Stock market regulator holds final round of ESG-focused corporate governance contest in Hanoi

The final round of the “Vietnam ESG Challenge 2025”, a competition aimed at promoting sustainable development, modern corporate governance, and social responsibility among Vietnamese university students, took place in Hanoi on Monday.

The event was organized by the State Securities Commission of Vietnam (SSC) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).

SSC vice chairman Ha Duy Tung said global economic shifts and the push for digital transformation and sustainability have made environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards a global requirement.

“As part of Vietnam’s stock market development strategy to 2030, the SSC considers sustainability and effective corporate governance central to improving the quality of listed firms and strengthening investor confidence, creating foundations for long-term growth,” he noted.

Tung said the regulator has worked to integrate ESG requirements into disclosure and governance rules, align domestic standards with G20/OECD principles, and encourage listed firms to publish sustainability reports ahead of a roadmap toward mandatory ESG disclosures. “Raising ESG awareness among students, investors and businesses is also a priority.”

“We hope Vietnamese students will not only understand ESG concepts but apply sustainable thinking in their careers, start-up projects, and future planning,” Tung said, adding that the competition helps participants develop strategic thinking, teamwork, and analytical and presentation skills.

Tung, on behalf of the SSC, thanked ICAEW, universities and sponsors for supporting the program and pledged continued cooperation to advance ESG training and communication in Vietnam’s capital market.

This year marks the third edition of the competition, which attracted nearly 2,500 students from 17 leading universities and academies nationwide. Nine teams advanced to the final in Hanoi, representing institutions including the National Economics University, Banking Academy, Foreign Trade University, Hanoi University of Science and Technology, British University Vietnam, VinUniversity, University of Danang, and Swinburne Vietnam.

The final consisted of video presentations, debates, and real-world case simulations, focusing on ESG compliance, sustainable supply chains, greenhouse gas reduction, and corporate financing. VinUniversity won the first prize in the final round in Hanoi.

A final in Ho Chi Minh City is scheduled to take place in Ho Chi Minh City on November 22.