Statement of the Management
Thank you for taking the time to peruse the 2023 "ESG Report" issued by HTC. We continue to follow the latest "Global Reporting Initiative Standards" and AA1000 standards Type II High Level of Assurance to report information disclosure to the general public and all stakeholders. The relationship communicates with HTC's commitment and achievements in reflecting social responsibility and moving towards sustainable development.
2023 proved a challenging year for the global economy, with the IMF recording that global growth almost halved from 2021 levels while inflation almost doubled over the same period. The US and Europe saw a significant slowdown, creating a more challenging business environment. However, HTC remained clearly focused on its VIVERSE vision, continuing to invest in the strategic technologies that will drive our vision and the ecosystem, while optimizing resources to streamline our operations.
HTC opened 2023 with the launch of the cutting-edge VR headset, the VIVE XR Elite at CES in January, where it received numerous “Best of CES 2023” awards from leading media such as CNET, CNN, and Wired. It also won “Most Innovative Product” and “Best Mixed Reality Solution” at the XR Awards 2023, as well as the IDEA Bronze Award in the Consumer Tech category, amongst many others, reflecting how the innovative design, high specification and clever ergonomics impressed media and industry alike. HTC closed the year with the announcement that the VIVE Focus 3 was launched into space by NASA and ESA to provide mental health and fitness applications for the astronauts heading to the International Space Station; a new frontier for VR and for HTC.
HTC continued to work on delivering more true-to-life virtual collaboration and improved human connections in VR through the launch of several tools and accessories in 2023, including a range of VR trackers for physical activity, face and eye movement. This move towards greater realism online is important for the wider adoption of VIVERSE, HTC’s total solution to help customers fully realize immersive digital transformations and applications across B2C and B2B markets. Built on our advanced XR technologies, VIVERSE is HTC’s secure, fully device-agnostic platform for the next generation of the internet that brings people together to connect, collaborate and explore in vivid 3D virtual worlds.
While geographical restrictions relating to the COVID-19 pandemic were completely lifted worldwide by the end of 2023, it is clear that some aspects of the digital revolution catalysed by the pandemic have sustained, such as remote and hybrid working, requiring the adoption of virtual meetings for work, schooling and professional training, as well as reduced business travel. HTC’s VIVE VR systems and VIVERSE are well positioned to take advantage of this societal shift, as more of our lives go online to an internet that is increasingly 3D.
HTC’s ESG strategy, initiatives and achievements in sustainability in 2023 reflect HTC’s continued commitment to reducing its environmental impact and increasing its social responsibility. HTC has committed to near-term and long-term company-wide emission reduction targets in line with the scenario set by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), whose goal is to accelerate companies’ shift towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Our efforts to improve sustainable operations gained wide recognition in 2023, with HTC again selected as a constituent of the prestigious FTSE4Good Index Series, and winning a silver medal for the second year in sustainability from EcoVadis, one of the world’s most trusted providers of business sustainability ratings, as well as Taiwan’s National Sustainability Development Award in the Enterprise category.
As a member of the CDP Supply Chain Member program, HTC works with its suppliers to address environmental risks to build a sustainable future. HTC improved its leadership level in both the CDP Supplier Engagement Rating and the Climate Change score in 2023. HTC also published its first standalone report on the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures, reflecting the Company’s dedication to transparency and accountability in addressing climate-related risks and opportunities in business; this report was independently verified by 3rd party verification body SGS.
Finally, HTC received the Individual Performance award in Information Security Leadership at the 16th Taiwan Corporate Sustainability Awards, demonstrating its commitment to safeguarding sensitive information. These awards, which are linked to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, reflect HTC’s holistic approach to corporate responsibility.
HTC continued to fulfil its potential in 2023, creating innovative products and services with clear market focus. In anticipating the brave new world of the immersive internet, HTC stands ready to meet the challenges and develop the right technologies and products to expedite the future. The company structure of semi-autonomous business units announced in 2021 has firmly embedded, with each business demonstrating maturity of business model and leadership in their respective fields over 2023, while the mother company HTC continues to provide strategy guidance and functional support to each business, along with maintaining a strong focus on achieving sustainable efficiencies across all of its operations. This strategy is now showing returns, and we remain firm in our belief that this is the right path for growth for HTC.
Throughout our operations, HTC strives for brilliance, both in how we work and how our customers use our products. We will continue to focus on innovation, execution, and efficiency across the organization, and by anticipating market trends and pioneering technology implementation, we believe that we are on the right path for growth. HTC will keep on upholding the right strategies, world-class talent, and innovative R&D capabilities that will drive our next stage of growth. In collaboration with many partners around the world, it is committed to environmental protection and R&D innovation with a view to creating a better life for people. You are welcome to give us support, encouragement and suggestions on HTC’s road to a sustainable future.
HTC
Chairwoman and CEO
Cher Wang