FPT CEO: ESG Is Not a “Trend”

(Dan Tri) – Mr. Nguyen Van Khoa, Chief Executive Officer of FPT Corporation, shared insights on the implementation of ESG and the results the corporation has achieved. According to him, ESG is not a “trend” but a foundation for sustainable development within every enterprise.

Speaking at the First Vietnam ESG Forum themed “Sustainable Development Strategies in the New Era” held on the afternoon of April 23, Mr. Nguyen Van Khoa, CEO of FPT Corporation and Chairman of the Vietnam Software and IT Services Association (VINASA), discussed his company’s practical and authentic approach to corporate governance.

Mr. Khoa stated that in implementing ESG, FPT does not see itself as a large corporation but operates in the same way as any other enterprise. He noted that FPT has been practicing ESG for more than 10 years, but the past four years mark the period when the corporation began implementing it comprehensively—across internal operations and its entire partner network—to create strong connections.

According to Mr. Khoa, integrating ESG into corporate strategy is essential because it strengthens sustainability and builds “resilience” to withstand rapid changes in the business environment.

“Embedding ESG into core operations enhances performance, drives sustainable growth, creates a positive working environment, and attracts young talent,” he emphasized.

He added that young people today are highly conscious of environmental issues: “We have more than 80,000 employees, and half of them belong to Generation Z,” he said.

Mr. Nguyen Van Khoa, Chief Executive Officer of FPT Corporation

Three Principles of ESG Implementation at FPT

Mr. Khoa shared three key principles guiding ESG implementation at FPT.

First, do not copy. “We learn from others but do not copy. I believe every business, even one with only three to five employees, must establish its own ESG implementation framework,” he said.

Second, never back down. Mr. Khoa emphasized that FPT does not aim to produce reports with appealing content, but to ensure that ESG is genuinely practiced within the company’s operations.

Third, measure results. ESG implementation must be measurable, with both quantitative and qualitative indicators.

Addressing the question of why businesses should adopt ESG, Mr. Khoa explained that ESG serves as a common language for cultural exchange, and that many clients choose to stay with FPT because of its distinctive corporate culture.

He also shared that FPT’s ESG strategy framework is built on five principles: promoting sustainable growth, increasing productivity, reducing costs, building a happy working environment, and contributing to the community.

At the forum hosted by Dan Tri, Mr. Khoa described how FPT creates a happy workplace through the application of science, technology, and innovation.

“For a business to develop sustainably, its work environment must be decent, humane, and creative—otherwise, it cannot effectively collaborate with its customers,” he said.

He added that FPT places people at the center of its operations. “Being talented and good is one thing. The most important factor is finding the right people,” he noted.

The corporation also fosters a culture of lifelong learning. “We constantly learn and share knowledge. This is why we have achieved continuous growth for many years. Mr. Truong Gia Binh teaches 90 hours per year, and I teach 75 hours. If we fail to meet the required teaching hours, one-quarter of our 13th-month salary is deducted,” he revealed.

The Vietnam ESG Forum in session

Building a Domestic ESG Network

Mr. Khoa also highlighted FPT’s efforts to create a green working environment through eco-friendly offices, open spaces, energy and water consumption management, and paperless operations.

“We operate in 30 countries and must always calculate how to minimize FPT’s energy consumption. We monitor electricity use and maintain a paperless office system,” he shared.

He also mentioned the application of AI in FPT’s management processes. Specifically, the company uses AI in internal governance—covering procurement, sales management, and cash flow operations.

“Tasks previously performed manually on computers are now handled by AI,” he explained.

FPT has also integrated AI into its business operations and training programs, providing AI education to tens of thousands of technology engineers and virtual assistant developers.

“Do not see ESG as a burden it is an opportunity. Once you view ESG as an opportunity, there will always be a way to make it work,” he emphasized.

Mr. Khoa recommended that the Government establish a national legal framework and ESG standards. FPT expressed its readiness to collaborate in standardizing ESG indicators tailored to Vietnam while aligning with international benchmarks.

In parallel, he proposed the promotion of green finance and preferential loans to support enterprises implementing ESG, reducing the financial burden on small and medium-sized businesses.

He also advocated for the establishment of a domestic ESG network led by enterprises, alongside the development of a national ESG ecosystem that integrates ESG principles into products, services, and education to raise public awareness. “ESG is not an accessory or a fad—it is a competitive advantage,” Mr. Khoa affirmed.

Ms. Pham Thi Quynh Vi, representing FPT, received the award for the Pioneer Enterprise in ESG Management Strategy

Within the framework of the event, FPT was honored as the Pioneer Enterprise in ESG Management Strategy. Ms. Pham Thi Quynh Vi, FPT’s Quality Director, received the award on behalf of the corporation.

FPT has demonstrated outstanding leadership in ESG management and corporate social responsibility, showcasing a strong commitment to sustainable development through innovation and technological strength. These efforts have helped FPT build a solid reputation and create long-term value for society.

According to Dan Tri Newspaper.