Kuaishou's MSCI ESG Rating Upgraded to "A": A Beacon of Sustainable Development

Kuaishou Technology, a leading content community and social platform, has recently received a significant boost to its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) credentials. msci, a leading international ESG rating agency, upgraded the company's ESG rating from 'BBB' to 'A,' placing Kuaishou among the top performers in its industry. This upgrade not only reflects the company's long-term commitment to sustainable development practices but also underscores its proactive efforts and sense of responsibility within the industry.

Kuaishou's commitment to sustainable development is evident in its various initiatives and projects. In its data center operations, the company has implemented innovative cooling systems and renewable energy initiatives, such as water-free integrated fluoro-pump air conditioning and plate liquid cooling systems. These technologies significantly reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions, contributing to cost savings and environmental sustainability. Additionally, Kuaishou consistently expands the scale of its green electricity transactions and purchases of green power certificates, increasing the proportion of renewable energy electricity used in its self-built data center. In its office workplace operations, the company's initiatives, such as the "IT Equipment Repurchase Program," smart conference room upgrades, and green building certifications, further solidify its low-carbon operational framework, setting benchmarks for industry-wide sustainability.

Kuaishou's commitment to data security and privacy protection is another key aspect of its ESG performance. The company has obtained multiple international certifications, including ISO 27001 Information Security Management System, ISO 27701 Privacy Information Management System, and ISO 27017 Cloud Service Information Security Management System, covering 100% of its business scope. Kuaishou conducts data security and privacy protection training for all employees every year to safeguard its users' and partners' data. Meanwhile, the company actively participates in the formulation of international standards, national standards, and industry standards in the fields of personal information protection and data security, promoting the overall improvement of data security in the industry.

Kuaishou's emphasis on employee growth and diversified development is another critical factor in its ESG performance. The company offers a comprehensive training system and various career development pathways to help employees enhance their professional skills. Kuaishou's internal learning platform, "Kuaishou Middle School," offers nearly 5,000 courses covering technology R&D, product operations, and management skills, catering to diverse learning needs. In addition, Kuaishou supports employee well-being and fosters a sense of belonging and loyalty by providing benefits such as health check-ups and mental health assistance.

Kuaishou's commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) is another aspect that sets it apart. The company leverages its platform to support public welfare initiatives, such as rural revitalization, educational equity, helping vulnerable groups, and protecting minors. Its public welfare ecosystem empowers thousands of entrepreneurs and rural women, enhances public literacy through digital tools, and promotes sustainable community development. According to the latest disclosure, Kuaishou Public Welfare's cumulative donations to date exceed RMB200 million, and its platform has created over 30 million job opportunities. Kuaishou has proven that commercial value and social value can be deeply integrated, setting a "technology for good" industry benchmark.

Kuaishou's upgraded MSCI ESG rating not only affirms its long-term commitment to sustainable development practices but also underscores its sense of responsibility and proactive efforts within the industry. As a leading content community and social platform, Kuaishou's upgraded ESG rating can enhance its competitive position by demonstrating its commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, which can be attractive to socially conscious investors. Additionally, the company's dedication to addressing climate change, as evidenced by its participation in the CDP climate disclosure initiative and earning a 'B' rating on the CDP climate change questionnaire, further solidifies its commitment to sustainability. In the long term, investors may benefit from Kuaishou's upgraded ESG rating through potential improvements in operational efficiency, risk mitigation, and enhanced brand reputation, which can contribute to the company's financial performance and shareholder value.