The enhancement of fund managers’ duty performance in accordance with I-Code** will be  supported by Thailand ESG Data Framework – an initiative under the AIMC Three-Year Sustainable Roadmap. The Capital Market Development Fund  (CMDF) renders financial support to this initiative. Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI), an international consultant, is commissioned to study and develop a data framework that is suitable for the context of Thailand and in line with international standards. The ESG data framework will provide investors with information related to listed companies’ Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) efforts that supports investors in their investment decision making.  

SEC Secretary-General Ruenvadee Suwanmongkol said: “Building an ecosystem conducive to sustainable growth of the capital market is part of the mission of the SEC as the capital market regulator. In doing so, we take every relevant element into consideration and institutional investors play an important role in supporting the drive towards capital market sustainability in a tangible manner. We are very pleased to support AIMC’s Three-Year Sustainable Roadmap and Thailand ESG Data Framework in line with the SEC Strategic Plan in the area of sustainable development. For example, improving the quality of ESG data of listed companies via 56-1 One Report, the listed companies’ disclosure assessment, and the establishment of the Sustainable and Responsible Investing Fund (SRI Fund). The regulations governing such fund are expected for completion within this year. 

“In addition, the SEC is ready to be the center for cooperation between AIMC and other capital market organizations in developing and furthering the efforts of Thailand ESG Data Framework to ensure that it will achieve the set objectives and truly benefit the capital market,” added SEC Secretary-General Ruenvadee. 

Mrs. Voravan Tarapoom, AIMC Honorary Chairperson and Head of the ESG Policy and Collective Action Working Group, said: “AIMC has launched Thailand ESG Data Framework with an aim to develop a sustainable action framework for institutional investors to use in integrating key ESG factors into their clear investment decision making while considering the context of Thailand. This includes ESG disclosure requirements in the SEC’s 56-1 One Report, assessments and consistence with international standards in order for the fund business to serve the demands of both local and foreign investors. Moreover, Thailand ESG Data Framework will be a communication tool that allows listed companies and related parties to understand the expectations of institutional investors in the same direction. Our efforts support the mission of the SEC and related organizations in driving the Thai capital market towards sustainability.”

The AIMC’s Three-Year Sustainable Roadmap aims to support sustainable development of funds and the investment management industry. The action plans therein are as follows: (1)  Developing Thailand ESG Data Framework to enhance fund managers’ duty performance according to I Code, (2) Enhancing knowledge and expertise of professionals in the investment management industry by incorporating ESG factors into investment decision making, and (3) Developing ESG/Sustainable Investment products, covering mutual funds, real estate investment trusts (REIT), property funds and infrastructure funds, including alternative ESG investment for members of provident funds.  

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* The data framework development initiative to support analysis on ESG factors which investors should emphasize and consider before deciding to invest in listed companies.  

** I Code is an investment governance code for institutional institutions.