring Guide

Around the world, social entrepreneurship is thriving. More and more organisations are taking a market-based approach to find sustainable solutions and have a positive social impact. Southeast Asia is no exception: investment continues to blossom, and individuals and organisations that support the space are finding new and diverse ways to help the growing number of social entrepreneurs. In the last few years, governments in the region have started to play an increasingly active role in supporting the sector’s evolution.

The Thomson Reuters Foundation has always championed the emerging impact economy. A key priority for TrustLaw, the Thomson Reuters Foundation’s global pro bono service, is to support innovative organisations who are addressing environmental, humanitarian and social problems across the globe. We are continuously inspired at the passion, innovation and resilience of these businesses. Our work in Southeast Asia continues to prove that social entrepreneurs are at the forefront of driving change and creating social impact. We know all too well, that the legal structure they choose for their venture can have a significant bearing on their ability to achieve social change.

The guide identifies the advantages and disadvantages of each structure and sets out the relevant registration procedures, regulatory and governance considerations, tax treatment as well as finance and fundraising options – an understanding of all of this is so crucial to ensuring the sustainability, good governance and success of a social venture. 
This report was produced by the British Council. Tilleke & Gibbins, United Nations ESCAP and TrustLaw.