Annual Highlights 2014
Together we move forward to become No. 1
Cooperation is the foundation of any success and True accomplishes this by connecting everyone no matter where and how by utilizing advanced communications technology. Combined with our core beliefs of giving, sharing, cultivating knowledge, as well as promoting ethics and morality, this will ultimately lead to sustainable value in Thai society, and reach our goal of being No. 1.
At a Glance
True Corporation Plc, Thailand’s convergence lifestyle leader, offers an unrivalled selection of integrated communications services and solutions. True Group’s three core business segments are: True Mobile Group, which mainly operates 4G LTE and 3G mobile businesses under the brand TrueMove H; TrueOnline, the largest fixed-line phone provider in the Bangkok Metropolitan Area and the broadband and WiFi leader with the most comprehensive nationwide network using FTTx (fiber to the home/building), DOCSIS and xDSL technologies; and TrueVisions, the only nationwide pay TV and HD TV operator. True Group is dedicated to bring greater value to customers through innovative products and services as well as enhanced telecommunications network using highly efficient technologies. The Group strives to elevate the quality of hi-speed communications services in order to connect every household, office and workplace across the kingdom with the latest digital information, knowledge and entertainment services. True Group aims to contribute to an improved quality of life in Thailand, reducing the digital divide, as well as to enhance value for its customers, organization, employees and shareholders.
002 Annual Highlights 2014
True Group’s business is built around delivering the benefits of the convergence of its products, networks and services to consumers, fulfilling their various demands and lifestyles. This high-value offering differentiates the Company while enhancing its capability to seize future growth opportunities. The convergence campaign continued to flourish throughout 2014, expanding the combined subscriber base of True Group’s three core products to 28.2 million customers comprising: 23.6 million 2.1 million 2.5 million
Mobile phone (TrueMove H and TrueMove) Broadband Internet (TrueOnline) Pay TV (TrueVisions)
Additionally, the Company is committed to operating in a socially and environmentally responsible manner at all times and constantly draws on its strengths as a telecommunications provider to help transform Thailand into a knowledge-based society. True Group contributes actively to its stakeholders and the public at large, helping build a strong foundation for society and delivering sustainable benefits as a good corporate citizen.
2014 Highlights • 2014 marked a momentous turnaround year for True Group with several key transformations including revenue and productivity enhancement across all business segments, successful recapitalization and strategic partnership with China Mobile. All these factors, along with True Group’s investment in TRUEIF contributed to its evolvement into a profitable enterprise, reporting a net profit of Baht 1.4 billion in 2014. • Consolidated service revenue grew to Baht 67.5 billion due mainly to solid growth of the cellular and broadband businesses. • True Mobile Group cellular revenue outperformed the industry with significant value market share gain; remarkable growth in the postpaid segment remained the key driver. • TrueOnline’s broadband Internet revenue soared at 15 percent YoY in 2014, underpinned by continued success of broadband expansion as well as strong response to its competitive high-speed Internet offerings for both standalone and convergence packages. • TrueVisions’ mass segment strengthened, leveraging on the Group’s uniquely attractive convergence campaigns; this resulted in a pick up of subscription revenue since the second quarter of the year.
• The redesigned advertising packages as well as rising contribution from digital TV channels contributed to incremental advertising revenues at TrueVisions. • True Group successfully completed its recapitalization and strategic partnership with China Mobile in September. This enabled the Group to significantly repaid debt and improved its credit profile with net debt-to-EBITDA ratio at 1.6 times in 2014, far below 4.6 times in the previous year. • Furthermore, synergies with China Mobile in several areas including procurement of device and network equipment as well as international business help strengthen the Group’s business fundamental while facilitating its future expansion. • True Group remains committed to deliver the highest level of customers’ satisfaction by introducing Thailand’s first speech recognition service “MARI”; the new service has continued to receive positive response from users.
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Financial 
Highlights
004 Annual Highlights 2014
2014
2013
2012
(Restated) (Unit: Baht million)
Consolidated Financial Results Total revenues
109,216
96,214
89,382
Operating profit
2,884
(1,649)
1,600
Results from ongoing operations
5,859
(11,376)
(6,631)
Net profit (loss) to equity holders of the Company
1,425
(9,063)
(7,428)
Total assets
234,570
205,852
180,363
Total liabilities
163,630
201,120
166,359
70,941
4,732
14,004
3.2%
-2.0%2/
2.1%
Asset turnover (times)
0.5
0.52/
0.5
Interest coverage ratio (times)
3.6
1.92/
2.4
Net debt / EBITDA (times) 1/
1.6
4.22/
5.3
Profit (loss) per share (Baht)
0.07
(0.56)
(0.51)
Book value per share (Baht)
2.88
0.33
0.97
11.10
7.50
5.45
24,608
14,530
14,503
273,148
108,977
79,042
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Total shareholders' equity Key Financial and Efficiency Ratios Operating profit margin (on revenue excl. IC and network rental)
Per Share Data and Others
Share price at the end of period (Baht) No. of outstanding shares at year end (million shares) Market capitalization 1/ 2/
Total short-term and long-term borrowings exclude liabilities under finance leases Below figures for 2013 exclude performance contributions from the sold non-core subsidiaries for a meaningful YoY comparison
2014
2013
3.2%
-2.4%
Asset turnover (times)
0.5
0.5
Interest coverage ratio (times)
3.6
1.8
Net debt / EBITDA (times)
1.6
4.6
Operating profit margin (on revenue excl. IC and network rental)
005
Financial 
Highlights
True Group achieves net profit
Solid revenue growth and productivity improvement EBITDA
Service revenue Baht billion
Net profit (loss) to shareholders of the parent
Baht billion
67.5 64.6
Baht billion
1.4
20.1 14.9
2013 2014
(9.1) 2013
2014
2013
2014
Remark : Service revenue = revenues from telephone and other services, excluding IC and network rental revenue Financial performance in 2013 excludes contributions from the sold non-core subsidiaries for a meaningful YoY performance comparison
Revenue by segments TrueOnline Baht billion
TrueMobile Baht billion
35.2 25.1
25.6
6.2
5.6
15.9
13.5
Baht billion
38.4 2.6 16.7
18.0
3.0
2.0
2013
2014
Traditional voice (fixed-line, payphone, PCT) Broadband, Internet and Business data services Convergence and others
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2.9
TrueVisions
13.5 18.8
19.1
2013
2014
Voice Non-voice Others Remark : Others include revenue from international roaming services
10.7
10.8
0.9 1.7
1.3 2.1
8.0
7.4
2013
2014
Advertising Music entertainment & other Subscription and installation
Successful recapitalization
enhances True Group’s financial performance and capital structure Interest-bearing debt and Net debt-to-EBITDA times
Interest expense (net)
4.6 x 1.6 x
Baht billion
Baht billion
7.5
86
4.8
40
2014
2013
2013
2014
Remark : Interest-bearing debt comprises short-term and long-term borrowings, excluding finance leases Financial performance in 2013 excludes contributions from the sold non-core subsidiaries for a meaningful YoY performance comparison
Convergence remains key for customer acquisition True Group’s subscribers ‘000 subs 24,584 2,042 1,570
21,917 1,642 1,335
19,998 1,705 1,175 17,118
18,940
20,972
2010
2011
2012
TrueMobile
28,200 2,472 2,081
27,057 2,371 1,810
23,647
22,876 2013
TrueOnline (Broadband)
Record High Operating Stats
2014
TrueVisions
TrueMobile’s Postpaid Sub
TrueOnline’s Broadband Sub
TrueVisions’ Paying Sub
‘000 subs
‘000 subs
‘000 subs
2.7%
0%
+2
3,162 2013
5%
+15.
3,879 2014
1,810 2013
+23.
2,081 2014
761 2013
940 2014 007
No. 1 network of choice for the fastest, smartest, and optimum wireless network coverage
TrueMove H, as the first and largest 4G network operator in Thailand, covers 77 provinces with the fastest network speed and is continuously expanding its services with the goal of covering 80% of the country’s population by April 2015. Complemented by our 3G network on the 850 and 2100 MHz frequencies, TrueMove H offers the most efficient mobile services encompassing 97% of the nation’s population, with the addition of more than 100,000 WiFi hotspots across Thailand featuring speeds of up to 200 Mbps. Our promise is to continuously advance our technology by attaining and maintaining the fastest and ultimate wireless hi-speed network serving all people in Thailand, and thus making us the No. 1 network of choice for all.
No. 1 in hi-speed HOME Internet services
True’s advanced hi-speed Internet fiber optic technology (FTTX) delivers the fastest online experience possible to homes providing quality and high definition signals with upload speeds of up to 10 Gbps coupled with crystal clear audio signals that can support UHD TV sets. Customers across four million households in Bangkok will be able to access information, news, and entertainment faster, and by 2016 over 10 million households in the provinces will be covered throughout Thailand.
Mr. Dhanin Chearavanont Chairman
M essage from the Chairman Despite the volatility of the global economy in 2014, Asian and Thai economies continued to grow. The Thai economy itself started to recover its stability in the second half of last year as a result of eased political tensions. The telecommunications industry remained a prominently growing sector due to various investment schemes, including the nationwide transition of the Thai broadcasting industry from the analogue to the digital platform, as well as the development of various telecommunications infrastructures to serve the nation’s digital economy policy. As a leading telecommunications service provider and technology-driven company in the private sector, True Group’s clear stance was evidenced by its increasing investment proportion in expanding its wired and wireless high-speed Internet networks to increase opportunities for Thai people nationwide to access information, news and knowledge on an equal basis, as well as to elevate the quality of life for Thai people across the country.
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True Group’s businesses last year underwent various significant changes, including the return to profitability as a result of its determination for a strong business performance, financial restructuring with the establishment of the TRUE Telecommunications Growth Infrastructure Fund (TRUEIF), and recapitalization which brought in China Mobile, the world’s largest mobile network operator, as the new strategic partner. All of these helped True Group increase its business with a stronger and more secure financial standing, as well as propel True Group to the forefront of the regional telecommunications industry. In addition, True Group’s business convergence strategy aimed at creating added value for customers has positioned the Company as a unique and outstanding telecommunications service provider. The Company was able to deliver the best value to customers through TrueOnline, its quality high-speed Internet services, TrueVisions pay TV business, and TrueMove H, which operates the country’s leading 4G and 3G cellular networks with the largest nationwide coverage, and a prominently increasing subscriber base.
014 Annual Highlights 2014
For 2015, I believe that the Thai economy will have a tendency to grow at a higher rate than in 2014 resulting from various positive developments, particularly the overall peaceful situation in the country, which will help bring back international tourists and attract increased foreign investment. The telecommunications sector is also expected to experience significant growth as a consequence of the accelerated development of the countrywide ICT infrastructure to support the Government’s initiative in pushing Thailand as the AEC’s hub. True Group takes pride in being a part of this national effort to elevate Thailand’s telecommunications infrastructure to an international level. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to thank our shareholders, financial institutions both domestic and overseas, our stakeholders and our most valued customers for their trust and confidence in True Group, as well as all employees for their continuous contribution to True’s successes. I believe our determination, dedication, and strong teamwork will bear fruit and turn into sustainable growth in the years to come.
Mr. Dhanin Chearavanont
Chairman
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No. 1 in global entertainment innovation True offers the most enjoyable pay TV entertainment experience with customized TV programs from around the world, providing a one-stop service for a variety of entertainment that includes sports, movies, cartoons, reality shows, documentaries, news, and more on the greatest high-definition TV platform. Audiences are able to experience premium entertainment programs through the convergence of their TV sets, smartphones or tablets, all of which are able to access a world of unlimited entertainment innovation. With the “TrueVisions Anywhere” application, subscribers can enjoy “Video On-Demand” services or watch their favorite programs anywhere and anytime, and are even able to replay live programs at their own convenience.
No. 1 in business solutions
True’s convergence and complete business solutions combine the latest smart technologies with the most advanced communications platforms, enabling clients to analyze target markets and audiences precisely in a time and cost-saving solution. Available tools include hi-speed Internet, cloud storage, USSD messaging, and video conferencing.
Mr. Suphachai Chearavanont President and CEO
M essage from the President and CEO The year 2014 was a transformational year for True Group. The remarkable revenue and value market share growth, particularly in the cellular and broadband businesses, our cost management initiatives, along with the successful recapitalization and strategic partnership with China Mobile, the world’s largest cellular operator, have elevated True Group into a successful, proud and profitable enterprise. These factors, together with tower transfer and investment in the TRUE Telecommunications Growth Infrastructure Fund (TRUEIF) have enhanced True Group’s capabilities to seize the initiative in the industry and positioned it to propel Thailand to the forefront of the AEC and regional digital economy.
TrueMove H’s leadership in 4G LTE and 3G network coverage and quality as well as its attractive offerings bundling with a rich selection of smart devices, especially the 4G capable models, resulted in a surge of True Mobile Group’s service revenue growth, outperforming the industry, and a jump of value market share. Moreover, the overwhelming response to TrueMove H’s localized marketing campaigns and the popularity of 3G handsets under the “True” brand, have facilitated strong 3G subscriber acquisition nationwide while strengthening the prepaid segment. All of these factors fueled True Mobile Group’s subscriber base up to 23.6 million by the end of 2014.
True Group is dedicated to continuously expanding its telecommunications network via highly efficient technologies including 4G LTE, 3G, WiFi, FTTx and DOCSIS. We take pride in being a vital part in developing Thailand into a society that has plenty of accessibility to information and technology. Our effort is also intended to drive Thailand’s telecommunications infrastructure to match that of an international standard.
TrueOnline remains determined to deliver the best hi-speed Internet experience to customers through highly efficient and cutting edge technologies, namely FTTx and DOCSIS, and by continuously expanding its broadband network. This, in addition to excellent response to its attractive broadband offerings for both standalone and convergence packages, saw TrueOnline achieve an all-time high net additions of 271,836 subscribers in 2014, a growth beyond that of the industry standard. As a result, by the end of the year TrueOnline’s subscriber base increased to 2.1 million.
Convergence strategy remains one of the key competitive edges for True Group. Our unique and high-value convergence offerings, bundling products and services within the Group, have received strong market response while fulfilling consumers’ dynamic lifestyles and demands. This strategy expanded the combined subscriber base of True Group’s three core products to 28.2 million by the end of 2014.
TrueVisions reinforced its leadership in pay TV by leveraging on the strength of its diverse and comprehensive range of quality international and local content. In addition, its mass-market strategy along with True Group’s convergence campaign received remarkable response from the targeted segments. TrueVisions’ customer base grew to 2.5 million by the end of 2014. Additionally, the continued popularity of TrueVisions’ redesigned advertising package and rising contribution from digital TV channels, drove TrueVisions’ advertising revenue to grow by more than 40% in 2014. 021
Performance Highlights
True Group reported consolidated service revenue of Baht 67.5 billion and EBITDA of Baht 20.1 billion in 2014. The strong EBITDA improvement, more than 34%, was driven by higher revenue, lower expenses and decreased regulatory costs. Gains from transferring more than 3,000 new towers to TRUEIF also contributed towards this strong performance. Net interest expenses in the fourth quarter, the first full quarter after True Group’s recapitalization in September, declined 71% from the same quarter in 2013. This large decline, along with the completion of the depreciation of the 2G network assets, drove Net Income for the fourth quarter to Baht 1.9 billion from a loss of 0.5 billion a year ago. True Group is confident of continued profitability in 2015 as its competitive position continues to improve.
Corporate Social Responsibility
True Group is committed in utilizing communications technology and innovation to assist with the development of education under its True Plookpanya (Planting Wisdom) project. By the end of 2014, a total of 5,500 schools nationwide have been enrolled in the project and are using digital educational media and equipment to enhance the learning process. Moreover, True also uses communications technology and innovation to support the quality of life for the disabled so that they can have a reasonable and sustainable living standard. Under the Creating a Better Life for the Disabled project, the True Autistic Thai Center was established as a career center for disabled persons. In addition, True continued to further develop its Autistic application to help improve the learning and communication skills of people with autism. To encourage Thai people to plant more trees for a greener world, True developed the We Grow application and launched the www.wegrow.in.th website. Working together, the target is to plant 6 million trees, and is part of a reforestation campaign that was organized to celebrate HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s 60th Birthday Anniversary on April 2, 2015. True Group hopes that the We Grow application will inspire Thai people to participate and share their efforts in sustainable environment conservation that will reach other people in the region and all over the world.
Remark: Excluding performance contributions from the sold non-core subsidiaries in 2013 for a meaningful YoY comparison. 022 Annual Highlights 2014
Looking Forward to 2015
In 2015 True Group will continue to ride the strong momentum of our convergence campaign, synergies in several areas with China Mobile including network and device procurement as well as international business, and productivity improvements to further enhance profitability. In addition, we will keep improving and expanding our network coverage to enrich the hi-speed Internet experience, for both wireless and broadband customers. Our commitment will not only propel the growth of revenue and market share, it will also resonate with the Government’s policy of promoting a digital economy. TrueMove H’s 4G network will cover 80% of the Thai population within the second quarter of 2015 while TrueOnline’s broadband network will reach 10 million households by the end of next year. These achievements, together with TrueVisions’ high-quality international and local content and our improved customer service across all segments, will further strengthen True Group’s lifestyle convergence leadership.
In Appreciation
All the success of True Group in the previous year could only have happened because of the support from our customers, shareholders, investors, as well as all the hard work and relentless efforts from our management and employees. I give my sincere gratitude for all of your trust in True Group, and would like to express my appreciation to everyone in the company for their teamwork and dedication. I have complete confidence that True Group today is fully capable of progressing forward toward continuous and sustainable success.
Mr. Suphachai Chearavanont
President and CEO
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No. 1 digital home with ingenious technologies from True
“True Smart Home” digital communications solution transforms any residence into an intelligent home, enabling consumers to communicate with their home with a single touch and the ability to adapt their home to suit their lifestyles. “Home Security” solution adds worry-free safety, and “Home Automation” solution offers complete convenience, while “Home Entertainment” solution provides everlasting fun and enjoyment. No matter where they are, consumers will be able to connect digitally to their intelligent home any time, and from any place without restrictions.
Together for better living
True is the No. 1 leader in convergence. We are constantly innovating new services and are committed to developing and providing a full-service portfolio that includes TV, mobile, and Internet, enabling our customers to ultimately enjoy their lifestyles to the maximum, any time and with more convenience and quality.
Many people still lack access to sources of knowledge and information. At True, we are dedicated to providing equal access opportunities to all members of society, encouraging people to do good deeds, as well as care for the environment. Our numerous initiatives focus on giving, sharing, and inspiring. We utilize our communications technologies and innovations to improve and enhance the quality of life for the Thai people in various aspects such as education through digital media, facilitated access to essential communication services, and development of skills with the assistance of specialized applications. It is our belief that with the power of togetherness, everyone has the chance to evolve and become No.1 in society.
Sustainable growth for a better life and society
C orporate Social Responsibility
True Group, as Thailand’s leading provider of integrated communications services and part of Thai society, has an ongoing commitment to utilize communications technology and innovation to support sustainable learning among children, youths and Thai people across the country. The True Plookpanya (Planting Wisdom) project was established to cultivate knowledge, virtues, and love of the environment for sustainable development. Moreover, True is also focused on developing the abilities and improving quality of life for disabled members of society through its Creating a Better Life for the Disabled project.
Cultivating Knowledge
Cultivating knowledge is the provision of equal learning opportunities for underprivileged schools nationwide and the organization of educational activities for youths at all levels to show and develop their abilities. It also comprises access to sources of knowledge for teachers, school management, and the general public through digital learning and teaching media such as True Plookpanya TV programs and the True Plookpanya website.
1. Broadening the Learning Experience for Schools Nationwide
True Group plays an active and pioneering role in promoting and developing education through its True Plookpanya project (Broadening the Learning Experience for Schools Nationwide) by providing integrated communications technology and innovation, as well as equipment and content to help improve learning and teaching facilities. Underprivileged schools in need of educational media are selected to join the True Plookpanya project, and have opportunities to develop subsequently into True Plookpanya Model Schools.
032 Annual Highlights 2014
• True Plookpanya Schools True Group continued to select new schools located in remote areas that lacked educational media and materials for the True Plookpanya project in order to improve the schools’ learning and teaching facilities as well as create opportunities for teachers and students to access sources of knowledge on the same level as those in the city. In 2014, True Plookpanya covered a total of 5,500 schools with 1,749,842 students and 87,257 teachers who were all able to better access sources of knowledge. • Collaboration with Local Education Authorities to Build Strong Model Schools The Company entered into agreement with True Plookpanya Model schools and local education authorities to further expand the model school network by arranging workshops for participating model schools. These model schools were then able to build strong and sustainable local school networks in neighboring areas by arranging activities to help develop effective use of digital education media.
• True Plookpanya Model Schools True Plookpanya Model schools are chosen from existing True Plookpanya project schools which have shown the ability to successfully implement digital educational media and equipment in the teaching process. This year, True successfully delivered and installed TV sets and digital media equipment including TrueVisions educational programs in every class room at the new True Plookpanya Models schools to support online knowledge search for students. By the end of the year, the number of True Plookpanya Model schools totaled 51 and are required to train other True Plookpanya schools in the neighboring area on how to apply True Plookpanya digital media and enhance the teaching process.
• English We Can Program to Support English Language Teachers The Company in collaboration with the British Council Thailand organized the annual English We Can Program which has been running for 2 consecutive years. The 120-hour English skill development course was held for teachers of the English language under the True Plookpanya project who passed the English language teacher evaluation for True Plookpanya Model schools. The program is aimed at encouraging them to communicate in English, improve the standard of their English teaching skills and techniques, in readiness for the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) era.
• Strengthening the True Plookpanya School Network The True Plookpanya project continued to organize and hold training sessions on effective digital educational media usage for the management and teachers of True Plookpanya schools. True staff in local areas volunteered to install equipment and organize educational activities at various True Plookpanya schools across the country while the True Plookpanya School Call Center was specially set up to provide support and initial trouble shooting for the project’s participating schools. 033
2. Educational Contests at All Levels
Apart from various activities to cultivate knowledge under True Plookpanya, True was also engaged in various educational contests which were open to students from primary, secondary, high school and university levels nationwide to showcase their knowledge and abilities.
• The 19th Young Scientist Award For the 19th year, the Company has collaborated with the Science and Thai Education Technology Association in holding the True Young Scientist Award 2014, a national science and technology project contest under the theme “Science for Improving Quality of Life.” The contest was open to Grade 4-6 high school students nationwide and received a total of 334 entries from 220 schools in 65 provinces across Thailand.
• The True Youth Camp: Creating a Community through Giving The Company held the 8th Annual True Youth Camp 2014 under the theme “Creating a Community through Giving.” The campaign’s contest was open to 4-5th year high school students and received entries from a total of 90 schools in 47 provinces throughout Thailand.
• The Pirab Noi Journalist Training The 17th Pirab Noi journalist training for 2014 is an ongoing project jointly held by True Group in collaboration with the Thai Journalist Association. More than 70 students in journalism and mass communications programs from universities all over the country passed the selection process to participate in the training. The students attended comprehensive training courses and workshops to learn professional journalism skills as well as newspaper production.
• Sai Fah Noi Broadcast Journalism Training in the Digital Media Era True Group collaborated with the Thai Broadcast Journalist Association in organizing the 12th Sai Fah Noi Broadcast Journalism Training 2014. The training program was attended by 72 students who study in mass communications and communication arts programs from 30 educational institutions. Students learned how to produce radio and television news programs and how to utilize digital media for news reporting.
034 Annual Highlights 2014
• True Young Producer Award 2014 The Company collaborated with the Advertising Association of Thailand to organize the True Young Producer Award 2014, competing for the HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Royal Trophy. The contest was open to university students to showcase their ability and creative ideas on producing advertisements. The focus of the contest this year was on the online viral video category under the theme “Giving…is the Best Communication” and received entries from a total of 683 teams from 53 institutions across the country.
• The website www.trueplookpanya.com Launches Direct Admission News Center Thailand’s largest knowledge with virtue website, www. trueplookpanya.com, launched a new feature “Direct Admission News Center,” allowing high school students to access the latest news relating to admissions, quota updates, special projects and past entrance exams from all educational institutions across the country. Moreover, users can directly and conveniently link to the institutions’ admission system. They can also choose to be notified of updates by email for free as well as use the “My List” function to bookmark their favorite topics.
3. True Plookpanya Media
True Group’s True Plookpanya Media comprises the True Plookpanya TV Channel and a large knowledge with virtue database website, which work together to help develop sustainable learning experiences for teachers, students, and the general public.
• Examination Hub Launched on www.trueplookpanya.com The knowledge with virtue based website www. trueplookpanya.com launched its latest feature “Examination Hub” a new top favorite menu item for primary up to high school students to access past examinations on various subjects from every educational level free of charge at www.trueplookpanya.com/ examination. This new feature comprises guidelines for quota exams of all subjects and levels, such as O-NET and GAT/PAT exams, etc.
• A Good Mind Can Be Cultivated Season 2 TV Program True Plookpanya TV Channel (TrueVisions Channel 6) in collaboration TV with the Office of Knowledge Management and Development (Public Organization) – OKMD continued to broadcast the TV program “A Good Mind Can Be Cultivated Season 2.” The TV program offers information to both parents and teachers on ways to raise children from 0-9 years old with a focus on the learning process. This age range is considered to be important in terms of educational and quality development for children and Thai youths. The TV program consists of intensive and practical content, along with many activities. The program has been on air every Sunday from 10.00-10.30 hours on the True Plookpanya TV Channel (TrueVisions Channel 6).
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Cultivating Virtues True organized various types of activities to cultivate ethics and virtues among children, youths, the general public as well as True employees. Making use of ICT technologies and innovations, the projects and activities focus on developing the quality of life for the disabled, as well as improving community health services and facilities in remote areas.
1. Activities to Promote Morals and Ethics
True Group continuously develops content on knowledge with virtues and promotes them through its own media channels along with corresponding activities.
• Novice Monks Cultivate Dharma Wisdom Year 3 True Group continued to air the “Novice Monks Cultivate Dharma Wisdom” TV program which has now entered its 3rd year. The aim of the TV program is to encourage Thai youths to learn and practice Dharma principles as well as to cultivate knowledge with virtues. This year, 12 young boys, selected from over 1,500 applicants nationwide, were ordained as novices. They serve as a good example in inspiring parents to realize the importance of cultivating virtues in their children and to encourage them to attend Dharma training at temples more. The ordination ceremony was held at Mengrai Maharaj Temple while the Dharma training took place at Rai Chern Tawan Meditation Center in Chiang Rai Province under Pra Maha Wuttichai Whachiramettee, the temple’s Abbot. Lasting for an entire month, the theme of the training was “Learn-Know-Love-The World” to reach the goal of “Kindness & Compassion.” The TV program was live broadcast on TrueVisions and could also be watched online at www.trueplookpanya.com/truelittlemonk or via the free trueplookpanya.com application. 036 Annual Highlights 2014
Consequently upon leaving the monkhood, these 12 novice monks were selected to receive the “D.A.R.E STAR” award, which was presented to them under the “Anti-Drug Campaign for 2014” organized by the Royal Thai Police. They served as a good example of Thai youths who are not involved with drugs.
2. Activities to Promote Social Development
True Group applied its ICT technologies and innovations to assist and improve the quality of life for the disabled so that they can live and communicate better with other members of society. Projects under this initiative included career training courses to help the disabled earn a living, and support activities which were participated by True Group employees.
• Creating Innovations for Developing the Ability and Improving the Quality of Life for the Disabled True Group’s commitment is to help develop the ability and improve the quality of life for the disabled by bringing together innovative communications technology under the “Creating a Better Life for the Disabled” concept so that disabled members of society are able to have a career and earn a living. Since 1994, True Group has provided employment opportunities for disabled persons according to their capabilities and the Group’s workforce includes disabled persons across various professions such as engineers, technicians, customer service agents and sales assistants. • Career Development Center for the Disabled In line with Article 35 of the Promotion and Development of Quality of Life for Persons with Disabilities Act 2550, True supported Baht 22 million and collaborated with the Autistic Thai Foundation in 20 provinces nationwide to set up True Autistic Thai Centers to help develop the potential of people with autism and provide professional training to 1,000 disabled persons and their families. The Autistic Thai Foundation arranged professional training in six courses each of 600 hours duration, totaling 3,600 hours to develop career skills for the disabled. Training comprised office work, computer usage in the workplace, coffee shop business, agriculture, sculpture and making commercial dishwashing liquid.
• Bike Ride for Charity To mark HM the King’s 87th Birthday Celebrations on December 5, 2014, True Group participated by organizing the 9th Annual “I Will Do for King” project under the concept “Bike for Giving.” The public was invited to join the “Bike for Giving” activity by riding their bikes along Rama XIII Bridge. For every 200 kilometers that the participating charity bikers accumulated, the Company would donate a 7” True Smart Tab tablet installed with True’s autistic application together with one year unlimited Internet package. A total of 2,000 tablets were donated to the Thai Autistic Foundation to use in helping people with autism develop learning and communication skills as well as improve their abilities. Bikers were encouraged to download the free “I Will Do” application to track the distance covered as well as monitor their health data. • Used Tablets for Autistic Children True employees donated a total of Baht 121,806 and 17 used tablets to the “Used Tablets for Autistic Children” project for children with autism and their families who are under the care of the Autistic Life Skills Development Center in 20 provinces. The tablets were equipped with True’s autistic applications to help in developing and cultivating skills of autistic children. .
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3. Activities to Promote Community Health
True Group continues to help improve the quality of life of people in remote areas where there are shortages of medical staff by providing advanced communications technology and innovation, as well as equipment that will enable people in the community to receive medical consultation and treatment from doctors at hospitals located in major cities. At the same time, True is also involved in helping build community health awareness.
• 3G Technology for Community Health True Group participated in the development to upgrade community health services by delivering TrueMove H 3G aircards to sub-district health centers and district hospitals. This enabled medical staff to consult in real time with doctors at major or provincial hospitals in order to efficiently give appropriate medical advice and administer immediate treatment while visiting bed-ridden patients on site. It also helped patients save on traveling expenses. A total of 300 hospitals in 24 provinces across Thailand joined the program with each hospital serving more than 50,000 residents. • Saraphi District Model for Community Health Database True Group supported the Saraphi Model which is a project to develop a community health database by providing 300 TrueMove H 3G SIM cards with unlimited data package for tracking various health data, i.e. geographic data, health benefits, illness and demographic data on a real time basis through the Saraphi Health Application that is linked to the Geographic Information System (GIS) system. The application can store community data of more than 26,000 households in 12 sub-districts within the Saraphi District of Chiang Mai Province and synchronize in real-time with the server. The data can then be used for further development and improvements of health services. Students in local True Plookpanya schools volunteered to participate in collecting community data.
• Happy District With 24 District Health System (DHS) Project To continue the success of the Saraphi District Model Project, True Group collaborated with Naresuan University in developing a new public health project “24 DHS.” To support this, the Company contributed its convergence communications technologies comprising TrueMove H’s 3G/4G/WiFi networks which are the largest in the country in terms of service area coverage, cloud server for “Big Data”, mobile devices such as tablets and mobile phones along with specially-priced unlimited data packages. True Group also coordinated with 124 True Plookpanya schools in the surrounding communities and encouraged local students to jointly work with public health officers to collect data by using the provided tablets and mobile phones. • Chiang Mai Province Health Model True Group provided 3G technology to support and improve community health services in the Chiang Mai Province Health Model project which was aimed at elevating the district health network onto a provincial level, becoming the first of its kind and serving as a prototype self administrative management province in Thailand. True provided Mobile Health Solutions comprising cloud servers, tablets and 3G SIM cards so that project members can collect and store health data. True Group provided TrueMove H aircards equipped with 3G SIM cards to support the Tele-medicine Project of the Chiang Mai Provincial Public Health Office. True also gave 3G SIM cards together with unlimited data package valid for two months to the Faculty of Nursing of Chiang Mai University for tracking additional data in the Saraphi district.
038 Annual Highlights 2014
Cultivating Love of the Environment True creates awareness for environment conservation through various campaigns for children, youths, and the general public by using communications technologies and innovation, as well as disseminating them through TrueVisions’ TV programs. Placing importance on global environmental problems, activities were organized for both within and outside the organization such as the development of applications to reach a broader audience, encouraging greater participation and sharing of environmental issues and efforts. • We Grow Application for a Green World True Group supported the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives with the development of the “We Grow” application which facilitates Thai people’s participation in planting trees to increase green areas nationwide and across the world. This was part of a reforestation project that was organized to celebrate HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s 60th Birthday Anniversary on the April 2, 2015. Users of this application can show the number of trees they planted, view other areas where trees were planted as well as the amount. In addition, users can share and exchange information, and learn how to grow and look after various tree species. The target of the reforestation project is 6 million trees. To further encourage the public’s participation, the wegrow.in.th website was launched to promote the project and provide information on usage of the “We Grow” application. • Environmental Conservation Awareness through Photography True Group and the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Group organized the Annual National Nature Photography Contest 2014 for the public to value the beauty of nature and present it through photography in order to create awareness and encourage Thai people to realize the importance of sustainable environment conservation.
The contest was open to the public and students to participate and compete for the HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhon Royal Trophy and HRH Princess Galayani Vadhana Krommaluang Naradiwas Royal Trophy along with privileges to visit national wildlife sanctuaries across the country without having to pay admission fees. A total of 2,036 photos were submitted in 2014 which included students from 62 educational institutions. To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Annual Nature and Wildlife Photography Contest in 2014, True Group compiled the winning photos since the beginning of the photo contest in 1995 and organized a photography exhibition at the Bangkok Art & Culture Centre to showcase the contest’s winning photos from the past 20 years. A 20th Anniversary Commemorative Photo Album was also published using green printing technology (Green Print Reduces CO2 Emission). Other supporting activities from True Group included donations of Baht 500,000 each to the Sueb Nakhasatien Foundation and the Wildlife Foster Parents project for their continuous environmental conservation efforts for the country. 039
Innovation Projects and Sharing • Application for Children with Autism The True Innovation team brought together various communications technologies to develop an innovative application that can help improve the learning and communication skills of children with autism by focusing on the development of their capabilities, and eventually helping them to live well with others. This application was successful on both the local and international levels. The Autistic Application was ranked No. 1 in the education category in the Middle East covering Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and United Arab Emirates. It was also ranked in the top 10 education applications in 25 nations around the world, and was one of the iTunes What’s Hot Education applications in the United States of America, Indonesia, Malaysia and Qatar.
• MEM for Visually-Impaired Persons True Group collaborated with Mahidol University to develop and patent the innovative MEM – My Eyes Memory (Braille Note Taker) device which can facilitate visually-impaired persons taking notes by typing on Braille alphabet keys that are conveniently arranged according to common usage patterns. The device can also store data for further review and/or transfer to other IT devices for sending messages or communicating with other people.
040 Annual Highlights 2014
• True Lab: The Source for Active Learning True Group launched “True Lab@Thammasat,” a research and development center for teachers and students at Thammasat University by deploying innovative communications technology in line with the university’s active learning policy to promote self development and learning among faculty members and students. The center also serves as a source for future innovations and aims to develop Thammasat University into a university of international standards in R&D. In parallel, the “myCampus TU” application was developed to serve as a new communication network platform for the Thammasat University community where academic and entertainment content can be shared, as well as offering an easy communication channel for the university’s network which consists of students, graduates, teachers and staff. Members of the community are able to connect with each other anywhere and anytime under the concept “Thammasat Everywhere, Thammasat Every Time.” In addition, True has opened True Lab at Mahidol University and Srinakharinwirot University Prasarnmit Campus. By the end of 2014, there were three True Labs on campus and more labs are expected to open in 2015, such as True Lab in Chiang Mai University.
Other Public Activities
• Mahajanaka: The Phenomenon Live Show True Group, as part of the Thai private sector, supported Mahajanaka: The Phenomenon Live Show, a musical theatrical depicting the story of Mahajanaka, a literary work by HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej to mark HM the King’s 87th Birthday Celebrations. The Company invited a group of customers as well as teachers and students from True Plookpanya schools to experience the performance that extols the virtues of perseverance, moderation, and individual sacrifice for the sake of the common good, inspiring the audience to pursue these virtues in their everyday life.
• Let Them See Love Year 8 True Group once again held the “Let Them See Love Year 8” campaign to increase people’s awareness of giving, under the concept of “Love is Blind,” offering a valuable opportunity for blind people to see once again. Under this campaign, relatives could donate eyes of relatives who have passed way on his/her behalf by calling 081-836-4927. True helped to publicize the campaign through various media and also provided donation channels through SMS and online via the website. The donations were then handed over to the Thai Red Cross Organ Donation Center and Eye Center.
• HelpLink for Society In 2014, the HelpLink website organized and helped promote many activities including blood donation for those injured from explosions which occurred at rallies and gatherings, as well as creating awareness for the 2014 Earth Hour campaign by encouraging the public to switch off lights for one hour to help save energy and reduce global warming. • Support for Lawn Tennis Development True Group donated Baht 5 million to the Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand to support the development of Thai tennis players and trainers. True collaborated with the Sanchez-Casal Academy in Spain to sponsor women’s tennis in the 2014 Fed Cup World Group II Play-offs and to live broadcast the competition on TrueVisions’ True Sports 7 Channel. • Supporting the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge True Group supported the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, a funding activity for patients with ALS by donating to 1) Prasat Neurological Institute Foundation for ALS Patients Fund; 2) Rama Thibodi Foundation; 3) The Autism Foundation of Thailand; 4) Senior Artist Benefit Foundation; 5) The Thai Red Cross Eye Center; 6) The Mirror Foundation; 7) Don’t Drive Drunk Foundation; 8) Foundation for the Better Life of Children; and 9) Children’s Foundation. 041
True Corporation Public Company Limited 18 True Tower, Ratchadapisek Road, Huai Khwang, Bangkok 10310, Thailand Tel. +66 (0) 2643-1111 Fax +66 (0) 2643-1651 www.truecorp.co.th