Climate change is no longer a distant forecast but has become an immediate threat to every country and every economy. Facing increasing pressure from natural disasters, extreme weather, and stringent global market requirements, green transformation is becoming a mandatory strategic step for Vietnamese businesses, regardless of size or industry.
According to the “Southeast Asia Outlook 2025” survey conducted by the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute, 55.3% of Southeast Asians identify climate change and extreme weather as the greatest challenges, surpassing concerns about economic downturns and unemployment. In Vietnam, a country frequently affected by storms, floods, and climate fluctuations, this figure reaches 70.3%, the highest rate in the region.
Mr. Đinh Hồng Kỳ – Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Green Business Association (HGBA), emphasized at the seminar “Climate Change Governance: Strategies, Commitments, and Actions of Businesses”: “Climate change has become a major variable directly affecting business development strategies. This is no longer a concern only for policy makers or large corporations but a vital issue for the entire business community.”
Mr. Đinh Hồng Kỳ – Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City Green Business Association (HGBA) sharing at the seminar
Not just a part of the ESG index, the environmental factor (E) today has become a strategic focus in corporate governance. According to Mr. Simon C.Y. Wong – Independent Advisor and Head of Sustainable Finance at the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL), climate change governance must begin with leadership mindset and a strong organizational structure.
Mr. Simon stated that to achieve genuine transformation, businesses need to integrate climate factors into long-term development strategies, with strong alignment between the Board of Directors and the Executive Management. From measuring emissions, assessing climate risks, setting emission reduction targets to linking environmental KPIs with reward systems, all activities must be systematically and consistently implemented.
The organization ClientEarth provided specific guidelines for corporate Boards, including establishing a Sustainability Committee, improving climate change expertise in leadership, and applying green financial tools such as internal carbon pricing, sustainability bonds, and linking environmental KPIs to senior management compensation.
In Vietnam, many businesses have demonstrated that investing in sustainability and green transformation is not only a responsibility but also a strategy to increase value and expand markets.
Mr. Phan Minh Thông – CEO of Phuc Sinh Joint Stock Company, one of Vietnam’s largest agricultural exporters, shared that the company has invested in sustainability since 2008. Despite early setbacks, Phuc Sinh persevered with green farming training programs for farmers, achieved prestigious certifications like Rainforest Alliance, and expanded its market to over 120 countries.
“Success does not come from merely meeting technical requirements. What matters is building an internal ESG culture so that sustainable development becomes the company’s DNA,” Mr. Thông shared.
Mr. Phan Minh Thông – CEO of Phuc Sinh Joint Stock Company
Thanks to a consistent strategy, Phuc Sinh has not only enhanced its brand position but also accessed three ESG funding sources from international organizations such as &Green, FMO, and DFCD, including non-refundable grants — a significant advantage in an increasingly competitive environment.
In the construction materials sector, Secoin Joint Stock Company, a pioneer with over 30 years of operation, is affirming its commitment to green development not only at the product level but across the entire value chain.
According to Ms. Vũ Thị Liên Hương – Vice Chairwoman of the Board and CEO of Secoin, the company has proactively invested in green-certified factories, product lifecycle design, and use of recycled materials, while collaborating with international organizations to develop products meeting European standards.
“International consumers don’t trust words. They trust certifications. To go the distance, you must prove it with data and transparency,” Ms. Hương affirmed.
While large corporations have the foundation and resources to transform, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) still face many barriers.
Ms. Nguyễn Thị Ngọc Quỳnh – Deputy CEO of SolarBK Group, observed: “The fear of initial investment costs is one of the reasons SMEs are slow to adopt green transformation. But in the long run, this is an essential investment for businesses to survive in a market increasingly favoring sustainable products and services.”
Speakers sharing at the seminar “Climate Change Governance: Strategies, Commitments, and Actions of Businesses”
SolarBK is currently consulting and implementing many feasible solutions such as rooftop solar power systems, energy saving, and ESG consulting for SMEs. Additionally, Ms. Quỳnh emphasized the role of supportive policies, especially green credit programs, guidance on carbon credit access, and support from industry associations.
Experts at the seminar agreed that climate change governance cannot be a subsidiary part of ESG strategy but must be the central axis for long-term development orientation. Green transformation not only helps businesses grow sustainably but also enhances reputation, accesses preferential capital, and creates outstanding added value in the global supply chain.
Mr. Đinh Hồng Kỳ concluded: “Businesses cannot wait for the market to change before acting. The green journey must be proactively started today, not to follow, but to lead.”
*Source: doanhnhansaigon.vn/chuyen-doi-xanh-buoc-di-chien-luoc-cua-doanh-nghiep-truoc-ap-luc-bien-doi-khi-hau-317881.html
