Krungsri (Bank of Ayudhya PCL) hosts the "Krungsri ESG Awards" for the second consecutive year with honour from partner organizations specialising in ESG practices. Krungsri ESG Awards are designed to recognise and support SME entrepreneurs committed to conducting business in line with the Environment, Social and Governance or ESG framework. Additionally, Krungsri is expanding its efforts by introducing the inaugural "Krungsri ESG Academy 2024," featuring expert-led training courses to empower entrepreneurs with ESG knowledge. The academy's goal is to facilitate the creation of transition plans aligned with the ESG framework, fostering lasting changes in business practices.
Miss Duangkamol Limpuangthip, Krungsri Head of SME Banking Group said "As a key player in the financial sector contributing to the country's sustainable growth, Krungsri acknowledges the critical need to support our business customers in their journey towards sustainability. We are committed to being alongside SME entrepreneurs, offering financial support and initiatives that promote ESG business development with three key objectives: firstly, to enhance entrepreneurs's understanding of the significance of ESG and to demonstrate that creating sustainability is achievable and approachable; secondly, to assist businesses in targeted industries in developing actionable plans for business transition towards sustainability; and thirdly, to broaden opportunities for businesses to connect with networks of sustainability experts, fostering partnerships that advance ESG initiatives comprehensively."
"Taking action to realise transition presents yet another challenge for SME entrepreneurs encompassing from acquiring knowledge and gaining a comprehensive understanding across all areas to developing a business strategy that yields measurable outcomes and accessing networks that facilitate sustainable business growth. This year, Krungsri continues hosting the Krungsri ESG Awards for the second consecutive year, providing a platform to honour businesses that prioritise ESG practices and successfully integrate these principles into their operations. We also aim for this award to serve as an inspiration for entrepreneurs already committed to ESG principles and to motivate others to realise that ESG implementation is not just achievable but essential. In partnership with the Centre for SDG Research and Support (SDG Move) at the Faculty of Economics, Thammasat University, Krungsri has launched the Krungsri ESG Academy 2024, this specialised training program is dedicated to equipping entrepreneurs with in-depth ESG knowledge, enabling them to develop actionable business transition plans that lead to long-term changes in their businesses." Miss Duangkamol added.
The Krungsri ESG Awards 2024 project is honoured to collaborate with esteemed partner organizations highly qualified in ESG, including the Federation of Thai Industries, the Thai Chamber of Commerce, the Social Enterprise Thailand Association, the Department of Business Development, the Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization, the Office of SMEs Promotion, and Thammasat University. These partners play a pivotal role in advising businesses on adaptation strategies and serve on the award committee, which recognises excellence in two categories:
- Excellence Awards recognise the outstanding application of ESG principles, and
- Highly Commended Awards acknowledge businesses that initiate and implement good practices in all three ESG dimensions.
This year, over 60 organizations were selected, comprising SME customers, Japanese business customers, the members of the Social Enterprise Thailand Association (SE Thailand), and non-existing Krungsri customers. These businesses will participate in the special Krungsri ESG Academy 2024 training course, led by national experts over four months, covering topics such as supply chain management, climate and risk management, green business practices according to Thailand's Taxonomy, and ESG-based business transition planning. Through Krungsri's partner network, participants will gain access to a robust ESG ecosystem, opening doors to domestic and international business opportunities.
"We are delighted to collaborate with our partners in the ESG industry to drive Thailand's business and economy towards sustainable development. Alongside initiatives such as the Krungsri ESG Awards and Krungsri ESG Academy, Krungsri has also set a target of sustainable finance over 4,500 million baht for SME customers. With Krungsri's comprehensive support encompassing financial assistance, business development, and a robust network, we are confident in our ability to promote further and facilitate SME entrepreneurs' engagement in sustainable business transformation. Our objective is to ensure that every business thrives and evolves towards sustainability, leaving no one behind." Miss Duangkamol concluded.