Published March 10, 2022

“Consensus building and being thoughtful of the diversity of the various countries in Southeast Asia and their unique developmental needs play a huge role when we talk about partnerships in sustainable aviation,” said Jacqueline Lam, regional lead for Global Sustainability Policy and Partnerships at Boeing Southeast Asia, based in Singapore.

Jacqueline’s strong focus on advocacy for sustainable aviation, informing policy and private sector initiatives requires a collaborative approach that keeps diversity and inclusion at the center of discussions. Covering a diverse region including Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam, Jacqueline has an ideal opportunity to consider aviation sustainability from multiple angles and different perspectives.

Before joining Boeing, during her time working for the Singapore Ministry of Trade and Industry, Jacqueline learned the way of the “ASEAN consensus,” a style often credited for bringing and keeping the 10 member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) united in regional cooperation while embracing the vast diversity among them. Achieving consensus among member states is a key factor in ASEAN diplomacy which is founded on the idea that regional interest is interlinked with each member state’s national interest.

This experience shaped Jacqueline’s career. It also defined her approach to coordinating partnerships across the industry to develop Boeing’s future roadmap for advancing the use of cleaner and more sustainable aviation fuels in Southeast Asia.

Working with different partners from the various ASEAN countries, Jacqueline partners with teams to work toward preferred sustainable aviation fuel feedstock or raw materials, and establishing or scaling commercial production and distribution.

“The key here is understanding what everyone brings to the table and what sustainability means within the scope of the businesses at Boeing,” said Jacqueline.

Rising air travel will see the airplane fleet in Southeast Asia grow five percent by 2040. Globally, by 2050, air travel is likely to carry over 10 billion passengers a year, support 180 million jobs and generate nearly $9 trillion in economic activity, all while minimizing impact to the planet.

Jacqueline’s appreciation and understanding of the cultural diversity of Southeast Asia with its rich mosaic of people, ethnic groups, languages, and beliefs has helped build effective working relationships with suppliers in Southeast Asia to further Boeing’s commitment to source responsibly, create economic opportunities for diverse communities, and drive industry sustainability progress.

“Embracing diversity and inclusion wholeheartedly is a win for all. During my experience working in the Philippines, Singapore, Laos and Cambodia, I’ve learned that local context, cross-cultural understanding and mutual respect are key facets that facilitate the success of a project,” said Jacqueline. “I look forward to continuing to bring these values to my work at Boeing."

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Boeing's commitment to advancing sustainability touches our people, products and services, operations and communities. We're taking meaningful action to help protect our world, such as building more equitable communities through corporate investments, employee engagement and advocacy efforts, and making certain our commercial airplanes are certified to safely fly on 100% sustainable aviation fuels by 2030.

Learn more in our 2023 Sustainability Report.