Question (1): Identify and discuss the Three (3) major issues and challenges that you believe will limit the effort put in by Asia-Pacific companies to implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in their daily global logistics and supply chain management activities. [Maximum 500 words]-(20 marks) Supply Chain Management and Sustainability in Asia-Pacific Companies In recent years, economic, environmental and social sustainability has become one of the fastest-growing fields. Businesses and supply chains have become substantially more global over the last decade. In recent years a rising number of multinational corporations have pledged to work only with suppliers that adhere to social and environmental standards. The aim is to create a cascade of sustainable practices that flows smoothly throughout the supply chain, or, as we prefer to call it, the supply network. Consider the embarrassing scrutiny that Apple, Dell, and HP endured not long ago for sourcing electronics from overseas companies that required employees to work in hazardous conditions, and the fallout that Nike and Adidas suffered for using suppliers that were dumping toxins into rivers in China. Asia-Pacific companies are defined as leaders (those expecting revenue to growth by 30% or more in the next 12 months) are increasing investment towards sustainability and have also been more likely to become sustainability-driven (40%) as part of their plans to boost resilience and protect themselves against future market. In Asia-Pacific, new technology and innovation are key priorities, including the implementation of data science and Al in business operations (51% vs 41% in the rest of the world), cloud-based software (45% vs 40% in the rest of the world), automation and robotics (42% vs 31% in the rest of the world) However, Asia-Pacific businesses such as Alibaba Group Holding Ltd., AEON Co., Ltd. and BHP Group Ltd.have also recognised that alongside investment in technology there also needs to be investment in people - without the right skills, new technologies cannot be deployed effectively. Which is why 39% of companies in the region are investing in upskilling and training their workforce. Asia-Pacific decision-makers say they are investing in sustainability to future-proof their businesses. What's more, they are prepared to make a significant financial commitment to meeting this goal, with seven in ten saying that they are willing to invest over 5% of their operating profit to becoming more sustainable. Among these, technology and IT businesses are leading the charge with almost three in ten (27%) investing over 10% of operating profit in sustainability, while companies within the services industry have committed to directing 8% on average. An impressive 86% of Asia-Pacific companies have already set net zero targets or intend to do so over the next 12 months and these decarbonisation targets also apply to suppliers. Efforts to become more environmentally friendly are focused on reducing plastic waste and increasing recycling on site, with 40% of businesses citing these as priorities. Both Hong Kong and China support' nature positive' supply chains (those that enhance the resilience of the planet and societies), while India and Malaysia highlight their focus on investing in and supporting local communities. Recent study reveals a growing awareness that supply chains are intrinsic to businesses' sustainability. 37% of businesses in the region say reviewing their suppliers' sustainability credentials is a priority, and more than a third (34%) cite their supply chain partners' sustainability record as a barrier to improving their own sustainability credentials. Other study also shows that Asia-Pacific business leaders are making real headway in accelerating a sustainable future as well as driving tech advances. They are setting new standards and providing solutions as part of the global quest for innovation and resilience in business