The Taiwan Institute for Sustainable Energy (TAISE) held its "Sustainability Volunteer Reviewer Recognition Ceremony" on December 5of 2024, bringing together nearly 150 volunteers. Despite the significant time and effort required for training and evaluation, most volunteers affirmed that reviewing corporate submissions provided valuable insights, enhancing their sustainability knowledge while witnessing the growth of Taiwan's corporate sustainability initiatives. 

According to TAISE statistics, since launching the "Corporate Sustainability Report Elite Training Program" in 2015, nearly 12,000 people have received training over the past decade. This year, 1,339 volunteer reviewers, selected through examinations and trial evaluations, joined 392 expert judges to form an extensive evaluation panel of 1,731 members, bringing diverse perspectives to the Taiwan Corporate Sustainability Awards (TCSA). To express gratitude to all volunteer reviewers, TAISE established an annual recognition ceremony on December 5 of 2024, International Volunteer Day, starting last year, specifically honoring senior and outstanding reviewers. 

Ambassador Eugene Chien noted that as sustainability gains increasing attention across society, TCSA participation has grown yearly, with 622 organizations - including corporations, universities, hospitals, government agencies, and NGOs - participating this year, leading to increased demand for reviewers. He expressed gratitude to all volunteer reviewers for their selfless dedication, sacrificing valuable time to meticulously review corporate sustainability reports and examine sustainability performance within tight deadlines. Their efforts drive corporate progress, bring positive societal change and impact, while upholding TCSA's values of fairness and impartiality. 

He specifically emphasized that while many believe scoring can be accomplished through AI technology in the modern era, the key difference between volunteers and AI is "passion." Combined with their professional expertise and understanding of corporate conditions, volunteers serve as vital sustainability seeds and ambassadors within their organizations, inspiring more people to understand sustainability values and standards. Together, they contribute to societal growth and environmental betterment - "Something AI simply cannot achieve!" 

To encourage continued engagement and enhance review quality, TAISE has implemented a tiered recognition system for volunteer reviewers. The system awards different ranks based on years of service and annual review adoption rates. The "Platinum Honor" is awarded to those with over five years of service and 100% adoption rate, while Bronze Merit, Silver Excellence, and Gold Honor badges and certificates are awarded for one to three years of service with 100% adoption rates. This year, 8 reviewers advanced to Platinum level, 29 to Gold level, 55 to Silver level, and 193 to Bronze level. 

Wan-Chih Hsu, a veteran Platinum-level reviewer currently working in the hospitality industry, reflected on her journey, which began with a desire to improve her company's sustainability reporting. She affirmed that reviewing other companies' reports provided deeper insights into industry-specific challenges and valuable inspiration. She particularly emphasized that "sustainability" extends beyond environmental protection, noting the importance of balancing various aspects while ensuring economic development as a crucial learning point. 

"Sustainability reports represent a company's unique story, goals, and commitments," said Fu-Ming Chen, Product Development Director at Seagate Technology International (Singapore). He agreed that sustainability reports provide deep insights into how companies respond to societal needs within their respective industries. As a reviewer, he expressed joy in witnessing companies' sustainability journeys, noting that beyond scoring, he's eager to provide diverse perspectives and constructive feedback to support continuous corporate improvement. 

Chia-Hung Chou, Project Manager at National Cheng Kung University's Industrial Sustainability Development Center and newly promoted Platinum-level reviewer, affirmed that the evaluation process provides quick insights into various corporate initiatives. He praised how companies have evolved over the years, noting that many now extend their focus beyond their organizations to engage with local communities and supply chain management. "Large enterprises are helping smaller ones progress, collectively advancing toward world-class standards," he remarked. 

The recognition ceremony featured more than just advancement certifications. Chi-Wei Lin, General Manager of 1111 Job Bank's Executive Search Center, and Dan-Ni Chen, Associate Manager of Sinyi Realty, shared insights on sustainability talent trends, future blueprints, and practical corporate sustainability experiences. The event also included an engaging sustainability knowledge quiz, enhancing reviewers' expertise while promoting interactive exchanges in a relaxed atmosphere. TCSA Secretary-General Yung-Shun Shen announced that in response to evolving international sustainability guidelines, TCSA's evaluation criteria will be revised starting next year. He encouraged volunteer reviewers to continue their professional development to guide Taiwanese enterprises toward greater excellence. 

TCSA 2024 Corporate Sustainability Awards Volunteer Reviewer Recognition Ceremony Concludes Successfully 

The ceremony celebrated the dedication and support of sustainability volunteer reviewers from diverse industries. Looking ahead, TCSA anticipates continued collaboration with all volunteer reviewers on the path toward sustainable development, working together to create a better future. 

Now Recruiting: 2025 Corporate Elite Training Program!  

Whether you're a new volunteer or a sustainability transformation advocate from any industry, join us in our pursuit of excellence! Limited spots available - Register now! 

Registration Link: https://tcsaward.org.tw/tw/about/summit/516  

Corporate Training Program: https://tcsaward.org.tw/tw/about/summit/114