A group of students from FPT University has launched a project applying ESG to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Mekong Delta approach sustainable development trends.
Students bring ESG closer to businesses
ESG, short for Environmental – Social – Governance, is a set of sustainability criteria that has been increasingly recognized as a key standard for business operations. However, for SMEs in the Mekong Delta, adopting ESG remains a challenge due to limited resources and the lack of specific guidance.
Recognizing this, a team of Business Administration students from Cohort 17 at FPT University initiated the “ESG Coach & Practice” project. The initiative focuses on researching and applying ESG in business management while integrating the 3Green standards—Green Marketing, Green Product, and Green Production—to provide feasible solutions tailored to local industries.
Six team members at their thesis defense at FPT University
“Our idea is to build an ecosystem that helps small and medium-sized enterprises approach ESG in a simple, practical, and resource-appropriate way. The project revolves around three pillars: raising awareness, compiling practices, and connecting business networks. We designed training packages such as green workforce programs, ESG for leaders, and cross-department ESG, while also offering solutions to optimize operations,” a team member shared.
In addition to providing ESG application solutions for businesses, the students also developed the website 3green.vn, which integrates an AI-powered chatbot and a green product distribution channel, helping connect businesses with consumers. The key difference lies in personalizing ESG roadmaps for each company, embedding them into corporate culture and employees’ daily behavior, while leveraging AI technology for 24/7 consultation and support.
However, many SMEs still see ESG as a distant concept reserved for multinational corporations. This stems from not knowing where to start, concerns about costs, and the fear of complicating processes. “The most challenging situation we faced was when, during direct consultations, companies focused only on short-term cost concerns while overlooking long-term benefits,” shared team member Nguyễn Quyền Diệu.
To convince businesses, the team chose to make ESG part of corporate culture rather than relying solely on academic concepts. Solutions were illustrated with specific, relatable examples, making them easier to grasp and apply. At the same time, the team developed support tools such as an advisory chatbot, a digital ESG handbook, and a series of blogs and newsletters designed to deliver simple, accessible knowledge even for companies that had never approached ESG before.
At the initial stage, the team’s target was businesses that already showed early interest but struggled with implementation. For instance, at Abavina, instead of discussing broad concepts like “biodiversity” or “CO2 reduction,” the team suggested using agricultural by-products such as leaves, branches, kitchen waste, or surplus fruits to produce organic fertilizer. This solution not only lowered fertilizer costs but also created a compelling “circular farming” story for the brand. At Mekong Silt Ecolodge, ESG was applied directly to tourism operations—for example, reducing single-use plastics to cut expenses and enhance reputation with international visitors.
The core message the team delivered to businesses was clear: ESG is not just about social responsibility—it is the answer to two key challenges: saving costs and increasing brand value. Once companies recognized these practical benefits, they became more proactive and open to engaging in ESG consultations.
The workshop “ESG & 3Green – Co-creating indigenous microorganisms, revitalizing soil with Abavina” was successfully held at Abavina – Thuan Thien Agricultural Community (Can Tho)
Mr. Ngai (in a blue shirt) shared that the business has seen positive changes after applying ESG to its operations.