JFCCT SME Committee : Unveiling the ESG Toolkit For SMEs – 11 December 2024

Unveiling the ESG Toolkit For SMEs 2024

On December 11, 2024, the JFCCT SME Committee, led by Dr. Nimnual Piewthongngam, in collaboration with The Asia Foundation, Australian Embassy Thailand, and The Office of SMEs Promotion (OSMEP), successfully launched the ESG Toolkit designed specifically for Thai SMEs. The event focused on helping SMEs navigate the challenges of adopting Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices, offering practical solutions and step-by-step guidance for integrating ESG principles into daily business operations.

Key Insights from the Event:

  • A recent survey revealed that 29.4% of SMEs expect challenges such as increased production costs and changes in workflows when adopting ESG practices. The ESG Toolkit aims to ease these transitions.

Highlights:

  1. Session 1: Introduction to the ESG Practice Guide – Experts shared how the guide addresses ESG challenges specific to SMEs and provided practical advice for integrating ESG principles.
  2. Session 2: Government Support for ESG Compliance – Government representatives explained how various programs and certifications align with the ESG Toolkit and assist SMEs in meeting ESG standards.
  3. Session 3: Government Perspective & Policy Support – Discussions focused on policies shaping ESG adoption and the support available to help Thai SMEs compete globally.

The event fostered strategic partnerships, allowing SMEs to better understand the regulatory landscape and the benefits of aligning with global ESG standards. It also highlighted how ESG compliance can drive long-term sustainability and open doors to new opportunities in both domestic and international markets.

  • The presentations of the speakers can be downloaded HERE
  • ESG Handbook (Final) - HERE

 

 

Program

08:30 - 09:00 Registration
09:00 - 09:10 Welcome Remark

By Mr. John Francis, Counsellor (Development), Australian Embassy, Thailand
09:10 - 09:20 Welcome Remarks

By Dr. Panita Shinawatra, Acting Director General, The Office of SMEs Promotion (OSMEP)
09:20 - 09:30 Welcome Remarks

By Mr. Mark McDowell, The Asia Foundation
09:30 - 09:50 Opening Speech

By Mr.Prasert Jantararuangtong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Economy and Society (Or representative)
10:00 – 10.30 Sustainable Event in Action! Theme: Good Health & Well-Being

By Mr. Sukamal Mondal, Area General Manager, Amari Bangkok

Coffee/Tea Break
10:30 – 11:10 Session 1: Introducing the “ESG Toolkit for SMEs & Taking Sustainable Steps with the ESG Toolkit for SMEs

Key highlights:

·      Launch of an ESG Toolkit designed specifically for Thai SMEs that addresses the unique challenges SMEs face in complying with ESG standards and provides step-by-step guidance for integrating ESG principles.

·      Experts advise opportunities. and strategies for creating sustainable growth in the country and the global market by using ESG

 

Session: Launching the ESG Toolkit tailored for Thai SMEs and providing actionable insights for integrating ESG principles into their businesses.

Speakers:

1.      Dr. Nimnual Piewthongngam, Chairperson SME Committee Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce in Thailand (Presentation)

 

2.      Mr. Nattapong Tantichattanon, Executive Director Sustainability, KPMG Thailand (Presentation)
11:00 -12:00 Session 2: Practical ESG Implementation for SMEs: Insights from Thai SMEs "Business Sustainability through Green Practices" Insights from speakers on adapting to green business strategies and meeting global sustainability demands.

Key highlights:

·      Speakers share experiences in adapting to green business.

·      Strategies and recommendations for traveling towards a green path that meets the demand for sustainable products and services in the global market.

Speakers:

1.      Mr. Thirat Nardviriyakul, Managing Director, The Classic Chairs Co.,Ltd.

2.      Mr. Jongsarid Cunvong, CEO, Managing Director Chul Thai Silk Co., Ltd.

3.      Ms. Premjit Nualchawee Wu, CEO HLM Corporate Co.,Ltd.

 
12:00 – 13:00 Lunch Break (zero distance) Farm to Plate theme
13:00 – 14:30 Session 3: Existing Government Services and Initiatives Linked with the ESG Toolkit "Supporting SMEs on the ESG Path – Government Services and Certification Programs"

Key highlights:

·      Government agencies present their services and programs supporting ESG compliance.

Speakers:

1.      M.L. Bhuthong Thongyaii, Deputy Director-General Department of Business Development

2.      Dr. Arthit Pattanapongchai, Director of the Business Competitiveness Development Division, Department of Industrial Promotion (Presentation)

3.      Ms. Pattamawan Khunprasert, Director, Industrial Environment Technology Promotion Division

4.      Ms. Sunisa Phiwnoul, Director of Labour Standards Development Bureau, Department of Labour Protection and Welfare
14:30 – 15:00 Good health & Well-being theme Networking Tea Break
15:00 – 16:30 Session 4: Strategic Pathways for SMEs to Thrive under ESG Standards "Promoting SMEs Towards Sustainable Development"

Key discussion points:

  • Policies and directions for supporting SMEs in the green business era
  • Importance of ESG reporting for accessing green finance
  • Tailoring ESG strategies for SMEs

Speakers:

1.      Dr. Paween Naramatkul, Vice President National Sceince and Technology Development Agency

2.      Mr. Rongphet Bunchuaidee, Deputy Executive Director Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization

3.      Ms. Draswan Shoowong, Executive Vice President EXIM Bank of Thailand (Presentation)

4.      Representative, Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council

Moderator: Dr. Wimonkan Kosumas, Advisor The Asia Foundation
16:30 – 16:35 Closing Remarks

 

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