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COVER STORY

W e recognize that Environmental, stage to analysis, proposal, investment, and
monitoring, because they see the increasing
Social, and Governance (ESG) is
a journey for many companies importance of non-financial factors in the
in Vietnam, with some at more advanced valuation and business performance of com-
stages than others. We consider ourselves panies in the long term. Any company per-
patient investors and have seen and forming better in ESG aspects, especially in
indeed played a part in the positive devel- information disclosure, will have more
opments in our portfolio companies on opportunities to raise funds and attract
several ESG levels. Vietnamese companies investors. When we engage with companies
have been paying more attention to ESG to improve their ESG performance, we see
in recent years, with many major com- that the mindset of the top leader plays a
panies on the VN-Index making great critical role in setting out the company’s
progress in information disclosure and ESG strategy and roadmap. Moreover, ESG
ESG reporting. is a broad term and each industry has its
In the beginning, many companies saw typical ESG concerns. Companies need to
ESG as a tool for marketing, but when they identify what ESG factors they should pri-
get to know more about it they realize it is a oritize and focus on.
useful framework to manage non-financial We think there is still a lack of guidance
risks such as environmental accidents, climate from authorities and a lack of capability
change, and health and safety issues, and to and also budget. Also, after the pandemic, Ms. Nguyen Thi Cat Tuong,
then build a company culture and improve many companies are still struggling with esG manager, dynam Capital
governance practices. Especially after Covid- their profit and loss, and ESG may not be
19, companies realize how painfully natural their priority in the short term. However,
disasters and catastrophes can impact busi- we anticipate that in the next few years, the government in terms of information
ness, and they take ESG more seriously. when there is greater enforcement from disclosure. We believe that when companies
The same with investors - they integrate the government, ESG will become a must are forced to measure and disclose their
ESG into the whole investment process, at any company. There should be more ESG information, they will be more aware
right from the due diligence and screening regulations and additional guidance from of the issues that they need to prioritize. %

A t the strategic level, the Gamuda and can contribute to green growth if we we are able to create green and energy-
efficient buildings and fresh ecological
make it right. Promoting ESG criteria in
Berhad Group has established the
Gamuda Green Plan (GGP). This
tional system become more agile, smart,
is a comprehensive framework that charts business activities helps make our opera- townships. Overall, I think that the proudest
achievement of Gamuda Land regarding
tangible targets driven on Environmental, and beyond where we were previously. ESG matters is being recognized as a truly
Social and Governance (ESG) dimensions Thanks to this, Gamuda Land Vietnam green project developer.
set forth over the next five years, with an has sustained itself through tough times The greatest challenge in promoting the
extended view to 2030 and beyond. The and overcome the challenges caused by ESG framework is capital. Investment in
strategy is anchored in four key pillars: the pandemic. Pursuing a sustainable ESG sustainable alternative solutions is certainly
sustainable planning and design and cir- framework helps us become a more respon- not small. And the second matter is com-
cular construction; community and busi- sible town-maker and contribute more to petitive workforce, as an organization must
ness; environmental and biodiversity con- the environment and society. For instance, have a team of capable people with an
servation; and enhancing sustainability thanks to digital administrative solutions, innovative mindset to carry out the trans-
via digitalization. This is the orientation we can reduce a lot of paper and printing formation process. However, these are worth
and master guideline governing every ink, which are things that affect the envi- pursuing. It’s not a one or two-day job, but
aspect of our business operations. ronment. We also save a lot on fuel because we can gradually change a little day-by-
We also invest in digitalization to opti- of online working platforms. By the sus- day, and then one day achieve our goals.
mize our administrative operations. Admin- tainability-oriented master-planning con- Regarding authorities, I would suggest
istration is also an aspect that can be green cept and eco-caring construction method, that the Vietnamese Government prioritize
and put more investment into developing
inter-provincial traffic infrastructure and
public transport. Once the urban infra-
structure issue is resolved, new sustainable
and green townships will gradually spring
up. Developers can’t carry out projects
successfully if the general infrastructure
does not facilitate them. In terms of policy
making, the government could consider
measures to encourage businesses to pursue
a sustainable ESG framework, such as tax
reductions, licensing advantages, and addi-
tional credit points, etc. Such practical
Mr. Angus Liew, motivations would be very useful in prompt-
Chairman, Gamuda land Vietnam) ing businesses to transform. %

www.en.vneconomy.vn JULY 2022 | VIETNAM ECONOMIC TIMES | 11