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Promotion of Socially Responsible Investment (SRI)
SET realizes the importance of raising listed companies’
awareness in socially responsible investment (SRI)
that cares about impact on the economy, society and
environment. SRI is fundamental to the capital market’s
sustainable development. As such, SET promotes the
UN Principles for Responsible Investment (UN PRI)
through different activities.
SET has initiatedsocial impact investment literacy
for listed companies in various ways. Initially, SET
encouraged listed companies to allocate their
annual budget to invest in social enterprises (SEs)
so as to access SE source of funds. In 2014, SET
cooperated with the Thai Social Enterprise Office,
British Council, Change Fusion Institute as well as social
investment network both in Thailand and overseas
to organize a special seminar for listed companies’
executives, investors, media and general public under
the “Asian Social Investment” theme. The seminar,
which was attended by over 200 participants, aimed
at sharing experiences of efficient and sustainable
SEs, tackling the social problems in Thailand and
across Asia. Another seminar on “New Opportunities
for Sustainable Growth” was shared by institutional
investors highlighting effective SRI and SEs models
and practical ideas, attended by 170 investors,
media and general public. At present, SET is in the
process of carefully studying and developing a
sustainability index. SET provides financial instruments
and will encourage investors to invest in quality
securities, minimize risks and create opportunities
for higher returns. Mean while, the listed companies
will adjust themselves accordingly in the commitment
to be more concerned about ESG issues as well as
offering sustainable returns.