Samsung Electronics Establishes 22 New ESG Training Courses for Partners… Han Jong-hee Urges "Join Us"

'Coexistence Cooperation Day' Resumes After 4 Years on the 23rd
Han Jong-hee Urges "Securing Fundamental Competitiveness"
Kim Young-jae, Head of Hyupsunghoe, Says "Sustainable Growth with Samsung"

"We must meticulously prepare AI-based smart factories and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) management based on low-carbon green growth according to mid- to long-term plans."

This statement was made not by a CEO of a large corporation, but by Kim Young-jae, CEO of mid-sized company Daeduck Electronics. It was a response to the message from Han Jong-hee, Vice Chairman and CEO of Samsung Electronics and head of the DX (Consumer Electronics & Mobile) division, urging, "Please participate in ESG management to sustain the entire supply chain."

Kim Young-jae is the chairman of the Supplier Council (Hyopseonghoe), which is composed of about 200 Samsung Electronics partner companies.

Samsung Electronics announced on the 23rd that it held a Win-Win Cooperation Day with members of the Supplier Council at the Ramada Hotel in Suwon. About 220 representatives from Samsung management, including Vice Chairman Han Jong-hee and Chairman Kim Young-jae, as well as Supplier Council member companies, attended. The event, held annually to strengthen the commitment to mutual growth between Samsung and its partners, resumed after four years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The agenda included the Supplier Council’s regular general meeting and awards for outstanding partner companies.

Chairman Kim Young-jae said, "Amid ongoing global management uncertainties, let us overcome the crisis by continuing innovation and technology development in cooperation with Samsung Electronics." Vice Chairman Han Jong-hee stated, "In difficult times, rather than shrinking back, please strive to enhance your capabilities and secure fundamental competitiveness."

New employees of Samsung Electronics partner companies attending training at the Samsung Electronics Win-Win Cooperation Academy Education Center in Suwon, Gyeonggi-do.
[Photo by Samsung Electronics]

Employees of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-sized companies face difficulties in establishing ESG management concepts, implementing guidelines, and disclosing performance. Samsung Electronics recognized this and established an ESG management education program for SMEs and mid-sized companies, creating a dedicated team to provide consulting.

Through the Win-Win Cooperation Academy Education Center, Samsung Electronics has offered over 500 training courses free of charge to partner companies, including tiered education for new employees, next-generation leaders, future managers, and job-specific training in finance, manufacturing, procurement, and marketing. By 2021, 18,725 people had completed these courses.

This year, the Academy Education Center developed 22 ESG-related courses covering topics such as greenhouse gas reduction, supply chain due diligence, and fair trade policies. These are critical issues that, if violated, could result in administrative sanctions or damage to the company’s brand.

An 'ESG Support' function was newly established within the Academy Consulting Center to assist partners with practical greenhouse gas reduction efforts. It also addresses chronic issues such as productivity decline and production defects. Additionally, support activities like excellent/Biz technology briefings, patent sharing, and joint investment technology development projects help enhance partners’ technological competitiveness. Win-win programs including financial support and workforce development are extended to second- and third-tier partner companies.

Min Dong-wook, CEO of MCNEX, explaining the company's operational status to Park Il-jun, the 2nd Vice Minister of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, who visited the company in Songdo, Incheon on January 16.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

At the event, Samsung Electronics and Samsung Display selected and awarded 34 companies, including 30 top and excellent partners who achieved outstanding results in quality and production innovation, new technology development, and technology localization last year, as well as 2 ESG outstanding partners and 2 fair trade outstanding partners.

MCNEX, a KOSPI-listed company participating in Samsung Electronics’ mobile phone module design and development, received the top award. They automated the camera packaging line and the OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) process for automatic vibration correction, dramatically improving cost and productivity. Collaborating with second-tier partners, they significantly reduced defect rates and contributed to saving about 30 billion KRW in costs for nine partner companies.

TESS, a KOSDAQ-listed company, also received the top award. Supplying semiconductor equipment to Samsung Electronics, they optimized semiconductor equipment operation and developed key new parts, doubling productivity. Hansol Chemical, a KOSPI-listed company, won the top award as well. They developed QD (Quantum Dot) materials suitable for the inkjet process essential for Samsung Display’s next-generation displays, greatly contributing to excellent optical properties and process stability.

Dongyang E&P, a KOSDAQ-listed company mainly supplying power supply units (SMPS) for Samsung Electronics TVs, received a special award in the ESG category. They were recognized for achievements in the eco-friendly sector, including developing solar inverters for their own products and establishing eco-friendly infrastructure throughout their business sites.