Towards a "safe, secure, and comfortable society"
Advantest has consistently contributed to global prosperity by supporting the development of cutting-edge electronics technologies with our Group's measurement technology based on our purpose and mission of "Enabling Leading-Edge Technologies". We believe that semiconductors will continue to be essential to the present and future of a stunning array of industries and to a more sustainable future for humanity. Our business activities contribute to the creation and utilization of semiconductors with superior performance, and we believe this will continue to contribute directly to the safety, security, and comfort of people worldwide, as well as to our own growth.
In the revision of our Grand Design and the four strategies listed in the Third Mid-term Management Plan (MTP3) announced on June 25 this year, in addition to the three core strategies that focus on solving customer issues, "Outpace the growth in our core market", "Expand adjacently / new businesses" and "Drive operational excellence", we have added a fourth strategy of "Enhance sustainability". We have set the pillars of the strategy for the next mid-term management plan by strengthening various initiatives that will lead to the realization of a sustainable society and also to our own growth, and promote the four strategies in an integrated manner.
In order to achieve the fourth strategy of "Enhance sustainability", it is essential that we appropriately reflect the expectations and demands of all stakeholders in our business activities, including "shareholders and investors", "employees", "customers", "suppliers", "partners", "local communities" and "all the environments surrounding us". I would like to reiterate that the foundation of a corporation is to appropriately respond to the demands of society, which is ultimately our corporate social responsibility. We aim to expand the significance of our existence and the value we provide in a balanced and multifaceted manner both economically and socially. In addition, the following three elements are necessary for our specific activities: "to work on solving global social issues," "to understand the needs of each stakeholder in solving issues and to work together through communication," and "to strive for transparency and appropriate information disclosure in our efforts to solve these issues". It is important that all three of these elements be carried out in accordance with global standards.
In the announcement of our "Grand Design", we described the environment in which we find ourselves as the "Era of Complexity". This refers to the fact that today, the world is facing significant changes in its environment, including the abnormal imbalance in the natural world caused by climate change, energy shortages that will accompany future global population growth and economic development, global shortage of labor, and the rise in political, military, and social tensions that are becoming apparent in certain regions and the impact on the global economy itself. At the same time, the challenges for companies, such as appropriate procurement of resources and energy, sufficiency of human capital, and redeployment of supply chains, are becoming dramatically more complex. That is why we must continue to take a broader perspective than ever before and perceive the social issues that are occurring globally, place importance on dialogue with all stakeholders, and continue to work to further strengthen corporate governance.
Finally, I would like to touch on the significance of our sustainability activities in relation to the word "innovation". Innovation is considered the most important mission of corporate activities. However, I believe that innovation is not only within our organizations, but innovation is the change we bring about outside our organizations. It is not science or technology per se, but about the contribution and value that a company can provide to the outside world through its business activities. Here, not only the management but also each and every employee plays a leading role. That is why we need to think about providing value not only to those within our organization, but also to the various stakeholders outside of our organization, and together with each stakeholder, we could do our utmost to realize a truly sustainable society.
Thank you for your continued support.
October 2024
Yasuo Mihashi
Senior Excutive Officer, CFO & CSO
Executive Vice President, Corporate Strategy Group
