SPACE ASEAN

SPACE ASEAN is advancing the regional expansion of the ASEAN Impact Rice Initiative (AIRI) into Lao PDR, exploring opportunities to support low-emission and sustainable rice production.

Together with local academic and sector stakeholders, we are assessing opportunities to promote sustainable rice cultivation practices, including Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD), while exploring the potential of carbon finance to create greater environmental and economic value across the rice value chain.

In Quarter, SPACE ASEAN has achieved numerous significant milestones.

A meaningful step forward in Thailand. SPACE ASEAN is pleased to begin this new chapter of collaboration with the Center for SME Digital and ESG Transformation, Khon Kaen University, together with SLIG Co., Ltd.

This MoU brings together academic insight, local implementation capacity, and cross-border partnership building to support more sustainable and lower-emission rice initiatives in Thailand. From technical exchange and training to stakeholder coordination and project preparation, this collaboration is designed to connect ideas with action.

We believe real progress in agriculture comes from strong local partnerships, practical field knowledge, and a shared commitment to long-term impact.

I'm pleased to announce that the ASEAN Impact Rice Initiative (AIRI) has officially expanded to Kompong Thom, Cambodia. We appreciate the strategic partnership with AgriCapture (the U.S.), which is responsible for carbon credit project development, MRV, and carbon credit monetization. We appreciate the commitment from our Local Implementation Partner (LIP), Mr. Nhem Sovatha and Ms. Kimviet Ngo Barringer, who are committed to improving the income for farmers from carbon credits and an environmentally friendly rice brand.

AIRI is the grand project that aims to achieve 1M hectares of low-emission across Southeast Asia. The project will generate significant environmental, social, and economic impacts across the region.

I'm pleased to announce that the ASEAN Impact Rice Initiative (AIRI) has officially expanded to West Sumatra, Indonesia, adding the second location to the project. We appreciate the strategic partnership with AgriCapture (the U.S.), which is responsible for carbon credit project development, MRV, and carbon credit monetization. We appreciate the commitment from our Local Implementation Partner (LIP), the Cooperative of Produsen Hidup Basamo Sepakat. Big thanks to Fitra Jaya Piliang, who tirelessly champions regenerative agriculture and the betterment of his community.

I was born and raised in a farming family, and all of my childhood memories are attached to the rice field behind my house. I recognized that it is extremely hard for farmers to break through their social fabric. AIRI aims to improve income for farmers, support local community vitality, and steward the environment.

Our 8 LIPs in 7 countries in Southeast Asia are committed to achieving 1M hectares of low-emission rice in 2030 across the region. The task is challenging, but the outcomes will be rewarding.

SPACE ASEAN is pleased to share our Newsletter for Q1 2026.

This issue highlights several meaningful developments from the first quarter of the year, including implementation progress in Lombok, regional stakeholder engagement, external recognition, and new partnership momentum across our network.

As we continue to strengthen impactful U.S.–ASEAN cooperation through innovation and sustainability, we are grateful for the trust, collaboration, and shared commitment of our partners across the region.

We invite you to read the newsletter and stay connected with SPACE ASEAN as we continue this journey together.

SPACE ASEAN is pleased to announce the signing of an MoU with Institut Teknologi PLN (ITPLN), marking the beginning of a strategic partnership grounded in green technology transfers, biomass to bioenergy, and impact investment.

This partnership reflects our mutual commitment to fostering meaningful collaboration in areas that contribute to sustainable growth, knowledge exchange, and long-term impact across ASEAN.

We look forward to working together with ITPLN to build practical initiatives, strengthen institutional connections, and create new opportunities for collaboration between academic, industry, and development stakeholders.

We sincerely thank Institut Teknologi PLN for its trust and partnership, and we look forward to the journey ahead.