Singaporean diplomat highlights green cooperation for sustainability

Singaporean diplomat highlights green cooperation for sustainability

The Vietnam-Singapore Sustainability Forum 2025, chaired by the Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organizations, took place in Ho Chi Minh City on March 14.

The forum was attended by Pang Te Chang, Singapore’s consul general in Ho Chi Minh City; Lam Dung Tien, chairman of the Vietnam-Singapore Friendship Association; Ho Xuan Lam, vice chairman and secretary general of Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organisations; and Luu Thi Thanh Mau, vice president of the Vietnam Young Entrepreneurs Association and CEO of Phuc Khang Corporation.

The event also brought together CEOs with a common vision to build sustainable businesses in Vietnam and Singapore.

Pang Te Chang, Singapore’s consul general in Ho Chi Minh City, delivers opening remarks. Photo: Phuc Khang Corp

Singapore is Vietnam's largest trade partner within ASEAN and fourth-largest global partner. In 2024, total bilateral trade value surpassed $10.3 billion, showing a 14.7 per cent jump on-year.

In terms of investment, Singapore is the largest investor within ASEAN and the second-largest globally in Vietnam, with 3,951 projects and total investment exceeding $83 billion.

Last year, Vietnam welcomed over 347,000 visitors from Singapore, collaborating in various fields such as finance, banking, resources and environment, education, and justice between the two nations.

These figures, shared by Chang in his opening speech at the forum, demonstrate the close relationship between the two nations.

The Singaporean diplomat highlighted the importance of the forum in enhancing mutual understanding, strengthening bonds, and fostering cooperation between businesses and organisations from Vietnam and Singapore.

“I believe that through the speeches and exchanges today, we have the opportunity to learn from each other, build strategic partnerships, and together promote sustainable development in manufacturing and business,” said Chang.

The forum featured presentations and discussions from experts and top business leaders from Singapore, such as Earnest Yoong, chapter chair of the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants Vietnam; Clarice Chan, CEO of Gateway Singapore; Bernard Lim, CEO and executive director of Tai Sin Electric Limited; and Vincent Choi, CEO of TerraVerde Singapore.

Bernard Lim said sustainability is both a business need and an ethical obligation. While the transition to sustainability comes with challenges, a phased approach, strong culture, and smart investments can turn obstacles into opportunities.

The Vietnam-Singapore Sustainability Forum 2025 gathered experts, businesses, and organisations at the forefront of sustainable development in Vietnam and Singapore. Photo: Phuc Khang Corp

Sustainability certifications are quickly becoming a key differentiator in global supply chains to access new markets and business opportunities, with multinational corporations and buyers increasingly focusing on sustainability.

“Green-certified products enhance brand reputation and attract environmentally-conscious customers. This will help distinguish you from competitors and provide a competitive advantage. For example, Singapore Building and Construction Authority recently announced that from January 1, 5 per cent of tender evaluation points will be set aside for environmental sustainability considerations,” Lim said

CEO Luu Thi Thanh Mau also shared her insights and experiences at the forum through a presentation focusing on notable advances in green and sustainable building development in Vietnam.

Mau, who was the only Vietnamese representative honoured at the Asia Pacific Leadership in Green Building 2022 Awards in the category ‘Women in Green Building Leadership Award’, shared her journey and perspective.

Luu Thi Thanh Mau, vice president of the Vietnam Young Entrepreneurs Association and CEO of Phuc Khang Corporation, delivering remarks at the forum. Photo: Phuc Khang Corp

In her presentation, Thanh Mau shared a common view with Bernard Lim that green is a trend not only in the construction industry but across all sectors and in daily life. According to Phuc Khang, construction is one of the largest consumers of energy and resources, yet it is also a major source of pollution.

In such a context, creating green buildings provides a comprehensive approach to achieving sustainable development goals through three pillars: environment, society, and economy.

Green buildings bolsters energy efficiency, carbon reduction in infrastructure, and urban regeneration. Additionally, green buildings offer safe, healthy, comfortable, and equitable living spaces for people.

In terms of economic development, green buildings optimises resource usage and create urban infrastructure that fosters the growth of a circular economy.

“Green buildings play a crucial role in achieving the net-zero carbon emission target and are essential in building a sustainable future for both Vietnam and the world,’ said Thanh Mau.

To align with the green development process, Phuc Khang Corporation has established its mission to lead a better living style for public health and a sustainable ecological environment in accordance with global green standards.

Phuc Khang’s green and sustainable strategy aligns with the direction followed by Singaporean businesses, promising diverse potential cooperation opportunities and contributing to the common goal of sustainable development.

VIR