
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