SEC and AOP launch the Best PVD Awards 2017 Project

Bangkok, 4 December 2017 – The SEC in cooperation with the Association of Provident Fund (AOP) has announced the 6th Best Provident Fund (PVD) Awards 2017 Project in search for the most outstanding PVD performers in terms of management excellence, investment governance for the benefit of sufficient savings and good quality of life for PVD members after retirement.

The Grand Prize winners in each category will be awarded with the Recognition of Achievement Plaque from Her Royal Highest Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. The second and third runners-up will receive the SEC plaque and the AOP plaque, respectively.

The main criteria for selecting qualified entrants include their fund management performance, their strengths in post-retirement services and support, as well as the roles of asset management companies in enhancing PVD members’ potential and promoting the industry’s development as a whole. In addition, the Investment Governance Code (I Code) is a key factor for considering the entrants’ qualifications for the first time this year.

Dr. Pisit Leeahtam, AOP President, said: “We have been organizing this award project for six consecutive years. It is important to recognize outstanding achievements in the industry and encourage successful performers to keep up the good work for members’ interest and to be a good example for other PVDs.”

SEC Deputy Secretary-General Tipsuda Thavaramara said: “This project helps to raise employers’ awareness of PVD as a tool for promoting good financial health for their employees after retirement. Incorporating the I Code into the selection criteria is a  tangible progress in evaluating PVD performance. It also encourages institutional investors, PVDs included, to make responsible investments for members’ long-term benefits while taking into account the best interest of the society, the environment and the good corporate governce of the invested businesses.”

To be eligible, an entrant must be an SEC-registered PVD for at least three years, and the PVD Committee or the Head of the PVD line of work has approved of the entry.

The awards are divided into three categories: (1) State Enterprise PVDs, (2) Private Sector PVDs and (3) Asset Management Companies. The first two are single funds and the last are pooled funds.

The Selection Committee appointed by the AOP administers the first-round screening. Those passing the first round will move on to the interview. The points collected from both rounds will determine the final results. The award announcement ceremony will be held on Friday, 23 February 2018 at Sofitel Sukhumvit.

Interested PVDs are welcome to join the project. The online application form and more details are available at www.aop.or.th. Entries end on 12 December 2017.