Supplier diversity: How AWS is building an inclusive cloud in APAC

^{*In the picture: Amy Crookes APAC ESG Services Leader EY, Theresa Harrison Global Director of ESG & Enablement Services EY, Enrica Centorame MD Global Forwarding, Dean Yates Managing Partner Oceania Government and Health Sciences for EY, Cheryl Gray WeConnect Oceania Lead}

At Amazon Web Services (AWS), our Supplier Diversity and Inclusion (SDI) initiatives aim to build sustained economic momentum, and create lasting benefits for businesses and communities.

"As we continue to invest in data centres, it is important to us to contribute to the communities where we operate, and this includes economic opportunities within our supply chain for diverse social groups," said Carly Wishart, Director of Data Centre Planning & Delivery at AWS, Asia-Pacific, Japan & China. "The diverse suppliers we source from within the region and globally helps AWS drive economic empowerment and create employment opportunities for historically marginalised communities, while allowing us to cultivate resilience and innovation by reducing our reliance on single sources and giving us access to a wider breadth of technology, expertise and perspectives.

A great example is Australia-based Givvable, a women-owned social enterprise, provides data on suppliers' environmental, social, and governance (ESG) credentials, that can be seamlessly integrated into existing procurement processes.

AWS is using Givvable's services to streamline the collection and verification of supplier sustainability credentials. This integration aims to enhance AWS's ability to make procurement decisions that align more closely with AWS’s sustainability commitments.

Where we are and where we've come from: The evolution of cybersecurity with Phil Rodrigues

The cybersecurity landscape is constantly evolving. It seems like new challenges are continually emerging, forcing businesses and governments to increase their focus on addressing them. Thankfully, progress in new cybersecurity capabilities is helping to keep those threats contained.

Read more

Across Asia-Pacific, particularly in Australia and New Zealand, for groups such as Aboriginal Australians, Torres Strait Islanders, Māori, Pasifika, women-owned businesses, and social enterprises, supplier diversity initiatives provide a gateway to economic opportunities.

Amotai is a New Zealand-based supplier diversity intermediary tasked with connecting Māori and Pasifika-owned businesses with buyers. AWS joined Amotai as a member in January 2024. Anna-Jane Edwards, CEO of Amotai, said, "Supplier diversity is not just a pathway to inclusion, but a driver of innovation and long-term economic growth. By engaging Māori and Pasifika-owned businesses, we unlock the potential of these communities, creating resilient supply chains and sustainable opportunities. AWS’s commitment to fostering diversity in its supply chain exemplifies the kind of leadership needed to build a more inclusive and prosperous future for all."

In 2023, Amazon was inducted into the Billion Dollar Roundtable, an advocacy organisation that recognises corporations committed to spending US$1 billion annually with certified U.S. Tier 1 diverse suppliers, which are businesses that directly sell products and services to a buying organisation. Amazon has partnered with over 500 certified U.S. Tier 1 diverse suppliers, contributing more than US$4.3 billion in spend and supporting 30,000 jobs with US$2.8 billion in wages earned.

Our commitment to fostering diverse supplier growth spans every country in which we operate. As part of our global presence, we have extended our SDI initiatives to 14 additional countries, including Australia, Canada, the UK, and India and we are planning to add New Zealand to our global expansion in 2025.

Already in 2023, Amazon spent over $74 million with more than 100 certified Tier 1 diverse suppliers internationally, as reported in the 2023 Amazon Sustainability report. This demonstrates the transformative potential of supplier diversity. When large buyers intentionally engage with diverse businesses—including those owned by women, minorities, veterans, and LGBTQ+ individuals—they create a ripple effect of growth and success in these communities.

To support the expansion of our SDI initiatives regionally, AWS has been actively participating in programs such as Supply Nation’s Connect Conferences in Australia, WEConnect International’s APAC events, and Amotai’s Navigate Summit in New Zealand, among others. These events facilitated dialogue between diverse suppliers and corporate buyers, offering insights on how to increase spending with diverse businesses and tackle challenges in advancing supplier diversity.

Earlier this year in our Brisbane office, AWS hosted an event to help mark a significant milestone, the establishment of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between WEConnect International, Supply Nation, and Social Traders. This MOU aims to foster the growth of Indigenous and women-owned businesses, and social enterprises, with a goal of creating a more inclusive and streamlined business ecosystem for diverse suppliers, ultimately enhancing opportunities and support for these important sectors of the economy.

Carla Preston, Senior Director of Supplier Diversity and Inclusion at Amazon, says: "At Amazon, we believe that a diverse supplier base is essential to driving innovation, building stronger communities, and fostering sustainable economic growth. Our induction into the Billion Dollar Roundtable highlights our commitment to working with diverse businesses, and our global expansion of Supplier Diversity and Inclusion initiatives reflects this commitment. By partnering with organizations like Supply Nation, WEConnect International, and Amotai, we’re creating opportunities for underrepresented suppliers to thrive, while also strengthening our supply chain resilience and delivering greater value to our customers around the world."

The opportunity for Generative Artificial Intelligence in the Australian Public Sector

At Amazon Web Services (AWS), we are committed to helping our customers experiment and adopt generative AI in a secure and responsible way: Applying a mindset of Curiosity, Growth, and Guardrails.

Read more

To unlock the full potential of SDI, it is essential to foster open dialogue between policymakers, suppliers, public and private sector buyers, and community leaders. Advocacy from these key stakeholders can position SDI as a powerful tool for economic development, empowering underserved communities with meaningful business opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region.

Kate Russell, CEO of Supply Nation, said: "Amazon’s commitment to supplier diversity is not only an investment in diverse businesses, but a commitment to a stronger, more resilient economy. By fostering collaboration between corporate buyers and Indigenous-owned businesses, Amazon is helping ensure that these suppliers have the opportunity to compete and succeed on a global stage."

Countries in APAC have limited mandates for tracking or reporting SDI metrics. Greater support from both the private and public sectors is essential to integrate SDI into national and regional policies, ensuring it becomes a key driver of equitable and sustainable economic growth.

AWS's commitment to supplier diversity is integral to our mission, extending far beyond financial investment. This commitment resonates deeply with our customers and stakeholders. As we strive to be more customer-obsessed, we recognize the importance of understanding and supporting our local communities. We acknowledge our responsibility to the planet and future generations, driving us to continually improve and make a positive impact every day.

Also read, The path to future-proofing local wildlife and communities from climate disasters