At TDCX, our commitment to sustainability is integral to our operations. We believe that cultivating a culture of environmental and social responsibility not only drives positive change within our company but also contributes to industry-wide progress. In this special feature, we shine a spotlight on our incredible Sustainability Stars—the team that is leading the charge towards a greener future in TDCX. Join us as we delve into their stories, learn about their impactful work, and discover the simple acts they do to make a difference every day.

Lucky Abustan, ESG and Sustainability Data Lead

Loki at the BSI 2022 event representing TDCX with Eliza Acuna, Operations Vice President for TDCX Philippines.

Please introduce yourself and share a bit about your role within the Sustainability team at TDCX.

I'm Loki. I work at the intersection of data and sustainability efforts. I oversee the collection, analysis, and reporting of our environmental performance. This helps us track our progress towards our sustainability goals and ensures transparency with our stakeholders.

What inspired you to join the Sustainability Team, and what drives your passion for environmental and social responsibility?

I've always been passionate about conservation. It's exciting to be part of a team that's actively working to reduce our environmental impact and promote social responsibility within the company! Seeing how our data can effect better decision-making and drive positive change motivates me every day.

What key projects or initiatives have you been working on recently, and what impact have they had so far?

I’ve been developing a comprehensive learning program for key personnel across different departments. This program focuses on understanding Greenhouse Gas data collection and reporting requirements. This will empower them to actively participate in data collection and ensure its accuracy.

How do you collaborate with other departments at TDCX to ensure these projects or initiatives are effective and inclusive?

I see our projects as partnerships. For example, our partnership with the facilities team enables us to understand TDCX’s resource consumption patterns and identify areas for improvement. One example is in the area of energy management where we then provide effective recommendations for each TDCX campus.

Do you have a sustainability hack that you’d like to share with everyone?

Being mindful of our energy consumption in the office or at home. For instance, switching off lights and electronic devices that are not in use saves the environment as well as reduces cost.

Nicole Marie Sungalon-Islanan - Sustainability Communications Lead

Sam, Nikki, and Loki manning the Sustainability booth during TDCX Live 2023.

Please introduce yourself and share a bit about your role within the Sustainability team at TDCX.

I’m Nikki, and I collaborate with different groups across TDCX in managing and communicating our initiatives to our stakeholders.

What inspired you to join the Sustainability team, and what drives your passion for environmental and social responsibility?

It has truly been my nature to love our planet and its people, with an instinct to protect it. By joining the Sustainability Team, it is one step closer to my goal. What drives my passion for sustainability is the belief that our future will be a safer and better place. Through our collective efforts, we can drive positive change and inspire others to make responsible choices, both for ourselves and for future generations.

What key projects or initiatives have you been working on recently, and what impact have they had so far?

I assisted in the completion of our first Sustainability Report. This project highlights our achievements and ongoing efforts in environmental and social responsibility. It demonstrates TDCX’s commitment to sustainability and sets a strong foundation for future initiatives.

How do you collaborate with other departments at TDCX to ensure these projects or initiatives are effective and inclusive?

We welcome and listen to their ideas to guarantee that our projects are well-rounded, widely supported, and truly inclusive.

Do you have a sustainability hack that you’d like to share with everyone?

Start small–utilizing reusable straws, bags, and the like. The smallest of efforts lead to big differences!

Sam Danielle Matulac - Corporate Social Responsibility Officer

Sam giving the opening remarks at the TDCX x Make-A-Wish Foundation event for children recovering from and diagnosed with terminal illnesses.

Please introduce yourself and share a bit about your role within the Sustainability team at TDCX. 

I’m Sam, and I work on local volunteerism initiatives and assist in global Corporate Social Responsibility projects advocating for digital empowerment. 

What inspired you to join the sustainability team, and what drives your passion for environmental and social responsibility?

My interest in social development started in secondary school, but grew deeper in college and after graduation upon exposure to global social issues.

I’ve been in this line of work for almost five years now. The joy and fulfillment of being able to help underserved sectors and communities keep me going!

What key projects or initiatives have you been working on recently, and what impact have they had so far?

Currently, I’m working on projects empowering the youth, the queer community, and local low-income families. Just this June, we raised more than P100,000 through the collective generosity of our TDpeeps in the Philippines. All the proceeds will benefit an organization serving the LGBTQ+ community.

How do you collaborate with other departments at TDCX to ensure these projects are effective and inclusive?

Definitely through a whole lot of meetings! Jokes aside, we keep in mind the best interest of our volunteers and community beneficiaries at all times.

Do you have a sustainability hack you’d like to share with everyone?

A little goes a long way–always bring and use your reusable water bottle! However, please don’t fall into the trap of buying a new bottle whenever a trendier one comes out! It defeats the very purpose of the first one you bought.

Harvey Padilla - Corporate Social Responsibility Lead

Harvey in action during the coastal cleanup last January.

Please introduce yourself and share a bit about your role within the Sustainability team at TDCX. 

I’m Harvey, and I collaborate with regional Corporate Social Responsibility POCs to drive meaningful projects that helps TDCX’s external communities.

What inspired you to join the Sustainability team, and what drives your passion for environmental and social responsibility?

My passion for contributing to nation-building and empowering people inspired me to join the Sustainability team. Seeing the tangible impact that well-executed CSR initiatives can have on communities drives my passion for environmental and social responsibility. The opportunity to work on projects that not only improve lives but also promote sustainable development motivates me every day.

What key projects or initiatives have you been working on recently and what impact have they had so far?

A key project I worked on is the first-ever Community Development Project of TDCX Foundation in Thailand, the Digital Library, in partnership with World Vision Thailand. This project currently serves the Pupan Wittaya Community, enhancing digital empowerment by providing better access to educational resources and technology. The initiative has had a significant impact on the community, cultivating digital literacy and opening up new opportunities for learning and development.

How do you collaborate with other departments at TDCX to ensure projects or initiatives are effective and inclusive?

I collaborate with numerous departments to create meaningful CSR programs and initiatives. Open communication is essential in this process to ensure everyone is aligned with the goals and objectives of each project. By maintaining clear and consistent communication, we can leverage the strengths and expertise of each department, ensuring that our initiatives are effective, inclusive, and aligned with TDCX's overall mission and values.

Do you have a sustainability hack that you'd like to share?

One sustainability hack is to always look for ways to integrate sustainable practices into everyday operations. This can be as simple as encouraging digital documents instead of paper, promoting energy-saving measures, or supporting remote work to reduce commuting emissions. Incremental change is still change.

Stephanie Anne Frogoso - Senior Corporate Sustainability Manager

Steph (in stripes) with her fellow new hires on orientation day.

I am Stephanie Anne Frogoso, the latest addition to the team. I work with Eunice and the sustainability team to further TDCX’s sustainability strategy and enhance our community initiatives through the TDCX foundation.

What inspired you to join the Sustainability team, and what drives your passion for environmental and social responsibility?

I would say that my circumstances while I was growing up played a key role in this.

I grew up in Isabela, a province renowned in the Philippines for its rice and corn production. With my mother being an agriculturist and my father a forester, I was raised with a deep appreciation for environmental stewardship and community support. Today, farmers in our town face severe challenges due to natural disasters like extreme droughts and typhoons, exacerbated by climate change, as evidenced by the recent flooding caused by Typhoon Carina in Luzon. Businesses play a crucial role in effecting positive change by balancing economic success with environmental responsibility and social equity. Joining the TDCX sustainability team is just another step towards driving meaningful environmental and social impact across Asia and beyond.

What key projects or initiatives have you been working on recently, and what impact have they had so far?

I am currently developing TDCX’s carbon emission reduction roadmap and preparing for external assurance to achieve carbon-neutral certification. Our sustainability strategy, including community initiatives, will be further reinforced through robust governance and a steadfast commitment to driving positive impact.

How do you collaborate with other departments at TDCX to ensure these projects or initiatives are effective and inclusive?

Understanding the "why" behind our sustainability initiatives is crucial at every level of the organization. To achieve this, we must cultivate a robust sustainability culture and integrate sustainability into every facet of our business through comprehensive policies and programs. Ongoing communication and awareness-building are key to ensuring that every team member is aligned with our sustainability goals. For example, implementing programs to empower people to be more mindful of their environmental impact can lead to significant changes. Simple actions like avoiding single-use plastics, practicing proper waste segregation and disposal, and turning off lights when not in use can collectively make a substantial difference. While these actions may seem small individually, their combined effect can significantly reduce our environmental footprint.

Do you have a sustainability hack that you’d like to share with everyone?

Power down unused office equipment and lights. By turning off just one computer and light per workstation overnight, you can reduce our office’s carbon footprint by the equivalent of taking a car off the road for a week!

Eunice Seow - Global Head of Marketing, Communications, and Sustainability

Eunice with the Sustainability team and Ricart Valvekens, Chief Client Solutions Officer, reviewing milestones in the first half of 2024.

Please introduce yourself and share a bit about your role within the Sustainability team at TDCX.

As the Global Head of Marketing, Communications, and Sustainability, I work with stakeholders to determine our sustainability goals and to ensure that we deliver on our commitment to doing so.

What inspired you to join the Sustainability team, and what drives your passion for environmental and social responsibility?

The single biggest driver is the responsibility I feel in doing my part to shape the world that our next generation will live in. This desire is also driven by my other role as a parent.

The choices that we make create an impact today and well into the future. By working with my inspiring, committed, and passionate sustainability team, I have the opportunity to contribute to initiatives that not only mitigate harm but also promote positive change.

What key projects or initiatives have you been working on recently, and what impact have they had so far?

Launching TDCX’s first sustainability report. This is a significant milestone that encapsulates the company’s sustainability strategy and demonstrates our impact in driving sustainability.

How do you collaborate with other departments at TDCX to ensure these projects or initiatives are effective and inclusive?

Sustainability is not the responsibility of a single department. It requires the participation of everyone in the organization. We consult internal stakeholders extensively to ensure that we devise plans that consider various needs and are realistic and achievable.

Do you have a sustainability hack that you’d like to share with everyone?

I try to buy second-hand wherever possible, whether it’s books, furniture, or electronics. Buying second-hand gives items a second life and can also save you some money!