Health

Healthcare is one of the biggest areas of contribution to the public by STO. STO Medicals routinely hosts or sponsors key medical symposiums. As the organization entrusted with the supply of controlled drugs, key equipment and consumables, we work closely with the Health Ministry, other organizations and healthcare facilities and professionals on various projects to advance national healthcare.

STO is always amongst the first to respond and provide assistance in nationwide pandemics.

Quality Education

Within a few decades Maldives has made admirable progress in this area compared to the region, especially in primary and secondary education. However, the quality and access to early childhood education and lifelong learning opportunities still vary greatly across island communities.

One of the ways we support education is our assistance to smaller schools and private or community establishments in the atolls with their resource needs and integrating technology. To promote educational achievement at the crucial secondary level, we honoured the top students for the seventh consecutive year in 2018.

Gender Equality

We stand firmly against gender-based discrimination. We do not tolerate gender-based differentiation in employee benefits and opportunities such as salary, training, promotion or decision making.

We are one of the first local Plc's to meet the CG guideline of appointing two female directors. In 2018 we donated MVR318,500 to NGOs working for gender equality and women empowerment.

Reduced Inequalities

Our island communities being scattered across the ocean, access to basic services becomes a key area of focus in addressing inequalities. STO continues to reduce the gap in accessibility to essentials such as medicine and staple foods.

We continue to work with government agencies and NGOs in assisting special needs groups. Our sponsorship of trained staff and facilities at Fiyavathi help improve the odds for a better future for these children.

Sustinable Cities and Communities

The rapid urbanization of the Greater Malé Area raises concerns about adequate housing and infrastructure, environmental impact, and vulnerability to disasters. In July 2018 we introduced Powermix (our ready-mix concrete service) in Hulhumalé where most large-scale construction projects are concentrated. Powermix vastly reduces air and noise pollution, construction safety and quality issues that plagued the conventional method of concrete mixing in the Maldives.

We are also taking a more direct involvement in tackling the housing problem by introducing our own housing scheme for the neediest staff.

Climate Action

We are the first local PLC to manage recyclable waste and general waste separately according to industry best practices. All our business operations adhere to WAMCO best practices in waste management. We use biodegradable bags across all out outlets and are on the lookout for even more ecofriendly options. In 2018 we launched a plastic reduction initiative.

Life below Water

Life below Water has been chosen as a theme of STO’s CSR efforts in 2019. Hundreds of coral reefs in the country are delicate ecosystems important for both environmental and economic reasons. Fisheries and tourism sectors that form the backbone of our economy are heavily dependent on them.

As an MSC-certified fisheries company, our subsidiary MIFCO uses sustainable fishing methods, doing its part to ensure the world’s oceans remain teething with life today, tomorrow and for generations to come.

In 2018 we transported free of charge, over 25 jumbo bags of recyclable plastics for Parley Maldives from the atolls to Malé. Reducing plastics and microplastics going into the ocean is an area we continue to explore for more meaningful contribution.