At the seminar titled “Implementing ESG Through Science and Technology – From Data to Action,” organized by Dan Tri newspaper on the afternoon of November 26th, Prof. Dr. Mac Quoc Anh – Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of the Hanoi Small and Medium Enterprises Association, Director of the Institute of Economics and Business Development – emphasized that ESG is becoming a critical requirement for Vietnamese businesses, particularly SMEs.
He noted that while 98.5% of Vietnamese enterprises are SMEs, only about 15% have begun to engage with ESG. The biggest barrier, according to him, is not awareness but limited resources: insufficient funding, lack of specialized personnel, and a dearth of technological tools for implementation.
Prof. Anh observed that ESG is rapidly becoming a global standard. Europe has already implemented the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), requiring proof of carbon emissions; multinational corporations demand transparent environmental, labor, and governance data from Vietnamese suppliers. The banking system is also accelerating the deployment of green credit, while agreements like CPTPP, EVFTA, and RCEP set higher labor and environmental standards.
“Businesses that fail to adopt ESG will lose opportunities and be unable to participate in global supply chains. Conversely, those that act early, standardize early, and implement early will gain significant advantages in markets, branding, and capital,” he stressed.
Prof. Dr. Mac Quoc Anh – Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of the Hanoi Small and Medium Enterprises Association, Director of the Institute of Economics and Business Development
However, SMEs still face significant challenges: financial constraints, lack of dedicated personnel, and hesitation due to uncertainty about where to start. Prof. Anh advised businesses not to expect immediate large-scale changes but to adopt a more practical approach.
“SMEs don’t need to start with big steps. Small, measurable, and steady steps are the right way to begin the ESG journey,” he said.
According to him, ESG is not just a compliance requirement but also a value-add for branding, demonstrating social and environmental responsibility, thereby strengthening trust among customers and international investors.
“ESG is not a cost – it’s an investment in trust and the future,” Prof. Dr. Mac Quoc Anh affirmed.
He urged the Vietnamese SME community to take immediate action, prioritizing small but impactful steps, while boldly applying science and technology appropriate to their scale.
Masan Consumer: Surging Growth Hand in Hand with Sustainable Development
In the fiercely competitive fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector, Masan Consumer Corporation (Masan Consumer, UPCoM: MCH) stands out as a rare gem in Vietnam’s market. The company not only sustains profitability at the highest levels in the region but has also been recognized by S&P Global as one of the world’s leading sustainable FMCG enterprises.
Sacombank Launches Green Finance Package: Realizing ESG Sustainability Commitments
Sacombank is steadfastly advancing its sustainable development agenda with the launch of the Green Finance Package—a pioneering product that seamlessly integrates environmental considerations into personal financial services. This strategic initiative underscores the bank’s commitment to its ESG roadmap, marking a significant milestone in aligning financial growth with ecological responsibility.
Proposed Establishment of a $4.3 Billion Credit Guarantee Fund for Businesses
Dr. Nguyen Tri Hieu proposes the establishment of a Central Credit Guarantee Fund with a charter capital of 10,000 billion VND to provide credit guarantees for small and medium-sized enterprises borrowing from banks.
Elevating Vietnamese Businesses to Global Standards: The Visionary Journey of Newing’s CEO
“I see a common aspiration in every Vietnamese leader: to build an honest business, to grow sustainably—in a distinctly Vietnamese way.” This insight comes from Nguyễn Thị Minh Giang, Co-founder & CEO of Newing, who has spent nearly two decades partnering with hundreds of Vietnamese enterprises on their journeys to develop people and organizational culture.
Vicostone Leads the Way in ESG Implementation for a Sustainable Future
In an era where the construction materials industry is rapidly embracing sustainability, Vicostone has emerged as a trailblazer in integrating ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles across its entire production and business operations. Committed to shaping a greener future, the company champions responsible manufacturing as the cornerstone of its mission.
