Implications and Opportunities for Vietnam’s Private Sector in the Era of Global Standards

In today’s rapidly shifting global economy, sustainability is no longer a distant ideal – it is a defining force reshaping how companies operate, compete, and grow. Around the world, businesses are navigating an increasingly complex web of ESG standards and climate-related regulations. For Vietnam’s private sector, this moment presents not only pressing challenges but also unprecedented opportunities for transformation.

So what do these global standards really mean for businesses in Vietnam? How can companies stay ahead as investors and regulators raise expectations for transparency, resilience, and responsible corporate governance?

Join us in the seminar “Navigating the ESG Landscape: Implications and Opportunities for Vietnam’s Private Sector in the Era of Global Standards” to explore these essential questions.

What to Expect in the Seminar

The global sustainability landscape is evolving at remarkable speed. The UN Principles for Responsible Investment, EU-led frameworks such as TCFD and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), and the emerging IFRS S1 and S2 standards are transforming compliance expectations across industries.

Financial institutions face rising exposure to climate-related physical risks – including sea-level rise and extreme weather – while investment portfolios tied to fossil fuels or climate-adverse technologies risk becoming “stranded assets” under intensifying regulations. Publicly listed companies must now meet growing demands for transparent ESG reporting to attract institutional capital.

Yet, with so many overlapping frameworks, many firms struggle to identify which standards are most relevant. This seminar will decode global ESG regulations, clarify the implications of IFRS S1 and S2, and highlight actionable opportunities for Vietnam’s private sector. Participants will gain practical insights into selecting the right frameworks and leveraging ESG for long-term competitiveness.

About the Speaker

With over three decades of worldwide experience, Dr. Alex brings a distinctive and deeply informed perspective on sustainable development, ESG strategy, and cross-sector collaboration. His career demonstrates a long-standing commitment to driving social impact and strengthening responsible business practices.

In the early 1990s, Dr. Alex led a pioneering initiative that united civil society, government agencies, industry associations, and labor unions to improve working conditions in Thailand’s garment sector. He later founded a social auditing consultancy and developed teams across North and Southeast Asia to conduct critical sustainability assessments in agricultural and manufacturing supply chains.

Alongside consultancy work, Dr. Alex has served as a university lecturer and conducted extensive research on agricultural value chains. Over the last twenty years, he has partnered with leading organizations – such as FAO, IUCN, ILO, Rainforest Alliance, UNDP, and USAID – to deliver capacity-building programs and strategic advisory services on CSR, ESG, and SDG initiatives across Asia, Latin America, and Africa.

Event Details

• Date & Time: Dec 16, 2025
• Location: Room C101, Building C, VinUni
• Speaker: Dr. Alex Kaufman
• Format: In-person
• Language: English