This is the first book to provide a comparative and critical analysis of why and how corporate governance and corporate law have been or can be used to promote and protect sustainability in the four common law jurisdictions in Asia, ie Singapore, Hong Kong, India and Malaysia. Based on theoretical, doctrinal and empirical research, I critically evaluate the rationales for, and effectiveness of, six corporate mechanisms, namely (1) sustainability reporting; (2) gender diversity on the board of directors; (3) constituency directors; (4) stewardship codes; (5) directors’ duty to act in the best interests of the company; and (6) liability on companies, shareholders and directors.

I argue that none of the current explanations of why shareholders should be given voting powers are persuasive. I then explain the exercise of informal power through the exertion of influence.

I argue that none of the current explanations of why shareholders should be given voting powers are persuasive. I then explain the exercise of informal power through the exertion of influence.

I argue that controlling shareholders should be subject to fiduciary duties by showing that the legal mechanisms are deficient; there are conflicts of interest involving controllers that remain unaddressed by the law; and the reasons for subjecting directors to duties apply to controllers.