In 2024, the world still confronted significant challenges across multiple dimensions. Increasing in frequency and intensity, the existential threat of climate change has expedited technology transformation. Concurrently, the global economy grappled with slow and uneven growth among different groups. The rising cost of living and escalating business expenses, exacerbated by geopolitical tensions, added to these challenges. Furthermore, the exponential development of digital technology introduced an increasing cyber threat and heightened digital inequality, particularly affecting vulnerable and marginalized populations.
The impact of these challenges has inevitably carried over to Thailand. Central to these issues have been the increasing cost of living and household debt levels triggered by inflation, the devastating floods and aggravating PM 2.5 air pollutants that dealt a severe blow to the agricultural and business sectors as well as the general public, and the surge in call center scams causing victims significant financial loss. Added to this were the issues of social inequality in digital access and digital skills gaps.
The telecom business is a critical information infrastructure that accommodates transformation and access to technology to address evolving challenges. The development of 5G technology, in particular, enables digital technologies to bring new opportunities to the economy, society. and the environment. In this context, AIS has formulated an operational framework, encompassing three pillars: Drive digital economy, Promote digital inclusion, and Act on climate.
In 2024, AIS acquired Triple T Broadband Public Company Limited (TTTBB), the provider of internet service under the 3BB brand to expand the home broadband business. The acquisition has enabled the AIS Fibre Broadband network to expand its service areas, reaching more users in the provincial regions and outskirts.
Over the past year, AIS has witnessed significant developments in each of the following three pillars.
Drive Digital Economy
AIS pledged to strengthen and expand its telecom network to cover all areas nationwide to provide a foundation for the development of digital products and services. AIS has set goal for 7% of revenue to come from new digital products and services, enabling the digital economy by 2027. In the past year, AIS has further developed digital products and services such as Hyperscale Cloud, AIS Analytic X, Fortinet Secure Work, and Secure Net+, which have generated significant revenue, accounting for 3.8% of the company's core service revenue.
While rapid digitalization has played an increasingly pivotal role, it also brings associated risks, particularly in cyber and data security. To address the challenge, AIS has set a goal to leverage its cybersecurity and data protection efforts in conformance with international standards. Last year, AIS continued to strictly adhere to the standards, including conducting risk assessments and monitoring the performance of external service providers who access the company's data and IT systems. This was done to ensure compliance with the latest security standards and relevant international regulations.
Recognizing employees as valuable assets to drive the Company's business and the digital economy, AIS has set a goal for 90% of AIS employees to be equipped with new digital skills and literacy by 2025. Over the past year, AIS has trained its employees to enhance their digital skills in various areas, including Al, Cloud, Data Analytics, Design Thinking, and 5G. Additionally, the company has developed young talent through the Digital Talent program, resulting in 60% of its employees possessing digital skills that they can apply to their work
Promote Digital Inclusion
AIS firmly believes that the building and expansion of the telecom network to cover all populated areas can bring expansive access to digital technology and uplift the quality of life for Thais. To that end, AIS has set a goal to improve the socio-economic condition of 5 million people by 2027. Over the past year, AIS has implemented various projects, such as 'Green Energy Green Network for Thais," "AIS Academy for Thais, and Free Broadband Internet for Education. As a result, 3,460,253 people have engaged with and benefited from these initiatives.
With a concern for the safe and responsible use of digital technology among Thai users, AIS has set a goal to empower digital citizenship by providing digital solutions and tools for 3 million people by 2027. Over the past year, AIS has focused on building cyber resilience and enhancing digital knowledge for the public through the 'AUNIAI CYBER Curriculum' program, resulting in 792,100 participants currently enrolled. Additionally. the company launched the free service "1185# for easier spam report to report scam numbers. This service enables the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) to verify, block scam numbers, and take legal action, thereby reducing digital threats for the public.
Act on Climate
AIS is committed to reducing carbon emissions across the value chain by setting a goal to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity from both Scope 1 and 2 per data traffic by 25% compared to the 2024 baseline. Over the past year, the company's GHG emissions (Scope 1 and 2) amounted to 798,881 tons of CO2e, with an emissions intensity of 0.018 equivalent per data traffic. Furthermore, AIS continues to develop and apply Al systems to improve energy efficiency while expanding the installation of solar panels to 4,560 locations nationwide, resulting in a reduction of 42,108 tons of CO2e emissions.
Today’s growing reliance on technology has led to a rising tide of e-waste. As AIS’ operations also contribute to e-waste, the Company has established a waste management approach that poses minimal environmental impacts with the goal of maintaining zero e-waste to landfills. Over the past year, AIS has continued our commitment to systematically manage and monitor electronic waste from cradle to grave. This includes converting waste into fertilizer and running ‘HUB of E-Waste’. As a result, there has been no e-waste residue (non-recyclable or residue) remaining after recycling, and no electronic waste has been disposed of through landfilling
AIS pledges its commitment to uphold and continue its sustainability mission, encompassing governance, economic, social, and environmental dimensions by staying abreast of global trends and dynamic practices. This will enable the company to lay out a plan for addressing challenges over the next 1 to 5 years. The company remains relentless in reviewing, improving, and developing management processes to drive business performance and meet stakeholder expectations. Additionally, we strive to address global issues such as climate change, e-waste, and evolving challenges. Equally important, fostering employee engagement and expanding collaboration with external organizations are key factors in driving business growth while sustainably elevating the quality of society and the environment. Together, these efforts help create a strong sense of responsibility for our world.
Mr. Kan Trakulhoon
Chairman of the Board of Directors