The Stock Exchange of Thailand, on the occasion of its 50th anniversary, together with the Association of Listed Companies in the Market for Alternative Investment (maiA), are moving forward with the SET Social Impact GYM 2024 project for the 8th consecutive year, along with 3 other partner organizations, to jointly develop business skills to strengthen social entrepreneurs (SEs) by aiming to connect SEs with the private sector, expand opportunities for collaboration, and create tangible social outcomes.
Mr. Pakorn Peetathawatchai, Director and Managing Director of the Stock Exchange of Thailand, said that the Stock Exchange of Thailand promotes the business sector to operate sustainably, taking into account the environment, society, and corporate governance (Environmental, Social and Governance: ESG) and is ready to be a model for operating in accordance with the ESG approach to create sustainability for the Thai capital market.
The SET Social Impact GYM project, implemented since 2017 in collaboration with maiA, promotes the development of entrepreneurial skills for social entrepreneurs. This year, the project has expanded its partnership to include ThaiHealth, TCG, and PwC Thailand, who will provide knowledge and support on networking, funding, accounting, and taxes.
This year, 10 Social Enterprises (SEs) were meticulously chosen, spanning four areas of social impact: three in community development and agriculture, three in health, three in environmental initiatives, and one focusing on vulnerable populations. Most of these SEs have been operational for 3-5 years and are at a Growth Stage with potential for business expansion, yet they lack professional and systematic business acumen. Over the last seven years, the SET Social Impact GYM project has equipped over 80 SEs with clear strategic plans and actionable business directions for immediate implementation and growth.
The project fosters Business Co-Creation, linking SEs with the private sector to provide employment, promote products and services, support sales channels, and offer business consulting, thereby broadening social impact. This initiative has generated employment for over 114,000 individuals from vulnerable groups, farmers, and communities, improved educational opportunities for over 8,000 individuals, addressed health issues for more than 6,000 people, and benefited over 110,000 people through environmental management and problem resolution.
