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Smart Media goes virtual

“Well, we seized the moment whose time had come” quips Vijith Kannangara, Chairman, Smart Media The Annual Report Company. “Our decision to go virtual has been in the air for years, a natural evolution of a company rooted on a digital-first mindset that also rubbed off on our clients.”

It comes as no surprise. From its origins in 1994 Smart Media has challenged the conventional and pioneered many breakthroughs. Examples in the digital space abound: the first end-to-end online HTML annual report for Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) in 1999; the first video annual report for Hayleys PLC in 2012; winning the Grand Award for the best on-line HTML annual report for DIMO at the International ARC Awards held in New York City in 2013 (while competing with the likes of Volkswagen AG, Daimler AG and Prudential PLC for the coveted award!); a purpose-developed annual report for mobile devices for the Qatar Financial Centre Regulatory Authority in 2015; a digital-first integrated report for the International Integrated Reporting Council, UK in 2018.

And now, the move to a virtual office. “No, no, we are not disappearing into the cloud” assures Ajit Chittambalam, Chief Officer – Content Development at Smart Media. “We will still have a presence on terra firma at 23/2, Independence Avenue, Colombo 7, which will also be the Company’s new registered address. Clients will always be welcome by prior appointment for a discussion over coffee, or even better, premium Ceylon Tea.”

Smart Media developed a hybrid remote-working business model more than a decade ago when the Company ventured into overseas markets. Tested and refined over the years, it provided the required resilience and agility to maintain business continuity with the onset of the pandemic. “Our teams have long been comfortable and successful using the work-from-anywhere concept. And now, it has become the preferred mode!” says Kannangara, adding “It has been transformative to our productivity, flexibility and creativity. We have eliminated the time, effort and money wasted on commuting to work. Not only that, we have simultaneously reduced our third party or indirect greenhouse gas emissions.”

Leading by example, Smart Media recently celebrated its tenth year as a ‘net-zero’ emitter of greenhouse gases (GHG), or, in common parlance, being ‘carbon-neutral’. Using in-house technical expertise Smart Media also assists clients through on-the-job consultancy to measure and report their own GHG emissions and, in line with global climate action, guides them on their transition to net-zero.

“Going virtual is a way of practising what we preach,” concludes Kannangara. “Many of them have become prophetic – the need to innovate, to build resilience and to prepare for the future of work. Our move to a virtual office on 1st January 2022 is a pragmatic step in that direction.”

A Decade-long Journey to Achieving Net-Zero Emissions

In 2011, Smart Media voluntarily decided to measure, manage and offset its residual greenhouse gas emissions to become net-zero GHG. The partnership with Carbonfund.org enabled the Company to offset what was not practical to reduce, by purchasing certified carbon credits.

Smart Media has always championed integrating sustainability reporting with financial reporting. So far, the Company has guided over 100 local and international clients on their journeys of fusing sustainability with annual reporting and even integrating sustainability into day-to-day business activities.

Speaking on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the partnership between the two entities, Eric Carlson, President at Carbonfund.org Foundation said, “We recognize Smart Media’s early adoption and leadership in achieving net-zero operations through the long-term partnership with Carbonfund.org, and we admire their continued commitment to environmental sustainability.”

Dr. Vijith Kannangara, Executive Chair of Smart Media The Annual Report Company also added, “The pathway to curb climate change is daunting, but achievable if every part of the global economy, however small, puts its shoulder – and mindset – to the wheel.”

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Explore this topic on Carbonfund.org

Smart Media: ‘Media Sponsor’ of the IIRC’s Global Conference 2020

Organised by the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC), the virtual conference focused on driving sustainable value creation in an interconnected world. The event took place from 30 November - 2 December 2020 with over 80 international subject experts leading the sessions.

The topics covered at the conference ranged from managing climate risk using integrated strategy and reporting to the impact of digital transformation on integrated reporting. The event also featured workshops and networking opportunities for the attendees.

As media sponsor of the event, Smart Media The Annual Company promoted the event among its network; encouraging annual report preparers and business leaders from Asia and the Middle East to be a part of the renowned conference.

Reliable annual reports in unreliable times

“Annual Report 2020” was held at the BMICH and was attended by over 100 hundred annual report preparers. The interactive presentation by Raja Senanayake, the Chief Officer – Smart Academy emphasised the need for the 2020 annual report to break the usual mould as the operating environment has changed so drastically and in unprecedented ways following the global outbreak of COVID-19.

Among the key areas covered in the presentation were the unique challenges companies are currently faced with, ways of sustaining and creating value in the long term, and the importance of communicating a cohesive story through the upcoming annual report.

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“Annual Report 2020”: Reliable annual reports in unreliable times

A presentation on the challenges that organisations face in preparing their Annual Report 2020 in the wake of COVID-19 and related socio-economic changes will be held at 9.30 am on Wednesday 16 September 2020 at the BMICH (Jasmine Room).

Conducted by Mr Raja Senanayake, Chartered Accountant and Chief Officer – Smart Academy, the event will cover challenges in the context of:

• The organisation's symbiotic relationship with stakeholders
• The need to demonstrate vitality and resilience
• Articulating the response to the challenges posed by the pandemic
• Demonstrating the prospects of returning to viability
• Demonstrating the robustness of the business model
• Describing the true value of the business

Prior registration online through https://ar2020.smart.lk is required.

Smart Media’s interactive website is launched in Arabic

Smart Media’s revamped, interactive website is launched in Arabic. At the heart of the website is ‘Ideal Annual Report’ - a music video that brings to life the thrills and spills of creating an annual report.

With a track record spanning over 25 years and over 2,000 annual reports - while guiding over 100 clients on their integrated reporting journeys - Smart Media The Annual Report Company is the acknowledged leader for annual reports in Asia and the Middle East, and with business now in Europe. The recently launched website presents both English and Arabic speakers around the world with a range of annual report journeys that lead to creating the ideal annual report.

Staying safe with open doors

As we navigate the challenges brought on by the ‘new normal’ that so many of us face , we are driven by two main priorities: keeping our team and their families safe while giving of our utmost to help clients to continue producing trailblazing and timely annual reports. In order to meet these twin objectives, the Company will be open for business 24x7 whilst the office will be closed from now on until further notice.

While we understand that these times might prove difficult for many, we have faith in a promising future as we face this journey together.

Smart Media leads interactive seminar at a workshop organised by the GCC BDI in Riyadh

Smart Media The Annual Report Company participated in the Sustainability, Environment, Social & Governance (ESG) Workshop organised by the GCC Board Directors Institute (GCC BDI) on 24 and 25 February 2020. The workshop was attended by the movers and shakers of the corporate world in the KSA, including Majid Alasfoor, GM for Strategy and Alignment - Sustainable Development, Ministry of Economy and Planning.

Representing Smart Media, Damith Mendis and Malshini Silva, senior managers for client guidance conducted an interactive seminar on integrated thinking and reporting. The session demonstrated the basic concepts of value creation; explained the principles behind the preparation of an integrated report; highlighted the critical success factors for instituting integrated thinking within corporates; and led to discussions on the need for change in corporate behaviour.

The two-day workshop included valuable insights and guidance on corporate sustainability from veteran Sanju Deenapanray.

Smart Media: ‘Publications Partner’ at the 10th MEIRA annual conference and award ceremony 2018

Organised by the Middle East Investor Relations Association (MEIRA), the conference and awards brought together high profile speakers and panelists and over 200 participants. Among the panelists were Daniel Marc Richards, MENA Economist at Emirates NBD and CFOs from Mobily, Aldar Properties, and Almarai.

The topics discussed at the conference ranged from a review on the operating landscape for listed companies in the region to female leadership in investor relations. At the award ceremony that followed, listed companies as well industry leaders from across the region were recognised for outstanding performance in investor relations.

As Publications Partner for the event, Smart Media provided advisory and practical support in creating event collateral in partnership with the MEIRA team. This included a corporate video that showcased the role MEIRA plays in enhancing the reputation, efficiency, and attractiveness of the Middle East capital markets.

Promoting investment through effective annual reports

As part of Mainstreaming Integrated Reporting in the Middle East, Smart Media organised an interactive seminar titled, ‘Promoting investment through effective annual reports’. The event was held at the Crowne Plaza Riyadh RDC Hotel & Convention on 27 November 2018. It brought together heads of organisations as well as investor relations and corporate communications professionals to discuss the significance of an organisation’s annual report.

The seminar drew the connection between quality corporate reporting and attracting investment and was followed by an open forum during which the audience directed their queries and concerns to the panel of speakers.

The Chairman of Smart Media, Dr Vijith Kannangara joined others such as the Chairman and Founder Member of the Middle East Investor Relations Association (MEIRA) - KSA Chapter, in making presentations at the event.

Smart Media appointed Training Foundation Partner for Integrated Reporting

Capacity building for integrated reporting is now available in a number of countries in the Middle East. Accredited by the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC), this training will be provided by Smart Media The Annual Report Company in Asia (Sri Lanka, Singapore, Pakistan, Hong Kong and Indonesia) and the Middle East (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain and Qatar). Its objective is to develop the capacity, skills, and flexibility for organisations to put integrated thinking and integrated reporting into practice.

Integrated reporting is an evolution of corporate reporting that looks beyond financial statements and shareholders alone, while focusing on how an organisation creates value for itself and all its stakeholders in the short, medium and long term.

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The 4^th edition of the Smart Integrated Reporting Methodology

The IIRC peer-reviewed eBook provides fresh insights and practical tips for report preparers to apply the key principles in the <IR> Framework, regardless of which stage they may be in on their integrated reporting journeys.

Rich in visual depictions, clarity of style and practical examples, the eBook explains the more abstract concepts such as integrated thinking and the multiple capitals, materiality and tradeoffs, and the value creation process across the short, medium and long term. Adopting a multi-disciplinary approach it dispels common misconceptions while reinforcing the central role of stakeholders in driving business strategy, value creation and purpose.

The methodology encourages a learning-by-doing approach for report preparers, underpinned by Smart Media’s 25-year history of translating innovative thinking into practical action.

To request a free copy, visit: https://www.smartannualreport.com/ebooks/4th_edition_2020/

Spotlight Presentation by Dr. Kannangara at the MENA Roadshow 2018

Dr. Vijith Kannangara, Chairman of Smart Media the Annual Report Company was invited to speak at the third MENA Roadshow. His presentation focused on ‘Bringing out the hidden worth of a business through integrated reporting’. The presentation illustrated the ways in which integrated reporting facilitates the value creation process of a business by taking into consideration not only its financial value but more importantly non-financial value creators. Dr.Kannangara was also a part of a panel discussion that took place immediately after the spotlight presentation. The discussion tackled investor relations development in the MENA region.

The MENA Roadshow was brought to Dubai following two successful editions previously held in London. The event which was both an international conference and exhibition was held on the 29th and 30th of April at the Grosvenor House Hotel. The event united all market stakeholders to facilitate greater international investment and dialogue in the MENA capital markets.

Mainstreaming Integrated Reporting in the Middle East - Radio Interview

Listeners tuned in to Dubai Eye’s Business Breakfast on 12th Dec 2017 were given a brief introduction to Integrated Reporting by Richard Howitt, CEO of the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC). Howitt was meeting business heads and financial regulators in Dubai and Saudi Arabia as a part of the initiative to Mainstream integrated Reporting in the region. The project was supported by Alex Mac-Donald Vitale, Chairman of the Middle East Investor Relations Association (MEIRA) and Dr. Vijith Kannangara, Chairman of Smart Media The Annual Report Company.

During the short radio interview, Howitt explains Integrated Reporting while stressing the benefits the reporting standard can bring to corporates in the Middle East.

Listen to the interview

Mainstreaming Integrated Reporting - An Interview

In December 2017, Dr Vijith Kannangara, Chairman of Smart Media The Annual Report Company joined Richard Howitt CEO of the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC) on a visit to Dubai and Saudi Arabia with the aim of Mainstreaming Integrated Reporting in the MIddle East. They were joined by Alex MacDonald-Vitale, Chairman of the Middle East Investor Relations Association (MEIRA) for a comprehensive discussion on this hot topic.

As part of the programme Richard Howitt met Frank Kane - an award-winning business journalist based in Dubai - for a luncheon meeting. In the course of the discussion Howitt called upon more companies in the Middle East to adopt Integrated Reporting. He stated that this principles-based reporting framework is helping companies around the world understand how the exterior environment impacts the company and vice versa. Howitt drew examples of corporates from the Middle East who have already commenced their Integrated Reporting journeys and calls upon others to join them.

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Smart Media sponsors IR Magazine Awards & Conference in Singapore

On the 4th of December 2015, Smart Media The Annual Report Company sponsored The IR Magazine Awards & Conference (South East Asia 2015) at the Singapore Stock Exchange. The conference focused on issues relating to investor relations (IR), corporate governance, shareholder needs and the role of senior management in IR. Speaking at the event, Founder and Chairman of Smart Media The Annual Report Company Dr Vijith Kannangara said, "Rather than approaching the annual report with a confused objective – unsure of whether it should satisfy the statutory obligation alone or be a compelling marketing tool – one should be very clear about its role. It is of paramount importance that an annual report be clear, concise and complete."

The conference was followed by an exclusive lunchtime awards ceremony at the Singapore Stock Exchange to honour companies and individuals in the ASEAN region who excelled at communicating with investors and analysts. The awards are significant because the winners were selected by the investors and analysts themselves.

Smart Media - Exclusive Sponsor of The 7th Middle East Investor Relations Society Awards

The 7th Middle East Investor Relations Society Conference and Awards were held on the 16th of September 2015 at The Address Dubai Mall, attracting a record 250 registrants. Smart Media The Annual Report Company was the exclusive sponsor of the reception and awards dinner.

The conference is the only event dedicated to IR in the region, and is inclusive of the Awards. Influential market players from various companies, investors and regulatory bodies were a few of those present at the event. The Awards acknowledged the continuous efforts of professionals who helped uphold and improve IR standards in the region, and also aimed to encourage collaboration of Middle East market participants while providing them with an extensive networking platform.

Smart Media sets a new record at the International ARC Awards

On the 26th of September 2013, Smart Media The Annual Report Company clinched the Platinum Achievement Award for the third time, for being the company to win the highest number of awards on behalf of their clients. The company won a record 94 ARC awards including 25 Golds and 7 Grands. The latter are the Best of the Golds across all categories and have been popularly dubbed the ‘Oscars’ of annual reports. Founder and Chairman Vijith Kannangara, and Chief Officers Raja Senanayake, Jayantha Nagendran and Suwini Amarasinghe of Smart accepted the award at the gala presentation that took place at the Trump Soho Hotel in New York City.

The bag of seven Grands included the Best of Cover Design, Best of Written Text, Best of Printing and Production, Best of Non-Profit Organizations - President’s Letter, Grand Award for the Best of Sri Lanka, Grand Award for the Best Online Annual Report from across all countries outside the USA and the Grand Award for the Green/Environmentally Sound Annual Report.

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Smart Media is a certified carbon neutral company

Since 2012, Smart Media The Annual Report Company has been completely carbon neutral under Scopes 1 and 2 as well as selected sources under Scope 3 of the GHG Protocol Corporate Standard by offsetting its own operational emissions with Carbonfund.org, an organisation which provides guidance in an innovative and flexible way to help calculate, reduce and offset the carbon footprint of a company.

In 2008, Smart encouraged a client to voluntarily publish their carbon footprint in the annual report. Since then, the number of client companies reporting their GHG emissions in annual reports has grown, supported by Smart’s consultancy assistance which includes training, development of data entry forms and computation of GHG emissions in accordance with the GHG Protocol Corporate Standard.

“Our strategy was to reduce our GHG emissions as much as possible and to offset the rest thereafter,” said Dr. Vijith Kannangara, Chairman, Smart Media The Annual Report Company. He also added that the reason for Smart’s careful selection of Carbonfund.org is due to their excellent track record and vast clientèle worldwide.

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Smart Annual Reports: An Interview

The Reporting Times, a trade publication released by the Centre for Corporate Reporting in Germany, conducted an interview with Dr. Vijith Kannangara, Chairman of Smart Media The Annual Report Company. In the interview which was published in 2013, Dr. Kannangara revealed the secrets to the success of Smart Media as a company that solely focuses on annual reports. He also elaborated on existing trends in the industry, his perceptions towards awards and the future of corporate reporting.

In response to a question on establishing Smart Media as a globally recognised annual report company, Dr. Kannangara stated, “We do business in nine countries. And that’s perhaps more locations than most have gone with annual reports. We still have a long way to go...”

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Global Entrepolis@Singapore sponsored by Smart Media

Heralding its entry into Singapore, Smart Media The Annual Report Company became a sponsor of the Global Entrepolis@Singapore Business Leader’s Summit which was held from the 23rd - 25th of October 2012 at the Resorts World Sentosa.

This leading business leaders' forum is an annual business platform which brings together a community of regional business leaders, entrepreneurs, high net-worth individuals and policy makers for a series of highly focused discussions. The forum covers the latest outlook on global markets, business model trends, innovative ideas and new approaches to growth in an ever-shifting economic landscape.

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Chairman of Smart Media delivers keynote speech at the exhibition of Best Annual Reports of the World 2012

At the convention preceding the exhibition of the Best Annual Reports of the World, Dr. Vijith Kannangara Chairman of Smart Media The Annual report Company delivered a keynote address on "Stakeholder Reporting: Best practices on the other side of the world," and on the Smart Media Integrated Reporting Methodology^TM that was used to produce Asia's first integrated annual report.

The convention was held on the 22nd of October while the exhibition took place from the 23rd to the 28th of October. Both events were held at the Museum of Arts and Crafts, Hamburg, Germany.

Smart Media presents Asia’s first integrated annual report

Smart Media produced Asia’s first integrated annual report which was presented at the International Integrated Reporting Conference of the Confederation of Asian and Pacific Accountants in October 2012. The event was held at the Water’s Edge, Battaramulla.

Jonathan Labrey, the Director of the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC) delivered the keynote speech titled "An Overview of Integrated Reporting". This was followed by two panel sessions, lead by well-known business and accounting specialists from Australia, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom.

Yet another Red Dot Design Award for Smart Media

Smart Media won its third Red Dot in 2012, for the People’s Bank annual report in celebration of their golden anniversary in 2011. The awards ceremony took place in July 2012, at the Aalto-Theatre in Essen, Germany.

The Red Dots are a set of international product and communication design prizes awarded annually by Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen (Nordrhein Design Centre), Germany. Red Dot Awards have been presented since 1955 for achievements in the fields of corporate design, advertising, interactive media and sound design.

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Partnering with MEIRA

With its proven international delivery model and the requisite support on the ground, Smart Media The Annual Report Company’s business has expanded across nine countries over the last two decades. The Middle East region has long been a familiar working environment for the Company, with many close relationships with key brands especially in the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council).

The Middle East Investor Relations Association (MEIRA) is an independent non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting the Investor Relations (IR) profession and industry standards in corporate governance. The mission of MEIRA is to enhance the reputation, efficiency and attractiveness of the Middle East capital markets.

MEIRA’s Partners, including Smart Media The Annual Report Company, consist of a small group of institutions, that have a specific interest in sponsoring the Society and its initiatives.

Link to MEIRA's Service Provider Directory

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