ADAPTING & LEARNING CAN BE FUN
“Graduating in chemical engineering, I started my career as a manufacturing engineer at the Ban Pong Plant of Siam Pulp and Paper Company Limited in 1990. Later on, I was transferred to take charge of a new project at Wangsala Plant. After that stint, I was promoted to the post of production manager of Siam Cellulose Company Limited’s pulp factory. I would later handle an engineering project for Thai Paper Company Limited and then Phoenix Pulp and Paper Public Company Limited before returning to Ban Pong and Wangsala plants in my capacity as production manager.
“Then in 2020, my career switched out of production line. It was a major turning point. I have now overseen the formulation of policies and strategies based on guidelines from the Management and ESG Committee. After laying down ESG framework, I have followed up with implementation and prepare reports. In my new role, I have been more involved in corporate affairs. I have also learned more about laws, government affairs, participation management, and stakeholder management.
“ESG and Sustainability affairs also involve external organizations. I need to adapt a lot because I had never done such job before. But my work experiences have applied well in many contexts. During my adjustments, I have learnt more and stepped out of my comfort zone. It was difficult at first. But once the adaptation is complete, I have fun doing new things.”
ESG IS GOOD TO PLANET & PEOPLE
ESG, a meaningful international topic, has always received due attention from SCGP. Guided by ESG principle, SCGP has grown replaceable eucalyptus for use. Today, recycled materials have also accounted for 97 percent of its paper-packaging production. Used packages have been reused for maximum efficiency too in line with Circular Economy concept.
“In the production process, we can maximize resource efficiency by curbing energy usage, water consumption, and waste. As we apply ESG concept to each unit, we must set a clear target. For example, if we intend to lower greenhouse-gas emissions, we must identify indicators, follow up with results, and conduct evaluations for necessary adjustments.
“The formulation is not top-down. We ask operational staff to determine feasibility during formulation process. Then, after setting targets, we must send a message across as to how our efforts will benefit our organization, society, and planet. Our executives have communicated with everyone on all possible stages. Our ESG Rating has to date been satisfactory. SCGP was in Silver rank since its first year with S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment.
“Our ESG performance has assured investors of our quality growth and growing business opportunities. For example, our recycling business not only supports circular economy, but it also complements SCGP’s business portfolio. Indeed, ESG is really good to people, businesses, society, and the world”.
OPEN UP, LEARN & CREATE OPPORTUNITIES
“Working hard does not equal working well. If you perform well, it means you are effective and enjoy Work-Life Harmony. Today, I have realized that people management is by no means easy. In engineering field, we can produce clear-cut solutions when problems occur. If a solution is right, it can be used again and again. But in people management, your solution depends on a situation.
“So, for my management role, I focus on two parts. Firstly, I open up my mind, explore inspirations, and am always willing to listen to others. When I come across a problem, I stay put. I tell myself my patience will be rewarded with achievement. After a task is successfully completed, I can be proud and tend to my passion.
“Secondly, I encourage my team members to focus on corporate goals. We are parts of SCGP. This means we may sometimes work beyond our work scope in support of the firm’s goals.
“To young staff, please keep learning. Read books, news and articles because additional knowledge gives you more opportunities.
“Last but not least, don’t worry about changes. You just need to work responsibly and uphold the right principles. Do that and you will soon realize that you are on the right track,” Mr. Soonthorn concluded.