ACCA Conference Champions Technology in Pursuit of Sustainability
Ho Chi Minh City, March 12, 2025 – The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) showcased its commitment to supporting businesses at a recent conference in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, exploring technology’s pivotal role in advancing sustainability practices.
The event, held on March 12, brought together experts, representatives from prominent organizations, and future-focused businesses to share insights and best practices. Discussions centered on international standards, technological solutions for carbon emissions management, and the application of technology to optimize operational costs. The conference also served as a platform for fostering collaboration among those dedicated to sustainability efforts.
Ren Varma, ACCA’s head of Mainland Southeast Asia, delivered a keynote address, emphasizing ACCA’s role in assisting businesses in building sustainable development capabilities.
Varma highlighted the robust trade figures of Vietnam, noting that the country’s import-export turnover has remained at an unprecedented level for the past four decades, bolstered by over 17 trade agreements. He cited the fact Vietnam-EU trade surpassed $67 billion, and highlighted the fact of numerous local enterprises integrating into global supply chains.
Varma stated, “Implementing sustainability reporting is imperative for Vietnamese firms participating in global supply chains to comply with Europe’s mandatory sustainability disclosure regulations. The key challenge is how businesses can effectively implement sustainability reporting with existing resources while meeting international standards.”
Other speakers at the conference included representatives from VACPA, FPT, Unilever, HDBank, PwC, and the University of Economics in Ho Chi Minh City. These organizations shared their experiences leveraging technology for sustainability, offering practical case studies and insights into effective implementation. The event reaffirmed a commitment to enhancing capabilities and expertise to achieve national sustainable development goals, including the target of Net-Zero by 2050.
ACCA also announced its Professional Diploma in Sustainability (ProDipSust), which it is launching across more than 180 countries, including Vietnam. The diploma aims to equip professionals with the expertise needed to implement sustainable business practices, including knowledge of international frameworks, strategic management, reporting, and assurance.
Beyond training programs, ACCA actively collaborates with leading organizations to advance sustainable development initiatives. In a recent seminar, ACCA Vietnam, in partnership with VACPA and PwC Vietnam, created a forum to help Vietnamese firms align with international standards and develop sustainability strategies.
Varma underlined the critical role of financial professionals in driving sustainable development. He said, “Financial expertise is not just about financial reporting, it plays a fundamental role in shaping sustainable strategies. Finance professionals are responsible for integrating sustainability initiatives into business models, accurately measuring their impact, and transparently communicating them to stakeholders. ACCA’s certification serves as a vital tool for businesses and individuals to enhance their expertise in this field.”
ACCA also highlighted additional collaborations:
On January 17, PVI received ACCA Approved Employer certification, recognizing its commitment to developing its accounting, finance, and management workforce in line with international standards. PVcomBank and ACCA are also collaborating to enhance human resources. On March 6, ACCA and KPMG Vietnam signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Hanoi to solidify their dedication to sustainable development and prosperity for Vietnamese businesses.
