SK bioscience, a global innovative vaccine and biotech company committed to promoting human health from prevention to cure, announced today that the company has received an A grade in the 2023 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) assessment by Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI).

This marked a significant upgrade from a BBB grade in 2022, and B grade in 2021 by achieving the highest evaluation in the domestic bio-industry in 2023.

MSCI is a globally renowned provider of ESG rating for assessing listed companies´ performance in 10 categories and 35 key issues in environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) since 1999. MSCI ESG ratings are known for its independence, consistency and transparency. Currently, MSCI´s coverage extends to over 8,500 companies and encompasses more than 680,000 global stocks and fixed-income securities.

SK bioscience received high scores in areas such as human resource development, enhanced healthcare accessibility, hazardous substance and waste management, and governance.

In the S (social) category, the company has been well-graded on systematically organizing its education programs for global talents and employees, establishing a social risk management system by conducting a third-party human rights impact assessment, and contributing to enhancing public health by pushing its Glocalization project that transfers its R&D and production capability to LMICs.

In the E (environment) category, the company improved its hazardous substance emissions and waste management level by acquiring ISO 14001 (Environmental Management System) certification for its Andong L HOUSE.

In the G (governance) category, the company secured the independence and expertise of the board of directors by separating the roles of the board chairman and CEO and by appointing outside directors with diverse industry experience. Furthermore, the company received a favorable evaluation on implementing a strategy for ESG management enhancement by incorporating the CEO´s ESG performance into CEO’s key performance indicators (KPIs) and the compensation system.

Meanwhile, SK bioscience has received an overall A grade for the second consecutive year in the 2023 ESG Evaluation and Ratings of Listed Companies by the Korea Institute of Corporate Governance and Sustainability (KCGS).

Looking ahead, SK bioscience is committed to building on its strong foundation in ESG and continuing to enhance its ESG performance by expanding the scope of human rights impact assessments and supply chain ESG management support, preparing disclosures to the Korea Sustainability Standards Board (KSSB), and strengthening climate change response activities.

Jaeyong Ahn, CEO of SK bioscience, said, "We are pleased to receive international recognition for our year-long efforts toward sustainable growth," adding, "We will continue to make efforts to grow together with our stakeholders and achieving our mission of promoting global public health.”