KAOHSIUNG, Taiwan, December 24, 2024--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ASE Technology Holding Co., Ltd. (ASE, TAIEX: 3711, NYSE: ASX), the leading provider of semiconductor packaging, test, and system assembly services, today announced that it has been recognized for its remarkable ESG performance with an inclusion on the 2024 Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) World and Emerging Markets. The DJSI are float-adjusted market capitalization weighted indices that measure the performance of companies selected using environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria. This year, 71 large cap companies were assessed in the Semiconductors and Semiconductor Equipment Industry Group for eligibility to be included on the 2024 DJSI World and only 8 including ASE successfully made the cut. This marks the ninth consecutive year that ASE has made the list.
As a global semiconductor manufacturing leader, ASE is deeply focused on establishing a robust organization with the highest level of commitment to sustainability development. We are proud that our ESG performance has been duly recognized by both local and international sustainability rating agencies. Along with the DJSI ranking, ASE has also earned a spot on the CDP’s annual list for Climate Leadership for eight years’ standing since 2016. The CDP is a non-profit organization that provides guidance on environmental disclosure for companies, cities, states, and regions. ASE is also listed on the FTSE4Good Emerging Index and holds an A rating on the MSCI ESG Ratings. Within Taiwan, ASE is a constituent of the TAIEX Sustainability Index, and a recipient of 17 awards this year, including the TCSA (Taiwan Corporate Sustainability Awards) Top 10 Sustainable Manufacturing Companies, and the Commonwealth Magazine Corporate Citizenship awards.
"Despite a challenging economic landscape shaped by proactive inventory reduction, geopolitics and inflation, we remain invariably optimistic," said Jason Chang, Chairman and CEO, ASE Technology Holding. "Our strategic position within the semiconductor supply chain enables us to push the boundaries of performance and efficiency in the Generative AI era. By harnessing the power of innovation and digital transformation, we aim to strengthen our core competencies while striking a balance between sustainable growth and robust business performance. We are fully committed to fulfilling our corporate social responsibility, seeking to create greater value for all stakeholders, enrich lives and most importantly, contribute to the public good," he continued.
Our Low Carbon Mission
In response to the need for immediate climate action, ASE aims to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. To realize this ambitious goal, we have adopted a comprehensive, science-based approach aligned with the recommendations of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTI). We have proactively taken steps that include investing in carbon credits, intensifying renewable energy adoption, low-carbon transportation and green product development, as well as increasing supply chain engagement. Currently, 84% of our global manufacturing sites use renewable energy, and 12 sites are RE100 certified.
Towards a Circular Economy
In support of the United Nations' "Global Plastic Treaty" that seeks to reduce the use of plastic and minimize the environmental impact of plastic waste, ASE Kaohsiung established the "Plastic Recycling Center" in 2022. The center is focused on transforming waste plastic into products. Within a short span of a year, we managed to increase the product conversion rate from 40% to 91% in 2023.
Value Co-creation
ASE collaborates closely with our suppliers in an effort to build meaningful and sustainable relationships in our journey towards net zero. We regularly conduct carbon footprint assessments across our supply chain to identify any carbon hotspots within the suppliers’ operations and to develop reduction plans where needed. In 2023, we presented Supplier Sustainability Awards to selected suppliers as a recognition of their outstanding performance. The award program serves as a communication platform for us to encourage suppliers to innovate and explore ways to collaborate with ASE on sustainability development, advancing the creation of a net zero ecosystem.
Social Inclusion and Community Engagement
In 2023, ASE organized a nationwide competition centered on energy conservation, low carbon, social welfare and environmental protection themes. We selected three teams that not only stood out with their innovative business models but were also able to present ideas that address social issues. On top of a monetary award, the teams were also provided with opportunities to partner with ASE in expanding their business operations. Additionally, we continue to dedicate our time towards tree planting initiatives and the ‘LED lighting for schools’ project. We have also adopted the TNFD-LEAP framework to identify the company's reliance on, impact on, risks, and opportunities for nature, and formulate corresponding strategies. Our "Climate and Environmental Report" is published in accordance with the TNFD and TCFD standards that allow us to accurately disclose ASE's actions on climate change and biodiversity to all our stakeholders.
"Today, our industry is facing an era of rapid changes in technological applications along with a global trend in sustainable transformation. At ASE, we remain committed to our core vision of ‘Technology for a Better Future.’ We are leveraging the critical role of semiconductors and innovative technologies to strike a balance between our business and ESG goals. We will continue to actively collaborate with academia, industry, stakeholders, and the general public to bring about positive and tangible changes for a sustainable future," Jason Chang concluded.
ASE Technology Holding Co., Ltd. is among the leading providers of independent semiconductor manufacturing services in assembly, test, materials, and design manufacturing. As a global leader geared towards meeting the industry’s ever-growing needs for faster, smaller, and higher performance chips, ASE Technology Holding develops and offers a wide portfolio of technology and solutions including IC test program design, front-end engineering test, wafer probe, wafer bump, substrate design and supply, wafer level package, flip chip, system-in-package, final test and electronic manufacturing services. For more information about ASE Technology Holding, please visit www.aseglobal.com or LinkedIn/X @aseglobal
Safe Harbor Notice
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Although these forward-looking statements, which may include statements regarding our future results of operations, financial condition or business prospects, are based on our own information and information from other sources we believe to be reliable, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this press release. The words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "plan" and similar expressions, as they relate to us, are intended to identify these forward-looking statements in this press release. These forward-looking statements are necessarily estimates reflecting the best judgment of our senior management and our actual results of operations, financial condition or business prospects may differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements for reasons including, among others, risks associated with cyclicality and market conditions in the semiconductor or electronic industry; changes in our regulatory environment, including our ability to comply with new or stricter environmental regulations and to resolve environmental liabilities; demand for the outsourced semiconductor packaging, testing and electronic manufacturing services we offer and for such outsourced services generally; the highly competitive semiconductor or manufacturing industry we are involved in; our ability to introduce new technologies in order to remain competitive; international business activities; our business strategy; our future expansion plans and capital expenditures; the strained relationship between the Republic of China and the People’s Republic of China; general economic and political conditions; the recent shift in United States trade policies; possible disruptions in commercial activities caused by natural or human-induced disasters; fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; and other factors. For a discussion of these risks and other factors, please see the documents we file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the 2023 Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on April 3, 2024.
