Corporate Governance serves as the framework that outlines the rules, processes, and practices by which a company is directed and controlled. It encompasses the relationships between various stakeholders, including shareholders, management, employees, customers, suppliers, and the community at large. By establishing transparent and accountable decision-making structures, Corporate Governance ensures that organizations operate in an ethical and responsible manner.
The importance of governance cannot be overstated, as it sets the stage for the effective integration of ESG principles into an organization’s operations. ESG refers to the three key factors that measure the sustainability and societal impact of a company’s practices. Environmental factors consider a company’s impact on the environment, such as its carbon footprint and resource consumption. Social factors encompass the company’s relationships with employees, customers, and the broader community. Governance, the focus of our session, addresses the internal systems and processes that guide decision-making and ensure accountability.
By emphasizing the governance aspect, organizations can lay a solid foundation for the successful implementation of ESG practices. Robust governance structures promote transparency, accountability, and ethical behavior, which are essential for addressing environmental and social challenges. Effective governance mechanisms enable organizations to identify and manage risks, align their strategies with long-term sustainability goals, and foster trust among stakeholders.
Furthermore, a strong governance framework enhances the organization’s reputation, attracts investors who prioritize sustainable practices, and mitigates potential legal and reputational risks. It also helps organizations adapt to evolving regulatory requirements and changing stakeholder expectations, ensuring their long-term viability and resilience.
This break-out session will focus on how companies are applying Corporate Governance throughout their organization and will bring clear examples that have shown success in their organizations.
Agenda:
09.00 – 09.20: Presentation: “Integration of ESG into Corporate Strategy – The Role of Board” By Dr. Trung Dinh Scientific Director Solvay Brussels School in Vietnam
09.20 – 09.40: Presentation: “Unlocking Corporate Success: The Power of Effective Governance” by Ashish Chaturvedi – Director Forensic Advisory of Grant Thornton
09.40 – 10.10: Presentation: “Share for Sustainability” by Gricha Safarian, CEO of Puratos Grand-Place Vietnam
10.10 – 10.30: Presentation: “Purpose is the answer to good Governance” by Outi Gruener, Market Development and Sustainability Advisor at The Purpose Business
10.30 – 10.45 Coffee Break
10.45 – 11.30: Discussion Panel
Break-out room info:
- Location: Black Room, 1st floor, Pullman Saigon Center, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Time: 09.00 – 11.30
- Date: 1 December 2023
Moderator
Javier Mendez Repiso, Chairman of Spanish Chamber of Commerce & Board Member of EuroCham
Javier Mendez Repiso, Deputy CEO & Project Director of PBAT at An Phat Holding, boasts 23 years of experience in Engineering and Construction in the Energy and Oil & Gas Industry. His diverse roles, spanning Project, Operations, Commercial, and Management, showcase his expertise across various entities, countries, and construction sites.
Skilled in management, operations, projects, and contract negotiation, Javier excels in P&L management and has a proven track record in commercial management, business development, and ensuring profitability. With a technical background in LNG and Energy, he is adept at executing large-scale projects, providing valuable contributions to major clients worldwide.
Speakers
Dr. Trung Dinh, Scientific Director & Lecturer at Solvay Brussels School Vietnam
Dr. Trung Dinh is a distinguished professional with over 30 years of experience in Corporate and Business Strategy, Corporate Governance, and Restructuring. Currently, he serves as the Scientific Director and Lecturer at Solvay Brussels School Vietnam. Dr. Dinh’s extensive career includes roles such as Portfolio Manager at UBS AG, Strategy Advisor at Holcim Group Support Ltd., and CEO of PAT Industrial Zone. He is also the Co-Founder of TYC Packaging Co., Ltd.
In the academic realm, Dr. Dinh is a Lecturer for Corporate Governance at Solvay Brussels School and Design Thinking at RMIT. He holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of St. Gallen, Switzerland, and is the Head of Research at the Vietnam Institute of Directors (VIOD). Additionally, he has authored notable works such as “Stratagemic Arts of Negotiation” and “Thirty-six Stratagems,” showcasing his expertise in strategy and negotiation.
Gricha Safarian, CEO of Puratos Grand-Place Vietnam
Gricha Safarian, CEO of Puratos Grand-Place Vietnam and founder of The Cocoa Project, is a Belgian chocolate enthusiast with over 35 years in the cocoa industry. In 1985, he established the Grand-Place chocolate brand, and a spontaneous visit to Vietnam in the early 1990s led to his deep admiration for the creative and hardworking people of the region.
As the Honorary Consulate of Belgium in Ho Chi Minh City, Gricha fosters strong diplomatic ties. Renowned as the “Father of Cacao-Trace,” he emphasizes sustainability in cocoa supply chains. Gricha is also a sought-after guest speaker at esteemed institutions like Stanford and RMIT University. His commitment to chocolate and sustainable practices makes him a notable figure in the industry.
Outi Gruener, Market Development and Sustainability Advisor at The Purpose Business
Outi, Head of Market Development and Sustainability Advisor at The Purpose Business (TPB), is a sustainability expert dedicated to guiding organizations in Southeast Asia. With 14 years of experience, she focuses on helping companies articulate, activate, and embed purpose and sustainability into their business strategies.
At TPB, Outi facilitates transformative solutions that align with social, economic, and environmental goals. Originally from Finland, she identifies as a global native, having lived and worked in Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines before settling in Singapore with her husband and two children. Outi’s commitment lies in guiding companies to evolve as a force for good, making her a trusted partner for Asia-based businesses committed to responsible growth.
Ashish Chaturvedi, Director – Forensic Advisory of Grant Thornton
Ashish Chaturvedi, Director of Forensic Advisory at Grant Thornton, boasts nearly two decades of expertise in Ethics, Compliance, Governance, Investigations, Risk, Accounting, and Auditing. He serves multinational clients across Southeast Asia and is currently leading Forensic Advisory Services at Grant Thornton, Thailand.
Ashish was previously a Director at EY’s Forensic & Integrity Services in Bangkok, contributing significantly to strengthening EY’s forensic practice in the region from October 2019 to October 2022.
Specializing in both responsive and proactive services, including fraud investigations and risk assessments, Ashish has been at the forefront of the Ethics and Compliance agenda since January 2011. His earlier experience includes four years in the Accounts & Finance function at KPMG.
