Mr.Thammasak Sethaudom, President and CEO of SCG

Thammasak Sethaudom, President and CEO of SCG, said, “SCG's operating results for FY2023 remained robust, despite the impact of the global economic downturn, including slowdowns in China and ASEAN. The petrochemical market was weak, and the demand for cement declined. The Revenue from Sales was 342.2 Trillion VND (US$ 14.47 Billion), a decrease of 12% y-o-y. The primary reason for this decline was the downturn in chemical product prices and the exclusion from SCG Logistics Sales. The profit was 17.75 Trillion VND (US$ 750 Million), an increase of 21% y-o-y. This increase was mainly due to the profit from the fair value adjustment of investments in the first half of 2023.”

In Q4/2023, SCG reported Revenue from Sales of 82.45 Trillion VND (US$ 3.38 Billion), marking a decrease of 4% q-o-q. This decline was due to lower sales volumes in Chemicals Business and Cement-Building Materials Business. Operating profit, excluding extra items, was 343 Billion VND (US$ 14 Million). However, Loss for the Period stood at 775 Billion VND (US$ 32 Million) due to the cement asset impairment in Myanmar and Long Son Petrochemicals Complex performance, which was mainly fixed cost, ending the year 2023 with a cash balance of 46.58 Trillion VND (US$ 1.97 Billion).

SCG Executives

In 2024, SCG is gearing up for full-scale growth in both Thailand and the ASEAN markets across all business groups. This includes the introduction of Low Carbon Cement innovations, smart living solutions, green polymers, sustainable packaging solutions that are reusable and recyclable, end-to-end clean energy solutions, as well as high-quality polymers from the Long Son Petrochemicals Complex. SCG is focused on efficient cost management and seizes opportunities from the recovery of Thailand's tourism and service sectors. The ASEAN market is expected to gradually improve, especially in Indonesia and Vietnam. Aiming to lead in green business that fosters growth while creating a net zero society that is livable for everyone, SCG has set an investment budget of 27.4 Trillion VND (US$ 1.16 Billion). This investment is primarily in green innovations, clean energy, and greenhouse gas emission reduction, which have significant potential for demand and growth, as reflected in the sales of SCG Green Choice products in 2023, which accounted for 54% of total sales. Furthermore, SCG is accelerating the development of High-Value Added Products & Services (HVA) to diversify and meet customer needs promptly. SCG is also committed to transforming its business structure in line with the strategy to enhance agility, strength, and long-term growth, to effectively meet challenges in a timely manner, such as international conflicts leading to fluctuating energy costs and transportation expenses or the global economy yet to fully recover.

SCGC (Chemicals Business) expects a recovery of the petrochemical market in the second half of 2024, driven by improving demand and lower new supply additions. SCGC is set to accelerate the development of green products and High-Value Added Products & Services (HVA), aiming to increase market share in response to the high demand experienced recently. As a result, HVA sales increased to 39% compared to last year, which is expected to substantially support the company's competitive capability as the market recovers. The recent development of ‘the Long Son Petrochemicals Complex’ includes a successful start-up as planned and within budget, while the machinery operations and comprehensive plant performance test runs have been proceeding smoothly and are planned to be completed in Q1/2024. In 2023, 'SCGC GREEN POLYMERTM' showed satisfactory growth, achieving sales of 218,000 tons of green polymers, an increase of 56% from the previous year. SCGC set the target to produce 1 million tons of green polymers by 2030.  Additionally, the business is rapidly expanding into the ‘Electric Vehicle Manufacturing Industry Value Chain’ with innovative lightweight plastic components for energy saving. For Denka JV, SCGC invested in manufacturing Acetylene black, a conductive material used in EV batteries, which are in high demand.

SCG Cement and Green Solution has effectively managed its energy costs. In 2023, it increased the proportion of alternative fuel usage to 40%. For 2024, the business is poised to advance production and delivery of solutions in response to the recovery of the Thai market, including both real estate and construction projects. This effort is coupled with meeting the demands of the ASEAN markets, which shows signs of improvement. The business is focusing on offering building design solutions that enable the calculation of carbon dioxide emissions in construction through the ‘KITCARBON’ platform. Additionally, it is progressing with ‘Low Carbon Cement’, which has gained recognition both domestically and internationally for its quality, strength, durability, and particularly smooth finish. Sales have increased by 15% from the previous year. Most recently, the business expanded exports to the United States and Malaysia. This year, it is preparing to launch the second generation of Low Carbon Cement, which reduces carbon dioxide emissions by an additional 5% compared to the first generation.

SCG Smart Living has shown continuous growth, focusing on cost efficient management by integrating clean energy into its production processes. It has also developed smart solutions tailored to meet modern lifestyles that prioritize energy savings, good hygiene, protection from PM 2.5, and safety. Innovations include ‘SCG Active Air Quality’, which improves indoor air by preventing pollution, dust, PM 2.5, germs, bacteria, and viruses; ‘SCG Metal Roof - Comfort Snap Lock series’, a roofing innovation that reduces outside noise and provides heat protection, thus saving energy inside the home; and ‘SCG Solar Roof Solutions’, which has seen a remarkable sales increase of 105% from the previous year. The business is also expanding its smart solutions to new markets, such as installing the energy-saving & improves indoor air quality ‘SCG Air Scrubber’ in Keppel Bay Tower, Singapore's largest global real estate project and the first building in Singapore to obtain the Green Mark Platinum (Zero Energy) award for energy-efficient building. This innovation can save up to 30% of energy from air conditioning systems.

SCG Distribution & Retail is rapidly expanding its strength into high-growth economic markets, specifically the SAMEA region (South Asia, Middle East, and Africa). SCG International has officially established an office in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and is ready to serve as an International Supply Chain Partner, managing everything from sourcing products to creating markets for partners from around the world. The goal is to expand business opportunities and penetrate large-scale construction projects (Giga Project), contributing to the creation of a net zero society through a portfolio of green cement and building material products, along with raw materials, industrial components, paper, and packaging.

SCG Cleanergy, the end-to-end Clean Energy Business, is experiencing continuous growth with significant potential for further expansion, driven by the increasing demand for clean energy in alignment with global carbon reduction initiatives. Its reliability in service offerings is a key strength, notably highlighted by the smart grid system that enhances accessibility to electricity trading from clean energy sources. In 2023, the business had an operational capacity of 450 megawatts. The latest installations include solar energy facilities in various locations, including the industrial estate groups such as Saha-Union Group in Bang Pakong and the Amata City Industrial Estate Group, as well as the healthcare group such as Phyathai-Paolo Hospital Group. Furthermore, SCG Cleanergy is gearing up for expansion into the ASEAN market, targeting Vietnam, the Philippines, and Indonesia in 2024.

Developing innovations and packaging solutions

SCGP (Packaging Business) witnessed a rebound in packaging demand in Vietnam, while Indonesia began showing signs of recovery, especially in the export sectors of frozen food and pet food in Q4/2023. Looking ahead to 2024, the packaging industry is showing signs of improvement, including plans to stimulate tourism and exports. SCGP is focusing on offering packaging solutions for the food and beverage sector, expanding on its production capacity and Merger & Partnership (M&P) in the medical supplies & labware business, foodservice packaging, and bio-solutions, a high-growth megatrend. Alongside cost management and efficient production, SCGP is integrating technologies into its manufacturing processes and increasing its use of alternative energy to 35% of its total energy consumption. SCGP is driving its business forward with ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) framework and people development, continuously strengthening the business.

The Company’s unreviewed operating results for Q4/2023 are as follows:

SCG's unaudited Operating Results for FY2023 registered the Revenue from Sales of 342.22 Trillion VND (US$ 14.47 Billion), a decrease of 12% y-o-y. The primary reasons for this decline were the downturn in chemical product prices and the deconsolidation of SCG Logistics Sales. Profit for the Year amounted to 17.75 Trillion VND (US$ 750 Million), up 21% y-o-y, mainly due to the profit from the fair value adjustment of investments in the first half of 2023.

Revenue from Sales totaled 82.45 Trillion VND (US$ 3.39 Billion) in Q4/2023, a drop of 4% q-o-q primarily due to decreased sales volumes in Chemicals Business and Cement–Building Materials Business. Operating profit, excluding extra items, was 343 Billion VND (US$ 14 Million). However, Loss for the Period stood at 775 Billion VND (US$ 32 Million) due to the cement asset impairment in Myanmar and Long Son Petrochemicals Complex performance, which was mainly fixed cost.

Revenue from Sales of High Value-Added Products & Services (HVA) in 2023 was 114.86 Trillion VND (US$ 4.86 Billion or 34% of total Revenue from Sales). Revenue from Sales of SCG Green Choice in 2023 reported 185.43 Trillion VND (US$ 7.84 Billion) or 54% of total Revenue from Sales.

In addition, Revenue from operations outside of Thailand, including export sales from Thailand, registered 147.7 Trillion VND (US$ 6.24 Billion) in FY2023, or 43% of total Revenue from Sales.

For SCG’s operation in ASEAN (ex-Thailand), the Revenue from Sales in Q4/2023 recorded a 5% decrease y-o-y, amounting to 15.44 Trillion VND (US$ 633 Million). This decline can be attributed to factors such as reduced export activities and lower business performances across strategic markets within the region. This contributed to 19% of SCG’s total Revenue from Sales. This figure includes sales from both local operations in each ASEAN market and imports from Thai operations.

As of 31 December 2023, SCG's total assets amounted to 620.56 Trillion VND (US$ 25.55 Billion million). Of these, the total assets of SCG in ASEAN (ex-Thailand) were 284.1 Trillion VND (US$ 11.7 Billion), or 46% of SCG’s total consolidated assets.

The company reported Revenue from Sales for Q4/2023 at 6.75 Trillion VND (US$ 277 Million), marking a decrease of 9% y-o-y. This decline was from lower sales in LSP, while PVC sales related to the construction market showed improvement. The Cement Building Materials Business experienced lower sales, mostly in PRIME, and cement export from Thailand to Vietnam improved in Q4.

SCG has kicked off the Long Son Petrochemicals (LSP), Vietnam's first fully integrated petrochemical complex. Currently in its machinery testing phase, LSP aims to produce 1.35 million tons of olefins and 1.4 million tons of polyolefins annually for the global market. With an ESG-focused approach, the project seeks to enhance Vietnam's petrochemical sector, reduce import dependence, foster downstream industries, and improve local living standards.

In addition, SCG and its member companies, including PRIME Group, Vina Kraft Paper and SCG Concrete Roof Vietnam), were recognized among the Top 100 Sustainable Companies for 2023.This award, presented by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Vietnam, marked their seventh consecutive recognition, highlighting their commitment to ESG principles. For example, Vina Kraft Paper has been honored for its sustainable practices, including the use of 98% of its raw material intake comes from waste paper. PRIME Group has been acknowledged for producing SCG Green Choice certified tiles, embodying sustainable manufacturing practices. Furthermore, SCG Concrete Roof (Vietnam) has been commended for its initiatives in inclusivity and gender equality, demonstrating a strong commitment to social responsibility.

Long Son Petrochemicals Complex (LSP), Vietnam

In addressing environmental concerns, SCG co-hosted the Vietnam Circular Economy Forum 2023 with Vietnam's Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, discussing the National Action Plan for Circular Economy. This forum aimed to support Vietnam's net zero goal by 2050. During the forum, SCG showcased its Green Exhibition solutions, emphasizing its commitment to using recycled materials and implementing sustainable practices.

In its ongoing effort to address social inequality, the 16th year of SCG's "Sharing The Dream Scholarship" program in Vietnam awarded scholarships to 200 students, reaffirming SCG's commitment to leveraging education for sustainable development and mitigating social disparity.

Thammasak concluded, "Recently, SCG was ranked No. 1 in the ESG Industry Top Rated out of 125 companies in the global Industrial Conglomerate group by Morningstar Sustainalytics. This reflects the company's strong growth, coupled with fostering a sustainable society and environment. This achievement is the result of operating under the ESG 4 Plus strategy (Net Zero – Go Green – Reduce Inequality – Enhance Collaboration Plus Trust through Transparency)."