Despite the overall performance of SCG in the second quarter and the first half of 2019 being affected by various factors, particularly the global economic slowdown due to trade wars, fluctuations in raw material costs, and a strong Thai baht, the company has not remained idle. SCG has accelerated the adjustment of its short-term and long-term business strategies to maintain financial stability and ensure sustainable growth in the long run.

         Mr. Rungroj Rangsiyopas, President of SCG, commented on this matter, stating, "SCG prioritizes investment. In the first half of the year, our main investments included acquiring shares in Fajar, a major packaging paper manufacturer in Indonesia, as well as investments in the chemicals business in Vietnam and Thailand. We assess which projects are investments in businesses with high potential and market growth, such as the petrochemical investment project in Vietnam, and the expansion of packaging paper production in the Philippines, which requires relatively low investment per unit and can be executed quickly. We are also expediting projects aimed at improving production efficiency or energy use, such as investments in renewable energy. For other projects that yield slow returns and require longer investment periods, we will put them on hold for now."

       

         At the same time, we are continuously developing innovations, such as in the chemicals business, which develops products using advanced technology to meet the needs of industrial customers and enhance the value of products offered to customers. For example, we have developed special grade polyethylene pellets using SMX Technology™, which reduces the amount of plastic used in products while maintaining strength and durability. Additionally, we have developed Functional Materials like CIERRA™, which allows the use of a single type of plastic while providing diverse properties for packaging, replacing the need for multiple materials that are difficult to recycle.

        In the cement and construction products business, we focus on penetrating new markets with high potential and rapidly growing market value, such as the retail business. This includes opening the "SCG Home Boonthavorn" center, which sells decorative materials focusing on kitchens and bathrooms, as well as incorporating various technologies and innovations to deliver solutions, such as roofing systems, to enhance customer convenience.

        Meanwhile, in the packaging business, in addition to new investments, we also see opportunities in the growth of the E-commerce sector and the increasing demand for packaging in the fast food industry. We aim to leverage these opportunities to quickly create added value for the business." It must be acknowledged that while SCG faces significant challenges from global and regional factors, the company continues to prioritize innovation development and investments to better meet customer needs. These efforts will help maintain financial stability while fostering long-term business growth.