Thailand and the wider ASEAN region are already a critical part of the journey to global freight decarbonization.
From optimization to decarbonization
Janya’s journey began during her PhD. Her academic background is in mathematics and operations research, with a particular interest in applying optimization and mathematical models to logistics and supply chain problems. Professor Alan McKinnon’s Green Logistics book gave her a new perspective: logistics is not only about cost and efficiency, but also about the environment.
The turning point came around 2022. The conversation in the logistics industry had shifted towards carbon emissions and climate change, and the Thai government had set a net-zero emissions target and roadmap. Janya had the opportunity to work with Thailand Post and SCGJWD Logistics on a decarbonization roadmap and strategy. This meant also looking into the methodology for measuring carbon emissions, which connected her to SFC and the wider global logistics community.
What keeps her motivated is that freight decarbonization is a long journey, and it is only at the starting point.
A dynamic and diverse region
ASEAN is a growing economy with increasing urbanization, e-commerce, and cross-border trade, and a complex regional and global supply chain. Each part of the region has a different logistics profile:
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Thailand is an important manufacturing hub and exporting country, with strong automotive, food, agricultural, and electronics sectors. It is very dominant in road transportation.
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Singapore is mainly port, maritime, and transshipment.
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Indonesia and the Philippines have an archipelagic geography, so maritime logistics is extremely important.
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The Greater Mekong Subregion (Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Lao PDR) combines road, rail, maritime, and inland waterways.
As Janya explains, there is no single solution for freight decarbonization in ASEAN. Each country’s readiness and technology must be considered. Because the region has many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), decarbonization must also be accessible and applicable for companies of all sizes.
Three characteristics that shape the challenge
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Diversity: ASEAN countries are at different levels of readiness and maturity in economic development, infrastructure, technology adoption, and regulatory development.
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Fragmentation: There are many layers of logistics service providers and many SMEs. Product owners often outsource transportation, and one shipment may go through several layers. This makes it harder for companies to control transportation and emissions data.
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Cross-border supply chains: Products may be manufactured in one country, packed and dispatched in another, and cross borders using different modes before reaching their destination.
To address this, Janya says the region needs regional cooperation, a common methodology, data sharing, and greater alignment across the supply chain.
A transition in mindset
Janya sees ASEAN, especially Thailand, at a transition stage. In the past, industry conversations focused only on cost and speed. Now, carbon emissions and how to reduce them are part of the conversation. Companies are ready, and support given at this time can keep progress moving.
Logistics is no longer seen only as cost reduction and speed. It now plays an important role in helping governments and countries reduce carbon emissions. At the beginning of 2026, SFC hosted a delegation from the Thai government to run training on decarbonization.
Why Thailand and ASEAN matter globally
Most products are manufactured, or at least sourced, from ASEAN countries. By reducing logistics emissions, the region supports global companies and the global supply chain in reducing their Scope 3 emissions.
Janya also sees an opportunity for Thailand to develop practical solutions that can be adopted in other countries in the region, and in other regions as well.
Learn more
Listen to Part 1 for the full conversation. In Part 2 [coming soon], Janya explores the GLEC Framework and how GLEC and ISO 14083 are helping companies in the region move from measuring emissions to identifying real reduction opportunities.
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