Thailand’s Siam Cement Group pioneers boosting inclusive green growth
Thailand’s Siam Cement Group pioneers boosting inclusive green growth
Thailand’s industrial conglomerate, Siam Cement Group (SCG), a leading economic group in Southeast Asia, has gradually been recognized as a pioneer in the global green revolution.
The 2024 ESG Symposium 'Driving Inclusive Green Transition' in Bangkok. Photo: SCG |
With breakthrough inclusive green growth strategies, SCG is now among the firms promoting green transition in Vietnam.
2024 ESG Symposium highlights
As a leading enterprise in transitioning to a low-carbon society, SCG hosted the 2024 ESG Symposium, entitled 'Driving Inclusive Green Transition,' in Bangkok.
The symposium gathered thousands of government, private sector, and social organization representatives to accelerate the transition to that low-carbon society, boosting life quality, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.
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| The 'Saraburi Sandbox' model -- Thailand's first low-carbon city. Photo: SCG |
The Vietnamese delegation attending the symposium included students who are ESG ambassadors, leaders of ministries and agencies, and journalists covering sustainable development.
Thammasak Sethaudom, president and CEO at SCG, delivered a speech outlining the progressive achievements ushered in by last year’s efforts, especially the work of more than 3,500 representatives from various sectors offering suggestions to identify strategies that could help Thailand evolve into a low-carbon society.
One proposal the Thai government heard at the 2024 ESG Symposium was shifting to clean energy while promoting a circular economy through the 'Saraburi Sandbox' model.
These initiatives focus on four major aspects, namely removing legal obstacles, bolstering access to green finance, upgrading technology and infrastructure, and improving the adaptability and capability of small and medium enterprises.
Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Economy and Society Prasert Jantararuangtong emphasized the important role of pioneering enterprises like SCG in taking the initiative in seeking opportunities and improving capability to obtain the net-zero emissions target by integrating sustainable solutions or ESG (environmental, social, and governance) principles.
He also affirmed the Thai government would quickly promote important policies to support the country’s socio-economic restructuring, heading toward balanced and sustainable development, and ensuring that no one is left behind.
In addition to the 2024 ESG Symposium, SCG has co-organized the Sustainability Expo 2024, the largest in Southeast Asia, attracting leading international sustainability organizations.
At the Sustainability Expo, the group designed a space to introduce a low-carbon city mock-up, displaying low-carbon consumer goods and lifestyles, green transport, tourism, logistics, energy, agriculture, and smart waste management models.
SCG joins Vietnam’s efforts to head toward net-zero emissions
SCG is not only a leading investor in Vietnam but also a pioneering and active partner of the national government in its sustainable development journey with the most obvious proof being the company’s tireless efforts in promoting a circular economy, with a view to achieving the net-zero emissions target by 2050.
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| A view of the awards ceremony of 'SCG Sharing the Dream 2024' scholarships. Photo: SCG |
Since 2020, SCG has cooperated with the Vietnamese government, Unilever Vietnam, and Dow Chemicals to develop an efficient circular economy in plastic waste management.
The firm has also implemented many practical projects, including classifying waste at the source in southern Ba Ria\-Vung Tau Province, contributing to improving public awareness, and protecting the environment.
SCG continues to strongly demonstrate its commitment to sustainable development by proactively attending important forums, such as Vietnam’s Circular Economy Forum in 2022, during which, the company shared its experience and learned about advanced models, thus boosting ESG strategies and the net-zero emissions target in Vietnam.
SCG also inspires the younger generation in Vietnam through contests like 'Hacks to Heal Our Planet' and the 'Packaging Speak Out' packaging design contest.
Furthermore, SCG’s scholarship program 'SCG Sharing the Dream' has offered opportunities to more than 5,600 Vietnamese students over the past 17 years, helping nurture future leaders.
The firm’s 'ESG Ambassador' contest has created conditions for young Vietnamese people to learn about communication skills and ESG knowledge, along with participating in international conferences.
SCG’s efforts have helped build an inclusive sustainable environment where economic growth is harmonious with the environment and people.
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| SCG’s booth at the Green Vietnam Festival in Ho Chi Minh City, November 2024. Photo: Q.D. / Tuoi Tre |
ACG joins hands with Tuoi Tre to spread green consumption trends
In the framework of the Green Vietnam Festival held by Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper at the Youth Culture House at 4 Pham Ngoc Thach Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City last month, SCG introduced its green economy products and models.
The company also used cardboard boxes to design its booth at the festival and unveiled tables and chairs made of paper to spread a recycling message and boost green consumption.
