Kuaishou's MSCI ESG Rating Upgraded to "A," Highlighting Outstanding Achievements in Sustainable Development

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Kuaishou Technology (Stock Code: 01024/81024) has achieved a significant milestone with its MSCI ESG rating upgrade from 'BBB' to 'A', positioning it as a top performer among peers. The company also earned a 'B' rating on the CDP climate change questionnaire in 2023-2024.

The platform, serving over 700 million users, demonstrates excellence across multiple ESG dimensions:

• Implements green data center operations with innovative cooling systems and renewable energy initiatives
• Maintains robust data security with ISO certifications covering 100% of business operations
• Offers comprehensive employee development through 'Kuaishou Middle School' with nearly 5,000 courses
• Contributes to social welfare with donations exceeding RMB200 million and creation of over 30 million job opportunities

The company's ESG governance is overseen by the Board's Corporate Governance Committee, ensuring sustainable practices and ethical business conduct across operations.

HONG KONG, March 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Kuaishou Technology ("Kuaishou" or the "Company"; HKD Counter Stock Code: 01024 / RMB Counter Stock Code: 81024), a leading content community and social platform, is pleased to announce today that MSCI, a leading international ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) rating agency, recently upgraded the Company's ESG rating from "BBB" to "A." This elevated rating places Kuaishou among the top performers among its peers. In 2023 and 2024, Kuaishou also participated in the CDP (Carbon Disclosure Project) climate disclosure initiative and earned a "B" rating on the CDP climate change questionnaire, demonstrating its dedication to and outstanding performance in addressing climate change. Guided by its mission of "connecting goodwill through technology to create long-term value," Kuaishou continues to integrate ESG principles into its operations. The Company'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.

I. Industry-Leading Green Operations and Low-Carbon Development 

Kuaishou has actively responded to China's "Dual Carbon" strategy, embedding sustainability across its operations. In its data center operations, the Company's self-developed technologies, such as water-free integrated fluoro-pump air conditioning and plate liquid cooling systems, significantly reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. By consistently expanding the scale of its green electricity transactions and purchasing of green power certificates, Kuaishou also continues to increase the proportion of renewable energy electricity used in its self-built data center. In Kuaishou's office workplace operations, initiatives like 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.

II. Fortifying Trust with Data Security and Privacy Protection

As a content platform with over 700 million users, Kuaishou prioritizes data security and privacy protection. 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 (including new employees, contract workers and interns) every year to safeguard its users' and partners' data. Meanwhile, Kuaishou 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.

III. Employee Growth and Diversified Development Driving Corporate Advancement

Kuaishou emphasizes employee growth and diversified development in its efforts to create an equal and inclusive working environment. 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 also supports employee well-being and fosters a sense of belonging and loyalty by providing benefits such as health check-ups and mental health assistance.

IV. Fulfilling Corporate Social Responsibilities through Public Welfare Actions 

Kuaishou deeply integrates social responsibility into its corporate DNA, leveraging its platform to support public welfare initiatives. From rural revitalization and educational equity to helping vulnerable groups and protecting minors, the Company employs innovative models to efficiently coordinate social resources. 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.

V. Governance Structure and Business Ethics Anchoring Growth

As the highest governance body for its ESG, the Company's Board of Directors has established an ESG Working Group under the Corporate Governance Committee to coordinate and promote the implementation of ESG initiatives across functional departments. Simultaneously, Kuaishou strictly adheres to the highest business ethical standards and resolutely opposes corruption, money laundering, monopolistic practices, and other illegal and criminal activities. The Company also ensures compliance and transparency across its operations through a robust internal system and supervision mechanism.

MSCI's upgrade of Kuaishou's ESG rating to "A" stands as yet another testament to Kuaishou's impactful ESG initiatives following its receipt of the "2024 Environmental, Social and Governance Excellence Award" (New Listed Company Category). These honors commend both the Company's past efforts and its future sustainable development path. Moving forward, Kuaishou will continue to uphold ESG principles, expand its green operations, strengthen data security, promote employee growth, and fulfill its social responsibilities to drive high-quality growth and create enduring societal value.

About Kuaishou

Kuaishou is a leading content community and social platform in China and globally, committed to becoming the most customer-obsessed company in the world. Kuaishou uses its technological backbone, powered by cutting-edge AI technology, to continuously drive innovation and product enhancements that enrich its service offerings and application scenarios, creating exceptional customer value. Through short videos and live streams on Kuaishou's platform, users can share their lives, discover goods and services they need and showcase their talent. By partnering closely with content creators and businesses, Kuaishou provides technologies, products, and services that cater to diverse user needs across a broad spectrum of entertainment, online marketing services, e-commerce, local services, gaming, and much more.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements included in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may", "might", "can", "could", "will", "would", "anticipate", "believe", "continue", "estimate", "expect", "forecast", "intend", "plan", "seek", or "timetable". These forward-looking statements, which are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, may include our business outlook, estimates of financial performance, forecast business plans, growth strategies and projections of anticipated trends in our industry. These forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to the Group and are stated herein on the basis of the outlook at the time of this press release. They are based on certain expectations, assumptions and premises, many of which are subjective or beyond our control. These forward-looking statements may prove to be incorrect and may not be realized in the future. Underlying these forward-looking statements are a large number of risks and uncertainties. In light of the risks and uncertainties, the inclusion of forward-looking statements in this press release should not be regarded as representations by the Board or the Company that the plans and objectives will be achieved, and investors should not place undue reliance on such statements. Except as required by law, we are not obligated, and we undertake no obligation, to release publicly any revisions to these forward-looking statements that might reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this press release or those that might reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:
Kuaishou Technology
Investor Relations
Email: ir@kuaishou.com

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SOURCE Kuaishou Technology

FAQ

What does Kuaishou's MSCI ESG rating upgrade to 'A' mean for KSHTY investors?

The upgrade from 'BBB' to 'A' indicates stronger ESG performance and reduced investment risks, potentially attracting more ESG-focused investors and enhancing long-term value creation.

How is Kuaishou (KSHTY) implementing green initiatives in its data centers?

Kuaishou uses water-free integrated fluoro-pump air conditioning, plate liquid cooling systems, and increases renewable energy usage in self-built data centers to reduce energy consumption and emissions.

What are Kuaishou's (KSHTY) key social impact metrics as of March 2025?

Kuaishou has donated over RMB200 million through its Public Welfare initiative and created more than 30 million job opportunities through its platform.

How does Kuaishou protect data security for its 700 million users?

Kuaishou maintains ISO 27001, 27701, and 27017 certifications, covering 100% of operations, and conducts mandatory annual security training for all employees.

What employee development programs does KSHTY offer through Kuaishou Middle School?

Kuaishou Middle School provides nearly 5,000 courses covering technology R&D, product operations, and management skills for diverse employee development needs.