Benchmark Firms Chart Sustainability Course Through Reporting
In response to the Financial Supervisory Commission's mandate requiring all listed companies to publish sustainability reports starting next year, companies are taking proactive measures. The Taiwan Institute for Sustainable Energy (TAISE) hosted an event on August 16, 2024, where Taiwan Corporate Sustainability Awards (TCSA) platinum winners shared their practical experiences, encouraging newcomers to master the reporting process and advance toward sustainable development.
According to CSRone's "Taiwan and APAC Sustainability Trends 2024," sustainability reports published by Taiwanese enterprises and groups exceeded a thousand in 2023. With listed companies with capital below NT$2 billion required to submit sustainability reports next year, the overall numbers are expected to continue rising.
Dr. Yao-De Chen, consulting advisor at the Center for Corporate Sustainability, National Taipei University College of Business, emphasizes that companies should view sustainability reporting beyond mere regulatory compliance. "Understanding global trends and implementing effective management practices can not only ensure corporate sustainability but also enhance social impact and attract investors," he notes.
Chen adds that while sustainability reporting was previously misunderstood as a greenwashing marketing tool, international frameworks and regulations have become increasingly stringent. With clearer governmental regulations, including those from Taiwan's FSC, companies that properly address ESG issues through required disclosures can gradually build internal sustainability culture and performance metrics.
CAL (China Airlines) Chief Sustainability Officer Ren-Jie Chung and E Ink Holdings' Senior Director Yin-Chih Lin agree that adhering to international standards and strengthening stakeholder engagement are crucial. They emphasize that comprehensive and credible sustainability disclosure demonstrates corporate commitment to sustainability. Beyond public disclosure, they note that participating in sustainability assessments drives continuous team improvement.
Having overseen the TCSA evaluation for many years and witnessednumerous organizations' sustainability growth, TAISE Secretary General Yung-Shun Shen reflected that the 2024 TCSA successfully selected the top 200 sustainability reports as industry benchmarks. Organizations responded enthusiastically to the call for entries, which closed on September 20, 2024. 
▲Speakers and participants pose for a group photo. From left (center): CAL Chief Sustainability Officer Ren-Jie Chung, TAISE Secretary General Yung-Shun Shen, E Ink Holdings' Senior Director Yin-Chih Lin, and Dr. Yao-De Chen, consulting advisor at the Center for Corporate Sustainability, National Taipei University. 
▲E Ink Holdings' Senior Director Yin-Chih Lin shares his company's experience in sustainability report preparation. 
▲During the Q&A session, speakers engaged in lively discussions with both on-site and online participants.