Audience Analytics is an enabler and growth partner to businesses. Through a portfolio of awards, exhibitions, conferences, digital and print media and business analytics, the group, led by chairman William Ng, helps businesses in multiple sectors better understand their businesses, make better decisions, promote their businesses, and partner with them to grow their businesses.
The group’s business segments are categorised into:
(i) conducting business impact assessments for the business awards organised by the group
(ii) organising large-scale exhibitions
(iii) business media services
(iv) business intelligence and analytics services offered via a software-as a-service model which includes the group’s proprietary “Total Engagement Assessment Model” analysis tool to provide accurate and timely data to HR professionals to better understand their workforce.
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1 . What is the group's sustainability approach and how has it been integrated into its business operations?
Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in our robust corporate governance practices, which are aligned with industry regulations, and uphold the highest ethical standards. Our board and management actively manage EESG (Economic, Environmental, Social, Governance)-related risks and opportunities.
• We also actively engage with our shareholders and stakeholders on a transparent basis, seeking their input and considering their interests. Compliance with all applicable laws across our operations remains one of our highest priorities.
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2. What are some of the key material ESG factors for Audience Analytics and how did the group identify these factors?
We have engaged external consultants to help assess relevant EESG factors through continued monitoring of our business environment, stakeholder feedback and identifying emerging sustainability trends.
• Economic performance: In FY2022, we achieved growth in revenue and net profit while expanding regionally by introducing the HR Asia Awards in India. Our targets include meeting revenue goals and extending business segments into new geographical markets.
• Employment: We aim to create a workplace conducive to employees’ productivity and work-life balance, with goals including staff retention, hiring more talent, and reducing turnover rates.
• Training and education: In FY2022, the average training hours rose. We aim to expand training opportunities and develop training modules.
• Optimising resource usage: We have reduced the usage of printed materials from our activities. In FY2022, we replaced printed copies of books on winners with online profiles, in line with our long-term goal to transition to paperless operations and work towards digitalisation.
• Protection of Intellectual Property (IP): Safeguarding our IP and brand integrity is crucial. In FY2022, we have had zero incidents of non-compliance with IP laws and successfully acquired IP rights for the Golden Bull Award. Future targets include registering trademarks in local markets and maintaining compliance with IP laws and trademark-related matters.
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3. What has been done to retain employees and attract new talent into the group?
To retain key talent, we have introduced employee participation plans such as the “Shared Purpose and Prosperity Incentive Plan” (Sprint) and the “Group Employee Share Option Scheme” (Group ESOS). Sprint is a performance-based incentive plan that rewards employees for meeting or exceeding targets. Group ESOS allows employees to purchase company shares at a discounted price.
These initiatives underline our commitment to a motivated and engaged workforce. Although we faced challenges in retaining staff, including lower confirmation rates for probation staff and a competitive labour market in FY2022, we have taken steps to address this. We have reviewed compensation and benefits packages, expanded training opportunities and actively sought employee feedback during appraisal sessions. Our employees are integral to our success, and these measures reflect our dedication to enhancing talent retention. We aim to reach a total staff count of 100 by 2024, ensuring our continued growth and success.
4. Focusing on the print media arm of the business, how does Audience Analytics navigate sustainability trends of moving away from print media?
The digitalisation of publications has led to estimated savings of over five million sheets of paper each year.
• Replacing printed copies of books on winners for their business awards with online winner profiles has reduced 1.5 million sheets of paper.
Sustainable event management
• Eco-friendly alternatives: Audience Analytics directs its clients towards sustainable event management practices by offering them eco-friendly, digital alternatives to standard hard-copy event collaterals.
Environmental impact.
• Reduced paper usage: The company has substantially decreased paper usage as part of its ongoing efforts to reduce its environmental footprint.
Future goals
• Further reduction: Audience Analytics aims to reduce paper consumption in the years to come as part of its digitalisation journey.
5. With a wide and diversified portfolio, how does Audience Analytics ensure that it meets the regulatory requirements for ESG reporting?
Governance and oversight
• Board’s role: The board of directors oversees the group’s ESG-related risks and opportunities. They validate all identified material EESG topics for their relevance and significance to the business and stakeholders.
• Management’s role: The senior management team systematically assesses all relevant risks and opportunities. They are responsible for developing sustainability initiatives and programmes for the organisation. Compliance and training
• Mandatory training: The board has complied with the Singapore Exchange S68 ’s requirement for all directors to undergo mandatory sustainability training in FY2022. Reporting and transparency
• Annual sustainability report: The board reviews and approves the annual sustainability report to ensure it aligns with regulatory standards and provides a transparent account of the ESG performance.
Jihye Lee is an associate director of research at the Singapore Exchange Group
