ESG REPORT

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GLOBAL CONTEXT
GROWING ESG PRESSURES

As ESG requirements gain global traction, the gap between international standards and practices in Vietnam is becoming increasingly evident, presenting a challenge that urges businesses to act and align with sustainable development trends

ESG has become a critical criterion, with

92

%

of global investors considering it a key basis for investment decisions.

However, in Vietnam, only

7

%

of companies have a well-structured ESG strategy in place.

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To keep pace with this trend, businesses need a clear understanding of ESG – the foundation for shaping operations, governance, and building trust in the era of sustainable development.

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ESG REPORTING – THE NEW LANGUAGE OF MODERN CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

An ESG report is a non-financial report that reflects a company’s commitment to the three pillars: Environmental – Social – Governance (ESG).
These reports are published periodically, based on actual data, international standards, and stakeholder requirements.

The three ESG pillars include:
- Environmental: Management of emissions, energy, resources, and waste – demonstrating responsibility towards the ecosystem.
- Social: Labor policies, gender equality, human rights, and community contributions – reflecting corporate culture and intrinsic values.
- Governance: Transparent structures, business ethics, and risk control – forming the foundation for investor and partner trust.

Transparency, accountability, and long-term development are becoming key benchmarks for evaluating corporate performance – and ESG reporting serves as a comprehensive tool to reflect these commitments.

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Environmental responsibility in all operations

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Promoting human and community development

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Building trust through transparency and ethical practices

FROM ESG COMMITMENT TO ACTION
EMPOWERING BUSINESSES TO LEAD SUSTAINABLY

More than a report, ESG is a strategic lever that strengthens internal capabilities, reinforces corporate credibility, and enables businesses to adapt proactively to an increasingly volatile business environment.

THREE KEY BENEFITS

  • Enhancing credibility across the global supply chain

    ESG reporting serves as tangible evidence of a company’s commitment to sustainable development – a criterion increasingly prioritized by multinational corporations when selecting suppliers and forming strategic partnerships

  • Access to green capital and financial incentives

    ESG transparency helps companies reduce credit risk, improve credit ratings, and unlock opportunities to access preferential financing, transition funds, and support programs from global financial institutions.

  • Enhancing governance capacity and operational risk control

    ESG provides a structured framework for comprehensive internal review – spanning environmental management, human capital, and operational processes. This allows organizations to identify risks early, strengthen performance, and progressively align with international standards and best practices.

In an ever-changing market landscape, ESG is not merely a commitment, but a strategic statement of leadership, demonstrating the resilience and long-term vision of businesses that aspire to lead.

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WHICH BUSINESSES SHOULD IMPLEMENT ESG?

ESG is not limited to large corporations. It is a shared pathway that helps businesses of all sizes go further—toward sustainable, responsible growth aligned with global standards.

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Export-oriented businesses and global supply chains: Suppliers to multinational corporations, as well as companies in sectors such as textiles, agriculture, and electronics, are increasingly required to comply with ESG standards in order to expand and maintain market share.
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Capital-raising and listed companies: Startups, IPO-bound companies, and businesses seeking investment funds need greater transparency and stronger governance to enhance investor confidence and strengthen brand value.
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Sustainability-oriented enterprises: Manufacturing, F&B, retail, or real estate organizations seeking to position themselves as responsible, transparent, and committed to long-term sustainable growth

WHAT SHOULD BUSINESSES PREPARE BEFORE DEVELOPING AN ESG REPORT?

Reviewing and assessing foundational data systems

Beyond data collection, businesses need to evaluate the completeness, reliability, and traceability of all ESG-related data—particularly emissions data and operational performance metrics.

Establishing a cross-functional ESG task force

Appointing a dedicated ESG team with representatives from relevant departments helps ensure consistent implementation, effective data integration, and the long-term sustainability of the ESG system.

Identifying material topics and selecting appropriate reporting frameworks

Businesses should select suitable reporting frameworks (such as GRI, SASB, TCFD, etc.) and clearly define ESG issues that have significant impacts on business operations and stakeholders—ensuring focus on the right strategic priorities.

Leadership commitment and defining a transition roadmap

An ESG report only delivers value when accompanied by concrete action. Businesses need strong leadership commitment, clearly articulated improvement targets, and a transparent, feasible ESG roadmap.

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Reviewing and assessing foundational data systems

Beyond data collection, businesses need to evaluate the completeness, reliability, and traceability of all ESG-related data—particularly emissions data and operational performance metrics.

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Establishing a cross-functional ESG task force

Appointing a dedicated ESG team with representatives from relevant departments helps ensure consistent implementation, effective data integration, and the long-term sustainability of the ESG system.

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Identifying material topics and selecting appropriate reporting frameworks

Businesses should select suitable reporting frameworks (such as GRI, SASB, TCFD, etc.) and clearly define ESG issues that have significant impacts on business operations and stakeholders—ensuring focus on the right strategic priorities.

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Leadership commitment and defining a transition roadmap

An ESG report only delivers value when accompanied by concrete action. Businesses need strong leadership commitment, clearly articulated improvement targets, and a transparent, feasible ESG roadmap.

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ARES VIETNAM - NỀN TẢNG VỮNG CHẮC CHO
DOANH NGHIỆP TRIỂN KHAI ESG HIỆU QUẢ

  • 20+

    Years of experience

  • 12.000+

    Businesses accompanied

  • 96%

    Client renewal rate

  • Top 2

    Market share in Taiwan

ARES VIETNAM – PROFESSIONAL AND PRACTICAL ESG IMPLEMENTATION SUPPORT

From initial gap assessment to transparent ESG disclosure, ARES Vietnam delivers end-to-end ESG services, flexibly tailored to each industry, enabling businesses to implement ESG effectively from the very first step.

Comprehensive ESG assessment and gap analysis

Benchmarking against international best practices to identify gaps and assess actual readiness.

ESG strategy consulting and policy development

Customized according to industry characteristics, organizational scale, and growth objectives.

Development of ESG metrics aligned with international standards

Including GRI, SASB, TCFD, and other relevant frameworks, adapted to each operating model.

Preparation and periodic disclosure of ESG reports

Transparent, standards-compliant, and widely accepted by the market and stakeholders.

Team training and continuous ESG data system maintenance

Building internal capabilities to ensure long-term ownership and sustainability of the ESG system.

With a multidisciplinary ESG expert team and hands-on experience across multiple markets, ARES Vietnam delivers tailored, effective, and cost-controlled ESG solutions for diverse business models.

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KEY QUESTIONS ABOUT ESG

  • Is ESG mandatory? Why should businesses start implementing ESG now?

    Although ESG is not yet a mandatory legal requirement in Vietnam, it has increasingly become a key criterion for supplier selection, partnerships, and capital access in international markets. Proactively adopting ESG today is a necessary step to ensure businesses remain competitive and do not miss future opportunities.

  • What is the difference between an ESG report and a Sustainability Report?

    Sustainability reports are often voluntary and communication-oriented. ESG, by contrast, represents a governance-driven approach that focuses on quantitative data, risk management, and operational performance—aimed at strengthening internal resilience and long-term business sustainability.

  • Is ESG only for large corporations, or can small and medium-sized businesses implement ESG as well?

    ESG is not exclusive to large corporations. Small and medium-sized businesses can implement ESG in phases aligned with their internal capabilities and may begin with a streamlined, practical roadmap tailored to their scale and resources.

  • Can a business implement ESG if it lacks ESG data?

    Yes. ESG does not require completeness from the outset. Businesses can begin by reviewing their current situation, identifying available data sources, and improving data quality over time. What matters most is a transparent roadmap supported by concrete actions.

  • Who should be responsible for ESG within a business?

    Effective ESG implementation requires leadership commitment and cross-functional collaboration. ESG task forces typically include representatives from legal, human resources, operations, finance, and sustainability functions to ensure integrated, consistent, and reliable data management.

  • Can ESG be integrated with existing ISO management systems?

    It is entirely possible. ESG is highly compatible with ISO standards such as ISO 14001 (Environmental Management) and ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety), allowing businesses to leverage existing systems, optimize resources, and enhance implementation efficiency.

  • How is ESG related to the Net Zero roadmap?

    Yes. ESG serves as a critical foundation for emissions measurement, Net Zero roadmap development, and participation in global climate and sustainability initiatives.

  • How often should ESG reports be updated?

    ESG reports are typically prepared on an annual basis, aligned with financial reporting cycles. For businesses at an early stage, phased reporting focused on priority areas may be adopted to ensure feasibility and effectiveness.

  • Does ESG deliver tangible financial benefits?

    Yes. ESG can improve creditworthiness, facilitate access to preferential financing from international financial institutions, enable participation in transition funds, reduce borrowing costs, and enhance strategic partnership opportunities.

  • Does ARES Vietnam provide end-to-end support for businesses with no prior ESG experience?

    Yes. ARES Vietnam accompanies businesses from the outset—covering data readiness assessment, ESG task force setup, selection of appropriate reporting frameworks, roadmap development, and international disclosure support—while ensuring cost control and strategic alignment.

ESG NEWSLETTER
GLOBAL POLICY AND TREND UPDATES

Timely updates on international ESG policies and trends—providing businesses with essential insights to navigate a resilient and sustainable integration pathway.

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REGISTER FOR ESG IMPLEMENTATION CONSULTATION

Sustainable advantage is not built in the present, but shaped by how businesses prepare for the future. The sustainable development journey begins with ARES Vietnam—standards-compliant, needs-driven, and ready for the next phase of growth.

  • Certification fee reduction for organisations implementing ISO for the first time
  • Special incentives for registration integrating two or more standards
  • Receive 10 Internal Auditor Certificates
  • Free Pre-audit Consultation – Reviewing the System Prior to Assessment
  • Priority scheduling for early assessment and support for fast certificate issuance

*Service incentives applicable to organisations registering via the Website

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