Looking ahead, Dr Buertey anticipated a growing trend toward more standardised and comprehensive sustainability reporting among Vietnamese organisations.
As investor awareness of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors increases, companies will adopt more transparent and comparable reporting frameworks. This shift may be driven by both regulatory pressure and market demand, as more global investors incorporate sustainability metrics into their investment criteria.
Dr Buertey said: “We also expect technology to play a significant role in the evolution of sustainability reporting, with advancements in data analytics allowing companies to track and report their ESG performance more accurately.”
Additionally, as consumer preferences increasingly favour ethical and sustainable brands, Vietnamese companies may start using sustainability reporting not only as a compliance tool but as a competitive advantage to differentiate themselves in both domestic and international markets.
He also believes this trend could significantly influence Vietnam’s investment landscape by attracting more sustainability-conscious investors.
Implications for policy recommendations
Dr Ramsawak highlighted: “From a policy perspective, the organisers of the SRA should ensure that the award continues to align with internationally accepted standards, fostering greater investor trust.
“This alignment will be essential to sustain a long-term market impact and encourage more companies to adopt sustainable practices.”
Dr Buertey said: “To further enhance the role of sustainability reporting in Vietnam’s financial markets, regulators could introduce clearer and more stringent guidelines on sustainability reporting standards, ensuring consistency and comparability across industries.”
This would provide investors with more reliable data to assess a company’s long-term value.
According to Dr Buertey, promoting the establishment of sustainability committees within corporate governance structures could also ensure that sustainability is treated as a strategic priority at the board level.
“Overall, these policy measures would promote a robust and transparent investment environment, ultimately driving sustainable growth and enhancing Vietnam’s position in the global market,” said Dr Buertey.
Dr Binh concluded: “There is still room for growth, and investors in Vietnam are increasingly recognising the importance of sustainability reporting.”
“As both local and international investors recognise the long-term value of sustainable business practices, ESG considerations will play an increasingly vital role in Vietnam's investment landscape.”
Story: June Pham