SUMI TRUST Japan Announces First Investment in Southeast Asia with The Forestias Project by MQDC, Focusing on ESG Responsibilities in Three Key Areas: Environment, Society, and Governance
After a thorough evaluation and completion of all negotiation stages, Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank Limited (SuMi Trust Bank) of Japan, represented by Mr. Kazuya Oyama, Chairman, has announced a decision to invest $10 million (approximately 335 million baht) in The Forestias project by MQDC (THE FORESTIAS by MQDC). This project emphasizes the coexistence of people, animals, nature, and all life on Earth, and is conveniently located for travel within Bangkok, marking SuMi Trust Bank's first investment with an organization in Southeast Asia.

Mr. Masaya Noda, Managing Director of Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank stated, "With the power of trust, our organization is committed to creating value and a prosperous future for our customers and society. We prioritize the development of real estate projects that genuinely meet societal needs, such as coexistence with nature, creating a senior-friendly society, and sustainable urban living. The concept of ‘The Forestias’ aligns with our objectives and vision, and we are impressed by the working philosophy of MQDC and its management team."
MQDC is a real estate development company under DTGO Corporation Limited, which engages in investment, international trading, and the development of robotics technology through joint ventures with other companies. Mr. Thanin Pornsirithewech, Chief Financial Officer of DTGO, praised SuMi Trust Bank's visionary approach to this investment, saying, "We are honored to welcome SuMi Trust Bank as an investor in The Forestias project and are proud that our project development approach has been recognized by a global financial organization."

Mr. Kittiphan Uiyamapan, Chairman of The Forestias Project by MQDC expressed gratitude, stating, "We sincerely thank SuMi Trust Bank for trusting us to collaborate. The Forestias project demonstrates the potential of a new urban planning approach that creates a balance between human life and other living beings sustainably."
DTGO is an organization that prioritizes ethical business practices, sustainability, and initiatives to support society. In addition to allocating 2% of its income to foundations and social work, DTGO is actively involved in various social projects related to education, quality of life welfare, and the environment. It has also been recognized globally as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere, a research institute specializing in corporate ethics in the United States, for five consecutive years (from 2019 to 2023).
The investment from SuMi Trust Bank marks another significant achievement for the special overseas project development team in Japan, DTGO Corporation Limited or DTGO Japan, which was established in 2019 to foster good relationships with companies in Japan for collaboration in innovation and investment, including initiatives to work with SuMi Trust Bank. Ms. Sasinan Allmand, Director of Special Overseas Project Development and Director of the Japan Office, stated, "The investment from SuMi Trust Bank is a crucial step in securing funding and purpose-driven investment with a strategic vision for sustainability. It also strengthens our relationship with SuMi Trust Bank and lays a solid foundation for future projects. We believe this investment is worth more than just the monetary amount, as it signifies a commitment to the environment, society as a whole, and all life on this planet, demonstrating how business can effect positive change."
About Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank (SuMi Trust Bank)
Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank was established in 1925 and is a leading trust bank in Japan. As of March 2022, the bank managed approximately 248 trillion yen (about $2.03 trillion) in assets and approximately 127 trillion yen (about $1.04 trillion) in assets under management. SuMi Trust Bank is the only trust bank among Japanese banks with a unique approach to trust and banking operations. It offers a wide range of services related to commercial banking, asset management, and trust business, such as pension funds and investment, as well as real estate brokerage. This makes SuMi Trust Bank the number one in trust-related businesses and a leading asset management company in Asia, serving a diverse clientele including organizations, individuals, pension funds, and financial institutions.