Page 5 - SET SD 2563 - EN

Appendix
Employee Development Social Development Environmental Management Performance Summary GRI Standards Content Index
Message from the President
‘Mobilizing Thailand’s Capital Markets for National Strength’
Dr. Pakorn Peetathawatchai
President
Over the past 47 years, the Stock Exchange of Thailand faced numerous crises due to fast-changing economic, social, and environmental conditions. All of these challenges have taught the SET how to adapt. In 2020, the world faced a major challenge from the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused serious and unprecedented impacts on the economic system and societies. To respond to this, the SET implemented its Business Continuity Plan to closely monitor and contain the spread of COVID-19 and ensure the continuity of its operations.
Employee Safety is Our Priority
The SET places the utmost importance on the safety of all employees and staff to ensure that everyone is able to perform their duties in a safe environment. Screening checkpoints have been set up, building areas are regularly cleaned and have been reconfigured to follow social distancing measures, and employees’ health and hygiene are maintained. The organization has supported a work-from-home policy and arranged appropriate welfare benefits, including the transport and delivery of computers and other necessary work equipment to employees’ homes. Additionally, the organization has encouraged employees to use technology in their work and communicate more often, while appropriate risk control measures and management systems have also been put in place.
Leading the Business with Human Resources and Technology
As the changes brought on by the pandemic have heightened the role of technology within businesses, the SET has strived to ensure that its employees are equipped with knowledge on new innovations and are prepared to respond to technological
disruptions. It has formed partnerships to expand business opportunities and develop infrastructure in support of future capital market growth. This included, for example, the development of a digital assets platform and digital finance and investment services.
Responding to Trends in Sustainable Capital Market Development
As the world addresses the significant changes that are affecting business survival and risks in the investment sector, capital markets around the world are recognizing the need to include Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues in investments decisions. The SET has continuously encouraged listed companies to develop and improve upon their ESG performance in a tangible way, and to participate in the Thailand Sustainability Investment (THSI) assessment. In 2020, 124 companies were selected for inclusion in the THSI List, accounting for 69% of total market capitalization. Additionally, Thai listed companies have demonstrated outstanding sustainability performance globally, as seven listed companies were ranked as Industry Leaders in seven industry sectors of the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI). Within ASEAN, Thailand also has the highest number of listed companies on international sustainability indices including the DJSI, FTSE4Good, and MSCI ESG. Moreover, the SET has collaborated with global service partners such as Arabesque and Vigeo Eiris to share information on ESG Ratings and promote sustainable investment.
Lastly, on behalf of the SET, I strongly hope for the continued support of market participants in strengthening the capital market and preparing Thailand for all future challenges.
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