BANGKOK, Aug. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA), a state enterprise delivering essential electricity services across 74 provinces of Thailand, is proud to announce its significant recognition at the Asia Responsible Enterprise Awards (AREA) 2025. The AREA 2025 is organized by leading NGO, Enterprise Asia to recognize corporations that have gone the extra mile to give back to their communities.

The company’s profound commitment to ESG principles has earned it prestigious awards in the Social Empowerment, Corporate Governance, and Corporate Sustainability Reporting categories. These accolades celebrate PEA’s dedication to sustainable development and its tangible positive impacts on communities nationwide.

A cornerstone of PEA’s ESG success is the PEA Solar Powered Electric Long-Tail Boats Support Project. This five-year initiative (2021-2025) champions clean energy by introducing solar-powered electric long-tail boats, initially providing 25 sets to the Damnoen Saduak Canal Community. Beyond its environmental benefit of reducing 365 tCO₂eq annually, this project has significantly boosted local economies through ecotourism, leading to a remarkable 50-150% increase in stakeholder income. Future plans include expanding this impactful initiative to other key waterways.

Further solidifying its Social Empowerment credentials, PEA’s Chor Sa-ard Village Project is a comprehensive ESG endeavor fostering integrity, public-mindedness, and anti-corruption within communities. Since 2022, this collaborative project has engaged over 1,300 beneficiaries, educating them on ethical conduct, efficient electricity use, and environmental conservation, all rooted in the Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy. The project has notably improved participant satisfaction, encouraged ethical behavior, boosted integrity scores, and reduced electrical accidents. Looking ahead, it plans to integrate technology for greenhouse gas calculations and clean energy adoption, creating sustainable learning spaces.

PEA’s commitment to enhancing overall ESG performance is evident in its strategic approach to modernizing power distribution, ensuring widespread, high-quality electricity access, especially for the 0.3% of households currently off-grid. Key initiatives like the Solar Home System Expansion Project and the Microgrid Development Project on Ko Phaluai aim to electrify thousands with clean energy. The company’s award in Corporate Governance underscores its robust stakeholder engagement, commitment to good governance and social responsibility (aligned with ISO 26000), open dialogue, adherence to AA1000SES standards for relationship building, and transparent, externally assured sustainability reporting.

Ultimately, PEA comprehensively integrates ESG principles into its operations, driving sustainable development across provincial Thailand. Through these award-winning initiatives, it actively fosters cleaner environments, stronger economies, enhanced community integrity, and improved quality of life, exemplifying its dedication to UN SDGs.

About Enterprise Asia

Enterprise Asia is a non-governmental organization in pursuit of creating an Asia that is rich in entrepreneurship as an engine toward sustainable and progressive economic and social development within a world of economic equality. Its two pillars of existence are investment in people and responsible entrepreneurship. Enterprise Asia works with governments, NGOs, and other organizations to promote competitiveness and entrepreneurial development, uplifting the economic status of people across Asia and ensuring a legacy of hope, innovation, and courage for future generations. Please visit https://www.enterpriseasia.org/ for more information.

About Asia Responsible Enterprise Awards (AREA)

The Asia Responsible Enterprise Awards program recognizes and honors Asian businesses for championing sustainable and responsible entrepreneurship in the categories of Green Leadership, Investment in People, Health Promotion, Social Empowerment, Corporate Governance, Circular Economy Leadership, Corporate Sustainability Reporting, and Responsible Business Leadership. For more information, visit https://enterpriseasia.org/area/.

BANGKOK, Aug. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Thai Koon Steel, a leading steel manufacturer in Thailand, is proud to highlight the significant achievements of its impactful “THAIKOON for Thai Elephants” project. This initiative underscores the company’s deep commitment to quality and environmental responsibility, guided by its philosophy: Beyond Good Steel. This ESG project has been honored with the prestigious Green Leadership award at the Asia Responsible Enterprise Awards (AREA) 2025, an award ceremony presented by Enterprise Asia to celebrate corporations pioneering responsible business practices.

The “THAIKOON for Thai Elephants” project embodies innovative sustainability by transforming scrap steel from the manufacturing process into limited-edition, handcrafted elephant-shaped lamps. With only 133 unique pieces produced, all proceeds, after deducting necessary costs, are dedicated to foundations caring for and protecting elephants across Thailand. This initiative was inspired years ago by efforts to help an injured elephant named “Pang Thaikoon”, and it now serves as a vital bridge between the steel industry and its social and environmental responsibilities, aiming for a positive national impact.

This project was meticulously planned over a year, ensuring its intentions aligned perfectly with its vision and the team’s dedication. It involved close collaboration with the artist from conception to the final handcrafted products. Launched on April 4, 2025, at the STYLE Bangkok Fair 2025, the project leverages existing steel scrap, demonstrating principles of waste reduction, value creation, wildlife conservation, and long-term environmental sustainability. It also fosters employee development, embedding Corporate Social Responsibility into the company’s core culture.

Since its launch, the project has garnered significant public interest, with over 55% of the limited-edition pieces already sold and more than THB 674,925 (approximately USD 20,729) raised to date. These funds are strategically allocated to three crucial areas: providing medical care for injured elephants, rehabilitating their habitats, and educating communities to prevent human-elephant conflict. More than just a fundraiser, it’s a social movement inspiring empathy, awareness, and engagement for Thai elephants’ well-being, while also contributing to carbon emission reduction for a healthier planet.

The project is committed to the continuous expansion of its ESG and CSR initiatives. This includes supporting communities and underserved areas by providing steel for school renovations and essential supplies. The project also continues its vital support for elephants in need through reputable foundations. Its strong emphasis on innovation and community engagement is further highlighted by its submission of the “ELEPHANT HOPE” lamp project, showcasing a forward-looking approach to sustainable impact.

About Enterprise Asia

Enterprise Asia is a non-governmental organization in pursuit of creating an Asia that is rich in entrepreneurship as an engine toward sustainable and progressive economic and social development within a world of economic equality. Its two pillars of existence are investment in people and responsible entrepreneurship. Enterprise Asia works with governments, NGOs, and other organizations to promote competitiveness and entrepreneurial development, uplifting the economic status of people across Asia and ensuring a legacy of hope, innovation, and courage for future generations. Please visit https://www.enterpriseasia.org/ for more information.

About Asia Responsible Enterprise Awards (AREA)

The Asia Responsible Enterprise Awards program recognizes and honors Asian businesses for championing sustainable and responsible entrepreneurship in the categories of Green Leadership, Investment in People, Health Promotion, Social Empowerment, Corporate Governance, Circular Economy Leadership, Corporate Sustainability Reporting, and Responsible Business Leadership. For more information, visit https://enterpriseasia.org/area/.

BANGKOK, Aug. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — CK Power Public Company Limited (CKPower) is a leading renewable energy producer that has recently received two prestigious awards at the Asia Responsible Enterprise Awards (AREA) 2025 for the Social Empowerment and Green Leadership categories. This recognition highlights CKPower’s strong commitment to sustainable development, community well-being, and environmental stewardship, demonstrating its dedication to integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into its operations.

The company’s winning ESG project under the Social Empowerment category is “Hinghoi Project; Firefly “The Power of a Little Light that Warms the Heart.”, a sub-project of CKPower’s flagship CSR initiative, The Hinghoi Project, which was originally launched in 2016. This project utilizes CKPower’s expertise to provide clean electricity and essential utilities to communities near its power plants and in remote areas of Thailand and Lao PDR.

Focusing on “Renewable Electricity for Better Quality of Life” and “Co-Creating Innovations to Enhance Opportunities for Communities”, this project has supplied 100,330 watts of renewable energy, reduced 106,464 kg of CO₂ emissions annually, empowered 9,513 individuals through knowledge transfer, established 25 learning centers, enhanced 62 public services, and generated THB 844,350 in supplementary income through innovation co-creation. By 2026, the project aims to deliver 150,000 watts of renewable energy, educate 20,000 youth, and generate at least THB 1.3 million in community income.

Besides that, CKPower’s innovative “Hinghoi for Preserving and Restoring Natural” project earned it AREA’s Green Leadership recognition. Implemented at the Xayaburi Hydroelectric Power Plant in Lao PDR, this initiative converts on-site food waste into high-quality organic soil conditioners. This circular economy approach has transformed 4,811 kg of food waste, reduced 4,450 kg of CO₂-equivalent emissions, empowered 284 individuals with environmental knowledge, and led to five communities adopting pesticide-free farming, generating an average supplementary income of THB 3,174 per household. CKPower plans to expand this project, aiming to educate 444 individuals, reduce 1,316 kg of CO₂ emissions annually, and establish five environmental network partnerships by 2026.

These awards reinforce CKPower’s position as a regional leader in renewable energy, dedicated to achieving 95% renewable capacity and Net Zero emissions while fostering resilient, inclusive, and sustainable communities.

About Enterprise Asia
Enterprise Asia is a non-governmental organization in pursuit of creating an Asia that is rich in entrepreneurship as an engine toward sustainable and progressive economic and social development within a world of economic equality. Its two pillars of existence are investment in people and responsible entrepreneurship. Enterprise Asia works with governments, NGOs, and other organizations to promote competitiveness and entrepreneurial development, uplifting the economic status of people across Asia and ensuring a legacy of hope, innovation, and courage for future generations. Please visit https://www.enterpriseasia.org/ for more information.

About Asia Responsible Enterprise Awards (AREA)
The Asia Responsible Enterprise Awards program recognizes and honors Asian businesses for championing sustainable and responsible entrepreneurship in the categories of Green Leadership, Investment in People, Health Promotion, Social Empowerment, Corporate Governance, Circular Economy Leadership, Corporate Sustainability Reporting, and Responsible Business Leadership. For more information, visit https://enterpriseasia.org/area/.

BANGKOK, Aug. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Bangchak Corporation Public Company Limited’s Phra Khanong Community Relations initiative has been recognized as a standout success, earning the prestigious Social Empowerment award at the Asia Responsible Enterprise Awards (AREA) 2025 awards program, organized by leading NGO, Enterprise Asia. This award highlights the project’s profound impact on local communities, reflecting its commitment to fostering sustainable development and shared value.

The project, which originated in 1984 as a response to Thailand’s energy crisis, moved beyond a typical refinery operation to become a long-term solution for energy resilience and societal progress. Guided by His Majesty King Bhumibol’s Sufficiency Economy Philosophy, the initiative operates under the company’s 4G Sustainability and 4S Business Strategies. A key element, the Green Society pillar, actively engages communities at urban, group-wide, and country-wide levels. The project’s strategy prioritizes inclusive engagement with stakeholders like residents, schools, and households, focusing on eight key dimensions, including economic development, education, quality of life, and environmental conservation. Importantly, the project avoids direct cash handouts, instead strengthening grassroots economies and empowering communities towards self-reliance.

The project’s success is evident in its remarkable achievements and impact. All initiatives are meticulously developed and implemented by the Community Relations Division, with significant amplification from nearly 12,000 employee volunteer hours in 2024. This reflects a company culture that emphasizes virtue, knowledge, and contribution. The project boasts an impressive 89% community engagement rate and consistently achieves over 94% satisfaction ratings, maintaining a record of zero community complaints year after year. In 2024 alone, the program reached 12 communities, 19 schools, 5,098 households, and 29 condominiums, impacting over 41,000 individuals and generating more than millions in community value.

Operating as Thailand’s only urban refinery for over 40 years, the Bangchak Phra Khanong Refinery has seamlessly integrated with its densely populated surroundings. This unique operating environment has shaped the company’s commitment to Sustainable Innovative Business Development in Harmony with the Environment and Society. As a Future Energy Leader operating in eleven countries, the Bangchak Group remains dedicated to addressing the Energy Trilemma, pursuing responsible growth, and continuing to be a trusted partner in advancing sustainability alongside communities, employees, and stakeholders.

About Enterprise Asia

Enterprise Asia is a non-governmental organization in pursuit of creating an Asia that is rich in entrepreneurship as an engine toward sustainable and progressive economic and social development within a world of economic equality. Its two pillars of existence are investment in people and responsible entrepreneurship. Enterprise Asia works with governments, NGOs, and other organizations to promote competitiveness and entrepreneurial development, uplifting the economic status of people across Asia and ensuring a legacy of hope, innovation, and courage for future generations. Please visit https://www.enterpriseasia.org/ for more information.

About Asia Responsible Enterprise Awards (AREA)

The Asia Responsible Enterprise Awards program recognizes and honors Asian businesses for championing sustainable and responsible entrepreneurship in the categories of Green Leadership, Investment in People, Health Promotion, Social Empowerment, Corporate Governance, Circular Economy Leadership, Corporate Sustainability Reporting, and Responsible Business Leadership. For more information, visit https://enterpriseasia.org/area/.

BANGKOK, Aug. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC), a leading state-owned financial institution dedicated to empowering Thailand’s agricultural sector, is proud to announce its distinguished recognition at the prestigious Asia Responsible Enterprise Awards (AREA) 2025. Presented by leading regional NGO, Enterprise Asia, the AREA 2025 is the most reputable award recognition program recognizing responsible organizational practices. BAAC has been honored with wins in two categories: Social Empowerment and Corporate Governance, underscoring its unwavering commitment to sustainable rural development and exemplary operational integrity.

The Social Empowerment award celebrates BAAC’s groundbreaking “BAAC Carbon Credit: Where Air Becomes Wealth” project. This innovative initiative, operating under Thailand’s Voluntary Emission Reduction Program (T-VER), directly transforms environmental stewardship into economic opportunity for rural communities. By providing farmers with training and support to register trees, measure carbon sequestration, and obtain certification, BAAC actively purchases these carbon credits at a market-leading rate of THB 3,000 per ton. This not only generates sustainable income and increases land value for participating farmers but also significantly contributes to reforestation efforts and Thailand’s national carbon neutrality and Net Zero emission targets, with an ambitious goal of generating over 510,000 tons of carbon credits by 2028 across 6,814 “Tree Bank” communities.

In parallel, BAAC’s win in the Corporate Governance category highlights its vision to be a “Sustainable Rural Development Bank”. The bank has robustly integrated a comprehensive Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) framework alongside its unique AGRI-CULTURE leadership system. This commitment has led to measurable improvements, including reduced non-performing loans, enhanced operational efficiency through digital systems and data-driven decisions, and increased employee engagement. BAAC’s strategic alignment with national goals and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) demonstrates its dedication to transparent, ethical, and effective governance that fosters financial literacy, expands product offerings, and builds profound trust within rural communities.

Through initiatives like “BAAC Carbon Credit: Where Air Becomes Wealth” and its steadfast “Sustainable Rural Development Bank” approach, BAAC continues to solidify its role as a pioneer in linking economic growth with environmental responsibility and sound governance, paving the way for a more prosperous and sustainable future.

About Enterprise Asia

Enterprise Asia is a non-governmental organization in pursuit of creating an Asia that is rich in entrepreneurship as an engine toward sustainable and progressive economic and social development within a world of economic equality. Its two pillars of existence are investment in people and responsible entrepreneurship. Enterprise Asia works with governments, NGOs, and other organizations to promote competitiveness and entrepreneurial development, uplifting the economic status of people across Asia and ensuring a legacy of hope, innovation, and courage for future generations. Please visit https://www.enterpriseasia.org/ for more information.

About Asia Responsible Enterprise Awards (AREA)

The Asia Responsible Enterprise Awards program recognizes and honors Asian businesses for championing sustainable and responsible entrepreneurship in the categories of Green Leadership, Investment in People, Health Promotion, Social Empowerment, Corporate Governance, Circular Economy Leadership, Corporate Sustainability Reporting, and Responsible Business Leadership. For more information, visit https://enterpriseasia.org/area/.