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The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) encourages listed companies and investors to realize the importance of social investment through using social enterprise (SE) models in an effort to tackle social and environmental problems and promote sustainability. This is also part of SET’s long-term capital market development plan.
SET Chairman Sathit Limpongpan said that SE applies business models operating with missions to tackle and improve society and environment through efficient business operation, while generating profits back into the business and the local community towards sustainable changes. In Thailand, the increase in number of SEs is phenomenal. They are mostly at an early stage and as such need funding for various fields such as technology, renewable energy, employment for the disabled, affordable healthcare, healthcare promotion and many more.
“SET recognizes initiatives and innovations in SE and supports investment in practical business models as part of our long-term capital market development plan. In the initial phase, SET supports business sector, especially listed companies, to allocate some budgets on social responsibility projects to invest in emerging SEs across Thailand. In addition, we believe it is possible for SE to raise fund via the stock market in the future as it has happened in other countries around the world, where a social stock exchange is set up, such as Impact Investment Exchange Asia (IIX), operated by Singapore’s private sector. The exchange provides the advantages of public listing platforms namely liquidity, transparency and efficiency, while ensuring that the social and environmental impacts were safeguarded and showcased,” Sathit stated.
“Social responsibility’s awareness among Thai business has been rising tremendously, as proven by recent international awards received. Three SET-listed companies, namely Siam Cement, PTT, PTT Global Chemical, have been recognized globally for their commitment to sustainability in terms of environment, society and governance. These three Thai companies are constituents of the Dow Jones Sustainability World Indices,” Sathit indicated.
To motivate the public and private sectors to realize the key role of SE in the economy and promote synergy and networking among participants, SET is participating in the Social Enterprise Week Thailand (March 1-9) hosted by the Thai Social Enterprise Office. At this event, SET has jointly organized the Asian Social Investment Forum to share SE concepts with business leaders, investors, and social entrepreneurs across Asia, such as Japan, Korea, Malaysia, India, Indonesia, Singapore, and Vietnam.
“The event will continue to generate impact and together will create investments that will bring about social changes, unite communities, and build stronger global societies,” Sathit added.
