According to the United Nations World Water Development Report 2023, nearly half of the world’s population will face water stress by 2030, and the number of urban residents experiencing water shortages is expected to double by 2050 compared with 2016. Extreme climate events are also exacerbating water-related challenges. At the same time, to ensure more comprehensive and dignified labor rights, both the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) emphasize that establishing transparent and effective employee grievance and engagement mechanisms is a fundamental element in safeguarding workers’ rights and improving working conditions. In line with the global trend toward transparent sustainability disclosure, such mechanisms have become a core component of corporate sustainability and responsible business conduct.

"Responsible Manufacturing" is one of the four pillars of ASUS's sustainability strategy and the core of its sustainable transformation. We continuously monitor global environmental and human rights developments, noting emerging risks such as water scarcity and human rights issues. In response to these international trends, ASUS has embedded suppliers’ Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) management into its procurement process. Through annual audits, grading management, capability-building programs, and thematic forums, ASUS shares resources and best practices to help suppliers strengthen risk management for emerging issues and enhance worker communication mechanisms. These initiatives aim to elevate environmental and social management capability across the supply chain, reduce environmental impacts, and improve labor rights.

 

Empowering Supply Chain Partners through Thematic Forums

In 2025, ASUS hosted two thematic forums focusing on two key sustainability topics: Water Resources and Process Chemicals Management, and Employee Grievance & Engagement and Living Wage. The forums featured third-party experts and consultants to share insights on industry and eco-label trends, and to elaborate on the importance of water resource management and chemical control—such as implementing water recycling systems and promoting chemical substitution programs—to mitigate environmental impacts.

The forums also introduced international trends in employee grievance mechanisms and living wage practices, which not only provided procedural safeguards for labor rights but also enhanced employee well-being and job stability, thereby strengthening the resilience and sustainability of the supply chain. Following the forums, ASUS continues to engage with suppliers to understand their practical challenges and provides tailored guidance to help optimize their management actions. By knowledge sharing and capacity building, ASUS empowers its supply chain partners to better respond to emerging ESG issues and collectively build a sustainable supply chain.

 

Implementing Responsible Manufacturing through Supplier Surveys and Coaching

ASUS not only assists suppliers in grasping the latest sustainability knowledge but also translates international trends and eco-label standards into concrete management measures. Through supplier surveys and guidance, ASUS demonstrates its commitment to implementing responsible manufacturing.

Facing the global water crisis, ASUS has prioritized water resource management in its supply chain oversight. Beginning in 2023, ASUS initiated a water resource inventory for its suppliers. The analysis revealed that 80% of water consumption originates from key suppliers of motherboards, panels, and batteries. Based on these survey results, ASUS implemented grading management and formulated collaborative assistance strategies. For example, key suppliers are required to implement water recycling and reuse, along with process optimization, to enhance water resource utilization efficiency.

Regarding Employee Grievance & Engagement and Living Wage, ASUS has collected data on suppliers’ labor conditions and grievance channels, provided coaching to establish related policies, and designed a grievance mechanism that allows production workers to file anonymous complaints to ASUS via QR code—ensuring that grievance channels are accessible and effective.

In 2024, ASUS launched its first Living Wage Program in alignment with the Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) and the Anker Methodology. The initiative focuses on key assembly and labor-intensive suppliers, combining wage data collection, on-site visits, and worker interviews to help suppliers set improvement targets and ensure that wages meet recognized human rights standards.

Through first-hand data collection and professional coaching, ASUS strengthens suppliers’ compliance and risk management in emerging environmental and social topics, while enhancing transparency and protecting workers’ rights.

 

Building a Responsible and Resilient Sustainable Future

ASUS leverages thematic forums as a platform for dialogue to drive proactive capability building across the supply chain. The 2025 thematic forums have engaged suppliers representing over 80% of ASUS’s total procurement value, deepening their understanding of advanced sustainability topics and facilitating the development of management frameworks.

In 2024, ASUS held 23 supplier conferences and thematic forums, with over 8,000 participants joining supplier engagement and training sessions to strengthen sustainability competencies. Moving forward, ASUS will continue to uphold its commitment to building a sustainable supply chain by assisting suppliers in enhancing ESG knowledge and improving both environmental and human rights management. Together with our partners, ASUS strives to create a responsible and resilient sustainable future.