VNIDA Champions Corporate Governance at the 17th Annual Global CSR & ESG Summit and Awards™ 2025

  • February 28, 2025
  • Posted by: VNIDA
  • Categories: ESG, VNIDA
No Comments

VNIDA Champions Corporate Governance at the 17th Annual Global CSR & ESG Summit and Awards™ 2025

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – February 26, 2025

The Vietnam Independent Directors Association (VNIDA) proudly stands as a supporting partner of the 17th Annual Global CSR & ESG Summit and Awards 2025, hosted at Mai House Saigon Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City. This prestigious event brings together industry leaders, investors, and sustainability advocates to drive meaningful ESG transformation in Asia. 

The event featured participation from some of the biggest companies in Asia, including Vinamilk, VinaCapital Group, FPT Digital, Akzo Nobel Vietnam, HEINEKEN Vietnam, Schneider Electric Vietnam & Cambodia, Samsung Electronics Vietnam Company Limited, KPMG Vietnam, Home Credit Vietnam, PwC (Vietnam) Limited, and Thai Union Group PCL. Their involvement underscores the growing commitment to ESG principles across diverse industries.

Representing VNIDA, Deputy Secretary General Hoang Quoc Anh shared valuable insights on corporate governance (the “G” in ESG), emphasizing the critical role of independent directors in shaping sustainable business practices.

Strengthening Governance in ESG Implementation

VNIDA plays a pivotal role in promoting corporate governance among board members of corporations in Vietnam. Speaking at the summit, Hoang Quoc Anh highlighted the increasing recognition of governance as the foundation of a successful ESG strategy.

“In Vietnam, many companies initially perceive ESG as a compliance exercise,” he noted. “However, as we advance in our ESG journey, governance emerges as the driver of efficiency, innovation, and long-term value creation. The board’s commitment is essential—whether through a full-board approach or a dedicated ESG committee.”

He stresses the importance of embedding ESG principles at the board level, ensuring that companies move beyond regulatory obligations to embrace ESG as a strategic opportunity. “Good governance enables businesses to manage risks effectively while unlocking growth potential,” he emphasized.

Risk Management and Long-Term Thinking: The Wimbledon Lesson

To illustrate the importance of long-term ESG integration, Hoang Quoc Anh shared the Wimbledon story. The renowned tennis tournament paid $2 million annually for pandemic insurance over 17 years, amounting to $34 million in total premiums. When COVID-19 forced the cancellation of the 2020 tournament, the insurance payout amounted to $141 million.

“This is a powerful example of governance-driven risk management,” he explained. “ESG is not just about compliance—it’s about anticipating future risks and preparing for them. Companies need to adopt a forward-thinking mindset, just as Wimbledon did, to build resilience and sustainable success.”

Embedding ESG for Competitive Advantage

VNIDA continues to advocate for ESG adoption beyond compliance, ensuring that businesses recognize the strategic benefits of sustainability. By integrating ESG at the governance level, companies can:

  • Enhance investor confidence through transparency and accountability.
  • Strengthen employee engagement and retention by fostering ethical corporate culture.
  • Mitigate risks and improve resilience in an evolving global business landscape.

“As ESG adoption deepens in Vietnam, we see a shift from advocacy to action,” Hoang Quoc Anh concluded. “Businesses are now recognizing that a well-structured ESG framework is not just a regulatory requirement but a driver of long-term profitability and competitive advantage.”

With VNIDA’s commitment to corporate governance excellence, the association remains a key force in advancing ESG integration across Vietnam’s corporate sector.

For more information on VNIDA’s initiatives and insights, visit www.vnida.vn