As the first stock exchange in Asia to enforce that listed companies report corporate social responsibilities in accordance with GRI G4 guidelines in the Asia Pacific region, the Taiwan Stock Exchange (TWSE) announced the Corporate Governance Evaluation results on April 30, 2015 and held the award ceremony on 10 June, 2015. The assessments were conducted through the Corporate Governance Center evaluation task force and corporate self-evaluations, with the top 20% of scores being published to honor the strongest performers and the top 5% were awarded at a dinner ceremony.
 
The Corporate Governance Evaluation assesses five categories: “Protection of Shareholders' Equity" (15%), "Equitable Treatment of Shareholders" (15%), "Board Composition and Management" (35%), "Information Transparency" (20%), and "Protection of Stakeholder Interests and Corporate Social Responsibility" (20%).
 
Since the promotion of the evaluation, companies that have adopted voting by poll and e-voting sharply rose by 52% and 65% respectively. Sush-Der Lee, TWSE Chairman said, ‘It is a pleasure to see the Corporate Governance Evaluation can enhance investors’ confidence on Taiwan listed corporations and propel Taiwan toward the international market. We will keep enhancing the Corporate Governance Evaluation process in the future.’ Looking forward, in 2015 the number of evaluation indicators will be increase to 98; the CSR aspect would continue to be reinforced wherein specific corporations are required to establish CSR reporting according to the international guidelines. Additionally, corporations will need to complete the dividend payments within 30 days from the ex-dividend date.
 
By reviewing the business performance of listed companies under evaluation, on average, corporations in the top 5% perform better in earnings per share (EPS) and return on equity ratio (ROE ratio) than the other 95%. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), which has the largest market capital in Taiwan, has enjoyed a rapid growth of revenue and profit. ‘A strict corporate governance is absolutely a great help to corporate performance. TSMC has built a positive corporate image and achieved good corporate performance. These factors attract much investment from foreign capitals which make up about 78% of the company’s capital base’ said Lora Ho, Chief Financial Officer of TSMC.
 
Leveraging on the implementation of the Corporate Governance Evaluation in 2014 and its achievement, the TWSE is confident to attract more foreign investment in the capital market by creating a transparent and open trading environment, and enhance its competitiveness in the international market.