Overview

We are now amidst a transformative time of ESG integration for businesses: global geopolitical headwinds, increasing expectations from stakeholders, and scrutiny for all kinds of greenwashing and even inaction.

A big shift is witnessed, from Vietnam to global, from big corporations to SMEs (small- and medium-sized enterprises), that sustainability is seen as a key value driver. The story is no longer just for compliance.

Vietnam is going through the critical phase of developing and completing the national sustainability-related regulatory frameworks, as well as bridging the practice gaps between domestic firms and global/regional standards. These efforts aim to increase their competitiveness and open access to new markets.

For ESG Forum, it marks the second edition of this annual event, spearheaded by Saigon Times. Following last year’s theme “ESG - From Ideas to Action”, this year is a time for more actionable dialogues.

The theme “Dual Transformation Towards Eco-Industrial Parks” highlights the importance of leveraging this digital era for national green growth while enabling businesses to transform to a more sustainable business model, as well as ensuring that the digital transformation journey is both environmentally beneficial and socially inclusive.

The forum will address the most relevant and important questions for industrial zones (IZs), businesses operating within IZs, and all entities connected to this multi-billion-dollar ecosystem: What incentives are available from the government for Eco-Industrial Parks (EIPs)? How can factories leverage EIPs for green transition? What are the economic benefits associated with this shift? And much more to be explored.

For ESG Series of Events, this is the flagship event for 2025, marking the strong collaborations between Green Transition: Hub, ESG Task Force, CCIFV with strategic partners The Saigon Times, PSD Committee, GEDIC, and VIREA; endorsement partners AmCham, BeluxCham, CanCham, CCIFV, CEEC, and CCIPV.

Highlights

Businesses will understand their position in the ESG journey, gauge their readiness for ESG, and identify what impediments they face in implementing ESG practices.

Businesses will have the opportunity to engage with experienced speakers from various industries and dive deep into specific topics for expertise sharing and direct consulting.

The forum will explore critical questions on ESG and is intended for businesses genuinely interested in ESG and those prepared to undertake the transition towards sustainable practices.

Tentative speakers

Ms. Pham Thi Ngoc Thuy

Director, Office of the Research and Development Board for the Private Economic Sector (Board IV)

Mr. Nguyen Trung Kien

Director, VILANDCO and VGBA Board member, Vietnam Green Building Council

Mr. Nguyen Hong Quan

Associate Professor, PhD Director of the Institute for Circular Economy Development, Ho Chi Minh City National University

Mr. Nguyen Cong Minh Bao

Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Green Transition
Co-Chairman, CCIFV ESG Task Force

Mr. Markus Klemmer

Chairman and CEO, PlanetZero.Earth

Mr. Santany Dutta Gutpa

Director, US Green Building Council
Associate Director, Green Business Certification

Mr. Sergio Pereira Da Silva

Managing Partner, Saraiva + Associados Vietnam
Vice chairman, Eurocham Green Growth SC

Mr. Nguyen Hung Thuy

Technical Director MinMax Green

Ms. Truong An

Sustainability Development Manager, CRIF

Mr. Frank Pogade

Chairman, Water Solutions South-East Asia
Vice chairman, Eurocham Green Growth SC

Mr. Tim TA

CEO & Co-Founder, Vinergy

Where & When

Date

From 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

on June 25, 2025

Venue

New World Saigon Hotel

76 Le Lai Street, District 1, HCMC

Participants

The ESG Forum is expected to welcome domestic and foreign-invested businesses, particularly those keen on fostering dialogue on ESG practices and sustainable development.

Program

The ESG Forum 2025 will span two days: June 25 at the New World Saigon Hotel and the second day at a factory in a nearby industrial park.

Day 1:
Morning session with keynotes & panels

8:30 - 9:00

Registration & Welcome

9:20 - 10:00

Keynote presentations

10:00 - 11:00

Panel discussion

11:00 – 11:45

Case studies

11:45 – 12:00

Closing & Networking lunch

Afternoon session:
ESG Series Masterclass

13:15 – 15:00

Workshop 1: Blue green infrastructure towards EIP

Nature based solutions, sustainable architecture
Green building & operations

Workshop 2: Efficiency & decarbonization towards EIP

GHG inventory, Water/Energy efficiency
CBAM, Carbon offset & credit

Workshop 3: Social impacts & housing towards EIP

Social housing, social strategic approach for employee retention & motivation

15:00 – 16:00

Networking

Day 2:
Site visit

8:00 - 9:30

Departure

9:30 - 9:45

Welcome remarks

9:45 - 10:30

Keynote presentations

10:30 - 11:15

Industrial park visit

11:15 - 12:00

Manufacture visit

11:15 - 12:00

Networking lunch

Booking

The forum is tailored for businesses interested in ESG and prepared to undertake the ESG business transition. As such, seating is limited and exclusively available to businesses that register promptly.
* Tickets include entrance fee, tea-break and support for carbon offset toward NET-ZERO Carbon event, excluding VAT.

Standard

VND1,500,000

Early Bird

VND900,000

Plus

1 ticket & 1 year subscription

VND1,960,000

ESG Journey