Mission
Contribute to Vietnam’s sustainable development by serving as a resource for business intelligence and best practices in sustainability, and advocating for improved ESG standards and regulatory framework.
Examples of ESG areas of focus and interest:
- Environment: circularity; climate risk, carbon accounting, carbon neutrality/net- zero targets and related policies; renewable energy; responsible sourcing; conservation and biodiversity;
- Social: labor rights, standards, and ethical supply chains; gender equality; diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA); community/NGO partnerships; and,
- Governance: board structure and diversity; transparency; sustainable finance; ethical conduct; risk management; and sustainability
2022 Strategic Plan
Top Priorities for 2022
The Committee will serve as a forum for AmCham members and the wider Vietnamese business community to:
- Distill relevant national and global standards, regulations, and laws related to ESG in Vietnam
- Share experience with best practices globally and in Vietnam on ESG and sustainability issues
- Catalyze our work on sustainability issues by coordinating with other AmCham committees and business chambers/associations
(Examples: AmCham’s Women in Leadership, Manufacturing, Human Resources, Legal, Energy, and Capital Markets and Financial Services Committees; VBCSD/VCCI; HAWEE; VBCWE; VIOD; VAWE) - Liaise with relevant government stakeholders about ESG-related issues and policy in coordination with AmCham advocacy panel and leadership (Examples: MoNRE, VBF, USAID, and U.S. Commercial Service)
- Amplify the committee’s priority issues through regular contact with media
Key Events for 2022
- Responsible Business Event (Danang/Hoi An) – June 2022
- Annual thought leadership events (E, S, G) – May-October 2022 such as:
- Corporate Governance in Vietnam – May 2022
- Other possible topics: sustainable finance; carbon neutrality and renewable energy; sustainable tourism; diversity, equality, and inclusion in business
- Giving Thanks Dinner and AmCham ESG Awards
- Announcement of criteria: April 2022
- Applications open: August/September 2022
- Judging Process: October 2022
Top Advocacy Issues for 2022
- Improving environmental standards in business in Vietnam by:
- Providing feedback on policies and regulations related to issues such as extended producer responsibility (EPR) and reducing greenhouse gas emissions and
- Highlighting technical solutions and services to help Vietnam assess climate risk, advance environmental commitments and goals on carbon neutrality, reducing waste and pollution, and clean energy
- Progress on improving social standards in business related to:
- Labor rights and standards, ethical and responsible supply chain management especially for businesses interested in exporting to the US
- Diversity, equity and inclusion and gender empowerment initiatives
- Advocating for a better balance between access to funding for ESG-compliant projects and the strict criteria imposed by foreign funding institutions
- Strengthening corporate governance standards e.g. board structure and leadership
Leadership Team
Co-Chair
Van Ly, Partner & Consultant, Raise Partners Van is a partner at Raise Partners, a new collaborative consulting practice bringing together expertise to share with organizations that contribute to the betterment of humanity. She has 20 years of experience working in both the private sector in branding and communications and the nonprofit sector in fundraising, communications, and program management. In particular, she has extensive experience in nonprofit fundraising and program strategy, strategic marketing and communications planning and delivery, grant writing, corporate social responsibility and citizenship, and donor and stakeholder engagement. Van has a master’s degree in Southeast Asian Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a bachelor’s degree in International Studies from American University in Washington D.C. |
Co-Chair
Keith Schulz, Chief Sustainability Officer & Chief Industrial Officer, Motul Asia Pacific |
Vice Chair for Sustainable Finance Sub-Committee
Binh Le, Founder & CEO, ASART Binh is Founder and CEO of ASART, a leading independent and boutique advisory M&A firm in Vietnam, with a focus on strategic synergies and investment returns. For over the last 12 years she has been working intensively with M&A transactions and strategic projects for both sell-side and buy-side. Previously, she worked at KPMG. Binh has built an unique set of experience and track record with a combined knowledge in M&A, finance, strategy, valuation, structure, commercial performance, accounting, tax, legal, reporting, problem solving, executive negotiation, politics, government relations, and advocacy. Her current work is the optimal combination of these areas of expertise, with emphasis on value creation and sustainable growth. She has assisted and advised leading Vietnamese companies and multinational corporations in various industries, with 110+ projects and 230+ companies for a total value of USD3.6+ billion, directly with board of directors and shareholders. She has an MBA from Indiana University and Purdue University (IPFW, USA) and a Bachelor Degree in Commerce with Distinction from RMIT (Vietnam). |
Vice Chair
Cong Vu, Director, Head of ESG, VinaCapital Cong Vu is an environmental scientist and fund manager focusing on circular economy model with more than 13 years of experience working on sustainability issues for businesses in Vietnam. He is particularly interested in exploring ways enterprises can benefit and create added values from implementing sustainable practices by reducing production costs and minimizing wastes. Cong has a proven track record in Carbon business and sustainability issues. At the moment, he is working for VinaCapital, a leading investment manager in Vietnam. Here, Cong has founded and managed the VinaCarbon Climate Impact Fund which develops business and invests in companies with circular economy initiatives to reduce Greenhouse gases and generate carbon credits. Previously working for global consultancy ERM, Cong built up and managed a strong team of 12 talented environmental scientists and biologists. Cong holds a master’s degree of Environmental Management from Flinders University and an engineer’s degree in Environmental Technology and Management from Hanoi University of Science and Technology. |
Secretary
Anh Mai, Manager, Impact and ESG services, KPMG Tax and Advisory Limited |
Board Liaison
Brad Segal, Co-Founder, Eddies Company Limited Brad Segal brings over 30 years of diverse business experience in Vietnam, encompassing sourcing, manufacturing, retail, and food & beverage industries. His journey in Asia began in 1988 with Inchcape, a British conglomerate, where he eventually became a Regional GM overseeing hard lines sourcing across nine countries. In 1991, he established Inchcape’s Vietnam sourcing office. In 1994, Brad ventured into entrepreneurship by establishing his own export, trading, and manufacturing business in Vietnam. Starting with IKEA as his first customer, he transformed his factory into a prominent home furnishings company, exporting to over 40 countries and collaborating with renowned retailers and importers globally. Following his successful exit from manufacturing, Brad dedicated the past decade to building multiple retail and F&B brands in Saigon. Prior to relocating to Vietnam in 1995, he lived and worked in San Francisco, Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Shanghai, gaining valuable experience in corporate and entrepreneurial roles in retail, manufacturing, and trading. Born and raised in Minnesota, Brad holds a BA Degree in Business-Economics from The Colorado College and studied at City University Business School in London. |
2024 Meeting Schedule
2023 Meeting Schedule
The Committee meeting is organised monthly, on the second Thursday of each month and open for members only.
2022 Meeting Schedule
The Committee meeting is organised monthly, on the second Thursday of each month and open for members only.
2021 Meeting Schedule
Reference Materials for Public
Reference Materials for Members
Contact Information
Please contact us if you have questions at [email protected]