At the seminar “Implementing ESG with AI: What Should Businesses Do?” held on August 14, speakers engaged in in-depth analysis and discussions on various practical topics, centering on the relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) and ESG as Vietnamese enterprises strive for sustainable development.
ESG Seminar, August 14, 2025
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Artificial Intelligence: A Key Driver for Ho Chi Minh City’s Vision
Mr. Le Thanh Minh, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Science and Technology, shared that in 2025, the city has hosted several AI-related events, including the National Digital Transformation Day 2025, AI Challenge, and AI.Star 2025. These events attracted hundreds of research teams and businesses, fostering innovation and investment opportunities.
According to Mr. Minh, artificial intelligence is recognized as a breakthrough driver to realize Ho Chi Minh City’s vision of becoming a leading regional center for knowledge-based economy, innovation, and sustainable development. The city’s mission is to build a robust AI ecosystem, fostering strong connections between the government, businesses, and the community.
Regarding AI infrastructure and platforms, the Department of Science and Technology has finalized plans for developing high-performance computing infrastructure. The city is also working on completing its open-standard shared data warehouse.
Additionally, Ho Chi Minh City is committed to training and developing its talent pool. Talent development is crucial to the success of its AI strategy. The Department has implemented comprehensive training programs, including AI courses for nearly 500 officials and outstanding students, igniting their passion for technology. The “AI For Citizens” program aims to equip 3 million citizens with AI knowledge by 2030.
Where Should Businesses Start?
 Dr. Bui Thanh Minh, Deputy Director of Office IV
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Dr. Bui Thanh Minh, Deputy Director of Office IV, shared insights on the fundamental changes in the global trading system. The era of globalization, characterized by specialized production and free exports, is giving way to regionalization, where economic, security, and supply chain factors are closely intertwined. Consequently, there is a rise in non-tariff barriers and protectionist policies.
Not only the United States but also the European Union is erecting technical and environmental barriers, ranging from carbon credit regulations to laws on forced labor and sustainability reporting. Businesses aiming to export to the US or EU markets must navigate these requirements.
Moreover, industrial powerhouses like the US, China, and Germany are focusing on smart manufacturing to boost productivity, emphasizing process optimization and digital transformation. In this context, AI is no longer a distant concept. Applying AI to supply chain management, data transparency, and ESG practices is the key to helping Vietnamese businesses cope with challenges and expand their markets.
Vietnam also faces significant pressure to transform. Ranked 26th in the world for total emissions, the country faces an alarming risk of severe environmental issues before achieving economic prosperity.
Vietnam is committed to two strategic goals: becoming a high-income country by 2045 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, as pledged internationally.
To attain these goals, Vietnam must escape the “middle-income trap,” a stage where few countries have successfully transitioned. The only way forward is to shift from resource-intensive to knowledge-intensive industries, improve resource allocation efficiency, and develop creative industries. AI is a top priority in this strategic shift.
Action Plan and Opportunities for Businesses
Despite the challenges, this is the opportune moment for businesses to act and seize opportunities. Integrating AI into ESG practices is inevitable.
Enterprises can take advantage of existing and upcoming government policies. Large enterprises that lead supply chains, pioneer ESG practices, and possess data to demonstrate their compliance will gain a competitive edge in meeting global partners’ requirements.
The program targeting 1,000 innovative pioneer enterprises supports businesses in their global expansion (“Go Global”) efforts, with a focus on technology and sustainable data. Innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) adopting green technology will be prioritized for land rental in industrial parks. Each locality is mandated to allocate at least 20 hectares or 5% of the total industrial park area for these enterprises.
Mr. Minh also recommended a roadmap for businesses, suggesting the use of AI to analyze legal regulations, industry standards, and investor and market demands. Businesses should integrate ESG into their core business models and financial plans, avoiding a detached approach. AI automation can enhance the accuracy and reliability of ESG reporting, preventing “greenwashing” and ensuring actions match reported efforts.
In Vietnam’s and the world’s new growth model, businesses must embrace ESG practices intrinsically. AI integration fosters a new mindset, emphasizing data-driven, transparent, and consistent decision-making. This presents a unique opportunity to gain a first-mover advantage, enabling enterprises to not only withstand challenges but also expand their horizons.
– 15:58 08/14/2025
“250 Projects to Contribute Over 18% to Vietnam’s GDP in 2025: Ministry of Construction”
“In a joint press conference held on August 14, representatives from the Government Office and the Ministry of Construction unveiled exciting plans for 250 projects slated to commemorate the nation’s 80th Independence Day anniversary on September 2, 2025. These projects, a mix of inaugurations and groundbreakings, promise to be a significant boost to the country’s infrastructure and a testament to its progress over the last 80 years.”
Optimizing the Legal Framework to Facilitate Commodity Trading Through the Commodity Exchange
On August 13, the Domestic Market Management and Development Department under the Ministry of Industry and Trade organized a workshop in Da Nang city to gather opinions on the draft decree detailing the Commercial Law on goods trading activities through commodity exchanges. This draft decree will replace Decree No. 158/2006/ND-CP and Decree No. 51/2018/ND-CP.
The August Revolution and National Day, September 2nd: Enduring Values for a Modern Age
Vice Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh affirmed that since the August Revolution of 1945, history has been gloriously unfolding. The era of independence and freedom was followed by an era of national reunification, peace, and development, which will be succeeded by a new era of prosperity and strength.
The Latest Directive on Social Housing in Ho Chi Minh City
The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Construction will be directly engaging with investors to address challenges and ensure smooth project execution. With a focus on timely completion, the department aims to establish a steering committee for social housing development in August 2025.
The Road Networks Linking Ho Chi Minh City, Neighboring Provinces, and Long Thanh International Airport
The construction of vital transport links to Long Thanh International Airport is being expedited to ensure timely completion. These critical infrastructure projects are designed to provide seamless connectivity to the airport, facilitating efficient travel for passengers and supporting the smooth operation of this major aviation hub.
