Three reasons to be optimistic for the future of Asia
Data shows that ASEAN customers are more likely to back sustainable companies. From fair trade to inclusive business practices, a new way of making money is emerging.
Lilian (Lan) Mercado is Oxfam's Regional Director for Asia. Lan has been an activist, media practitioner, and development and humanitarian leader for over 30 years. She led Oxfam's programme in the Philippines as Country Director. She served as Oxfam International Deputy Director for worldwide campaigns on equality, food security and climate justice, freedom from violence for women and the protection of rights during humanitarian crises. Lan served as ASEAN Advisor on Partnership and Resource Mobilisation, working with multiple stakeholders. Prior to joining Oxfam, Lan worked with human rights groups, political alliances and the consumer movement in the Philippines. She worked with an international women's research and communication NGO and was active in the campaign for the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Violence against Women (CEDAW). She practiced as a radio and print journalist. Lan is a graduate of Broadcast Communication and did post-graduate studies on sustainable development. She was recently awarded the first Glory Award for Social Advocacy of the College of Mass Communication of the University of the Philippines and is a recipient of the university's Distinguished Alumni Award.