Bangkok, December 24, 2024 — In an epoch-making achievement, True Corporation has once again clinched the title of the world’s most sustainable company in the telecommunications sector. This marks a monumental seventh year in succession, a testament to the company’s unwavering commitment to sustainability. This prestigious accolade comes from the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) 2024, which ranks companies based on rigorous assessments by S&P Global’s Corporate Social Assessment (CSA), evaluating economic, environmental, and social performance. True Corporation has impressively hit the bullseye with a 95 out of 100 score, setting a benchmark for telecommunications companies globally. Alongside this achievement, the company has also unveiled trailblazing sustainability initiatives for 2025, setting the stage for another prosperous year.
Mr. Manat Manavutiveth, the dynamic Chief Executive Officer of True Corporation Plc, expressed his delight by stating, “Achieving the honor of being the world’s most sustainable telco company for seven consecutive years is not just a laudation of our environmental, social, and governance performance. It’s a launchpad to propel sustainability in Thailand, focusing on pivotal areas such as climate action, digital access, safe internet, and educational innovation. As we continue to lead, 2025 will be our year to supercharge the empowerment of people all over Thailand, facilitating safer, healthier, and more productive digital lifestyles.”
ENVIRONMENT: Catalyzing Climate Action
A dazzling achievement beckons as True Corporation clinches a score of 94 out of 100 in the environmental dimension of the S&P Global CSA. This accomplishment mirrors their continuous crusade to reduce carbon emissions and embrace renewable energy. With over 10,000 network sites now outfitted with solar panels, and intensive recycling programs underway, True Corporation emerges as a trailblazer in eco-friendly practices.
Looking forward to 2025, True Corporation aims to broaden its climate action repertoire, involving all stakeholders in three impactful initiatives:
- Engagement of suppliers in a collaborative mission to trim down emissions across the supply chain, in coherence with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). By 2025, participating suppliers will see extensive benefits from green financing, as True aids them in data collection and validation.
- Unveiling innovative energy management platforms leveraging IoT and artificial intelligence, aiming for a sustainable 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions through enhanced usage prediction and management.
- Fostering a new generation of innovators to wield technology in socially beneficial ways. The 2024 project “e-Waste HACK BKK” was an invigorating initiative empowering students to craft technological solutions from discarded electronics. A sequel hackathon is eagerly anticipated in 2025.
SOCIAL: Empowering Society Through Digital Access
True Corporation shines brilliantly with an astounding 99 out of 100 in the social dimension, a reflection of their relentless dedication to community enhancement through education, healthcare, and digital inclusion. As of now, True’s network reaches 99% of the population via 4G and over 92% access to 5G. Their ambitious 2025 goal aims to complete the modernization of their network infrastructure completely, enhancing speed and coverage across Thailand.
Further solidifying their foundation, True is fully committed to transforming the availability and accessibility of their network into palpable digital opportunities through three strategic platforms:
- Plookpanya: This flagship educational initiative reaches over 32 million users annually. Adapting to the AI revolution, Plookpanya is enhancing its curriculum to emphasize essential skills such as critical, creative, and analytical thinking.
- Tech for Good: True Corporation is already a powerhouse with over 100 patents and is driving impactful, real-world solutions such as the True Smart Early Warning System (TSEWS), a groundbreaking technology that monitors wild elephants and mitigates human-elephant conflict nearly flawlessly. By 2025, True aims to elevate their patent portfolio to 125.
- CyberSafe: This cutting-edge cyber protection system safeguards users from scammers, phishing links, malicious SMS, and more. Protecting users from over 100,000 malicious links, the platform is set to expand substantially, with full operation slated for March 2025.
GOVERNANCE: Leading the Charge in the AI Era
True Corporation triumphantly scores a commendable 92 out of 100 in governance, maintaining admirable corporate transparency, accountability, and ethical business conduct. Pioneering the safe use of artificial intelligence, True was the first telecom company in Thailand to champion the GSMA’s Responsible AI Roadmap, developed in collaboration with 19 global operators. This roadmap ensures that AI usage is safe, equitable, and sustainable, adhering to the industry’s best practices. Realizing the roadmap’s tools and assessments, True will unveil Responsible AI by Design early in 2025, to ensure ethical AI utilization across their operations.
Mr. Manat Manavutiveth articulates, “As True Corporation perseveres as a sustainability leader, our dedication to advancing environmental conservation, social responsibility, and exemplary governance remains undeterred. Our mission is to establish new industry benchmarks, inspiring fellow corporations to ensure sustainable practices are standard protocol.”
True Corporation’s admirable performance has secured its spot in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) 2024. Consequently, the company secures its inclusion in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI), which recognizes organizations for their top-tier sustainability scores, as adjudicated through an elaborate selection process. Exclusively, the highest-ranked companies within each industry are handpicked for inclusion in the respected Dow Jones Sustainability Index family.
True Corporation claiming to be the ‘most sustainable’ just feels like a PR move. How sustainable can a telecom giant actually be?
I agree. It’s one thing to score high in assessments but another to implement real, lasting change.
Exactly. I want to see concrete results, not just flashy reports.
But a 94 in environmental dimensions and having 10,000 sites with solar panels is impressive. We need giants like them to lead.
Solar panels are great, but what about their overall industry impact? Telecom itself isn’t eco-friendly.
What I’m curious about are their energy management platforms using AI. Imagine reducing greenhouse gases by 20%!
AI could revolutionize energy efficiency. It’s the future, but it needs ethical considerations too.
True, the ethical aspect is critical. Imagine AI optimizing resource usage across industries!
10,000 network sites with solar panels? That’s actually a lot! How do they manage maintenance and efficiency?
Maintenance could be a nightmare, true. But it’s a step forward in adapting green tech.
Agreed, it’s a challenge but hopefully they have a solid plan in place.
Their commitment to education through Plookpanya is an inspiration. Digital literacy is crucial for future generations.
Yes, but they need to ensure quality access to all parts of Thailand, especially rural areas.
Absolutely, digital divide is a real issue. It’s their responsibility to cover all regions.
Gotta say, I’m skeptical. Big corporations always have hidden agendas. What’s True’s real motive?
Isn’t the motive always profit at the end of the day? Sustainability is trending, and they’re cashing in on it.
Exactly! But let’s hope they truly aim for environmental good, not just the green dollar.
Those patents on real-world solutions like TSEWS show they’re serious about impact.
Agreed. Mitigating human-elephant conflict is a niche but vital area. They’re thinking outside the box.
It’s progress, but real impact will depend on widespread adoption and use.
Hopefully, other companies will follow suit and invest in such meaningful solutions.
It’s easy to be skeptical of big corporations, but their focus on safe internet and education seems sincere.
Sincere until you see the fine print. I want transparency on how they’re implementing it.
Fair point. More detailed progress reports would be great for accountability.
Committing to Science Based Targets initiative is ambitious. I hope they actually meet these targets.
It’s easy to make big promises. The question is whether they have the guts to deliver.
The problem is how many telecoms around the world are even trying to match True Corp’s level? Not many, I bet.
You have a point, but wouldn’t it be better if they all did more than just follow standards? That’s how real change happens.
Fantastic commitment towards AI governance! Hopefully, it’ll act as a preventive measure for future tech issues.
Exactly why such initiatives are important. AI in the wrong hands can be dangerous.
Their partnership with suppliers to reduce emissions could set a new industry standard. Collaboration is key.
Cool story, but what about 5G radiation? No one’s talking about that while they expand this infrastructure!
With governance scores of 92, transparency seems a priority. But it’s easier said than done in maintaining trust.
Hats off to True Corp! The real challenge will be maintaining these standards while growing as a company.