Annual Report 2017

32 Annual Report 2017 sharing information, discussion on regulation amendment as well as supporting the government’s policy in developing the startup ecosystem in Thailand. This networking can open up opportunities for startups to gain access to listed companies and create alliances for future growth. In addition, SET enhanced startup entrepreneurship by providing education and training in business operations, strategy formulation, and adapting innovations to enhance business. These are basic knowledge for new entrepreneurs to get started firmly in order to grow their businesses. Throughout the year, the “STARTUP Evening Class@SET” project had been going on, attended by over 1,300 entrepreneurs. Additionally, “Innovative Startup@University,” an educational training programs in cooperation with the National Science Technology and Innovation Policy Office, National Innovation Agency, and a network of universities, had been carried out to strengthen the foundation of the startup business ecosystem by providing educational opportunities to over 560 university faculty members from across the country. In addition, SET disseminated knowledge viaMoney Channel, onlinemedia, including the handbook “SET Your Startup Business Guide: Getting to know the Startup Business” available in both printed and digital formats. 1.3 Enhancing quality and strength of listed companies The Stock Exchange of Thailand is committed to enhancing the quality of listed companies for long-term sustainable growth. In this regard, listed companies are encouraged to conduct their business operations in * Please see the “Sustainability Report 2017” for further details and performance of listed companies’ sustainable development. line with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) aspects. SET continues to develop educational tools and contents as concrete guidelines for them to operate and implement a sustainability policy in line with their core corporate strategy. In 2017, Thai listed companies were outstanding in terms of quality excellence. A total of 17 listed companies were selected for inclusion in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices: DJSI, the highest number in ASEAN and the fourth highest in Asia. In addition, eight Thai listed companies received 11 IR Magazine Awards for excellence in investor relations, comparatively the highest number of firms in ASEAN. Moreover, Thailand was also ranked in the top 10 of global stock markets for the sustainability information disclosure of listed companies according to the “Measuring Sustainability Disclosure 2017” studies conducted by Corporate Knights and AVIVA.* A listed company’s personnel is a key success factor in driving growth. SET has implemented a project to improve the quality of executives and personnel working in listed companies in various fields in order to enhance and benefit business operations. This included developing knowledge in accounting and finance for CFO level by conducting the “Strategic CFO in Capital Markets” course, for accounting and finance staff by conducting the “Getting Prepared-Adoption of Changes in Financial Reporting Standards Applicable to Financial Instruments” course and “Risk Analysis and Management Tech- niques-Investment Project to Enhance the Enterprise’s Sustainable Value” course. In addition, SET has also provided information on technological development that can benefit listed companies at the “IT Future for Listed