DIAN Rebrands to Community Business Network: A New Era of Connection and Impact
For over a decade, the Diversity and Inclusion in Asia Network (DIAN) has played a pivotal role in fostering diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) conversations across Asia. As the corporate landscape evolves, so must the way organisations approach social impact and inclusion. In response to these shifts, we are excited to announce the DIAN (Diversity and Inclusion in Asia Network) will rebrand as the Community Business Network from February 2025, a change that reflects our broader mission and commitment to building meaningful connections.
Why the Change? Strengthening the Bridge Between Business and Community
At Community Business, our foundation has always been built on bridging the gap between corporations and the communities they serve. Upon reflecting on our work and engagement with partners, we recognised the need to centralise and strengthen this approach—leading to the decision to rebrand DIAN as the Community Business Network.
This transformation is more than just a name change. It is a strategic shift aimed at fostering greater collaboration, knowledge-sharing and social impact across the region. By creating a stronger, more connected community, we can enable deeper conversations and more sustainable outcomes for businesses committed to positive change.
The Evolution of Inclusion: Beyond Traditional DE&I
The shift comes at a pivotal time for global DE&I conversations. We expect to see the narrative in the West diverge from the progress made in Asia, with our regional partners taking the lead on inclusion and forging ahead regardless of the backtracking we see in the US. This offers great opportunity to lean into the Asia discourse around inclusion, wellbeing and social impact, notably reacting to corporate strategies that encompass not only DE&I but also Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and crucially, impact measurement.
Moreover, we have continued to observe a growing demand for intersectional, holistic approaches to inclusion. While recognising the importance of specific diversity markers, we see a shift away from siloed discussions—with Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) becoming more inclusive and nuanced intersectionality taking centre stage. Aligned with this, the Community Business Network will offer a more comprehensive platform to address these evolving needs, allowing members to access insights, best practices, and tools that span DE&I, social impact, and sustainability.
What This Means for Our Members
By transitioning to the Community Business Network, we are taking a proactive step to better serve our members:
- Greater Access to Expertise: Members will benefit from the collective knowledge of wider Community Business initiatives, including our Consulting & Training arm as well as our Key campaigns that put the spotlight on social issues that need to be addressed.
- More Tailored Support: Whether an organisation is just beginning its inclusion journey or is already advanced in its efforts, this new structure will allow for customised solutions.
- A Stronger, More Connected Network: By breaking down silos and promoting collaboration, we aim to deepen the impact of our work and help organisations navigate the evolving inclusion landscape.
A Stepping Stone to the Future of Inclusion
The rebranding of DIAN to the Community Business Network marks a significant milestone in our journey. It is an opportunity to expand our reach, enhance our support for businesses, and drive lasting social change. As we move forward, we remain committed to staying at the forefront of conversations around impact, inclusion and belonging.
We invite all our partners—new and existing—to join us in this next chapter. Together, we can build a more inclusive and socially responsible future for businesses across Asia.
For more information about the Community Business Network, please visit our website www.communitybusiness.org/network