From Energy Labels to Green Leadership: The ESG Rise of a Vietnamese Compliance Firm
HANOI, Vietnam, July 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As ESG (Environmental – Social – Governance) becomes a global imperative, many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are still struggling to find a practical pathway forward. But ExtendMax, a Vietnam-based SME, proves otherwise: sustainable development does not solely belong to billion-dollar corporations with abundant resources—it begins with strategic intention and internal commitment.
Turning Compliance into a Sustainable Advantage
As a legal and technical consulting firm focused on import/export compliance for IT products, ExtendMax facilitates hundreds of VNEEP energy labeling certifications annually. However, the company doesn't stop at helping clients meet regulatory requirements—it has elevated this service into a foundational pillar of its ESG strategy.
According to Mr. Tran Thanh Phuong, CEO of ExtendMax, the company works directly with the R&D teams of its clients, helping design products from the ground up to maximize energy efficiency and minimize environmental impact.
'We don't just help products pass legal thresholds—we create competitive advantages,' said Mr. Phuong. 'For Vietnamese tech products, the energy label has become a 'green passport' to access markets with strict sustainability standards. At the same time, we support international brands in navigating Vietnam's environmental regulations, enabling them to enter the market faster and more responsibly. Compliance is no longer just about legality—it's a strategic step toward long-term business success,' said Mr. Phuong.
By embedding ESG principles into supply chain advisory services, ExtendMax has helped numerous technology brands—from laptops, TVs, and monitors to printers—achieve energy efficiency certification and reduce emissions.
Building ESG from Within: People and Governance First
Beyond product-focused initiatives, ExtendMax sees people as the cornerstone of sustainable transformation. Guided by the belief that 'Compliance Begins with People', the company has built a three-tier ESG capacity-building model that includes mentorship, training, and real-time performance feedback.
Within just 18 months, over 80% of ExtendMax employees had upskilled in ESG competencies, contributing to an above-industry-average retention rate. The company also launched 'Governance with Integrity,' a digital platform that enables transparent management, risk control, and compliance across all operations—with no legal violations recorded to date.
'ESG transformation is not a checklist or CSR formality. At ExtendMax, ESG functions as our operating system—from how we design services to how we hire, train, and lead,' Mr. Phuong emphasized.
Green Finance Opens New Pathways
According to the World Bank, by the end of Q1 2024, Vietnam's outstanding green credit reached approximately VND 640 trillion (~USD 28 billion), accounting for 4.5% of the nation's total credit portfolio. Vietnam also ranks among the top two ASEAN countries in issuing green, social, and sustainability (GSS) bonds.
This evolving financial landscape increasingly favors businesses with transparent and well-defined ESG strategies. It offers new opportunities for SMEs like ExtendMax—companies with modest size but ambitious, well-executed ESG roadmaps.
Green Leadership: Leading Through Action, Not Obligation
PwC's 2024 regional data reveals that 53% of Asia-Pacific companies have set net-zero targets, yet only 42% have linked ESG performance to executive compensation—a clear sign of the implementation gap.
In this context, companies like ExtendMax—those who proactively integrate ESG into operations instead of waiting for top-down mandates—are reshaping the standards of leadership. The AREA 2025 recognition is not only a personal achievement but also a testament to a replicable green model for other Vietnamese and regional SMEs.
'Green Leadership is not a title—it's a living commitment reflected in everyday decisions,' said Mr. Phuong.
Vietnam to Asia: A New Chapter for ESG Transformation
For ExtendMax, the AREA 2025 award is a milestone—but not the final destination. The company aims to expand its sustainable advisory programs into emerging sectors in Vietnam while sharing its ESG transformation framework with other markets across Asia.
From a local SME to a regional enabler, ExtendMax is emerging as a force in shaping ESG standards in Asia—a challenging yet promising journey in the age of green economy.
About the AREA Awards
The Asia Responsible Enterprise Awards (AREA), organized annually by Enterprise Asia since 2011, recognize businesses with outstanding contributions to social responsibility and sustainable development. In 2025, over 350 submissions across 19 countries and markets underwent a rigorous judging process based on relevance, effectiveness and reach, and sustainability.
ExtendMax was honored with the Green Leadership Award, a category that recognizes enterprises leading the way in environmental stewardship, climate action, and green innovation. This award highlights organizations that not only comply with environmental standards, but actively integrate sustainability into their strategy, operations, and industry influence.
ExtendMax's recognition in this category places it alongside other leading Asian enterprises that are driving the region's green transition—affirming that even small and medium-sized companies can make a meaningful contribution to a more sustainable future.
About ExtendMax Vietnam
ExtendMax Vietnam Company Limited is a leading provider of IT product conformity certification and Importer/Exporter of Record services, enabling seamless market entry and cross-border operations for global technology companies doing business in Vietnam. With deep expertise in regulatory compliance, ExtendMax helps clients minimize risk, reduce lead time, and optimize import-export processes without the need for a local legal entity.
In addition to its core services, ExtendMax is highly regarded for its VNEEP energy labeling advisory program, which supports both domestic and international manufacturers in meeting Vietnam's stringent energy efficiency regulations. This comprehensive service includes identifying applicable technical standards, coordinating accredited testing, preparing energy labeling dossiers, and supporting post-certification monitoring. By doing so, ExtendMax empowers clients not only to achieve full legal compliance but also to enhance product competitiveness in a sustainability-driven market.
Founded in 2015 and led by industry expert Tran Thanh Phuong, ExtendMax has built a strong reputation for its integrity, execution speed, and ability to manage mission-critical projects for leading global brands in highly regulated sectors such as ICT, electronics, and civil cryptography.
HO: ExtendMax Villa, C01-L18 An Vuong, Duong Noi, Hanoi, Vietnam
Tel: +84 24 6666 3066 / +84 24 6666 3088
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://extendmax.vn
View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/from-energy-labels-to-green-leadership-the-esg-rise-of-a-vietnamese-compliance-firm-302494516.html
SOURCE EXTENDMAX VIETNAM COMPANY LIMITED
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
SDSU named one of Princeton Review's ‘Best Colleges' — and among top ‘green' campuses
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — San Diego State University is once again making national headlines — this time for its academic strength, student life, and sustainability efforts. The university has been named to 'The Princeton Review's' 2026 list of the Best 391 Colleges, and once again earned a spot among the Top 50 Green Colleges. The recognition places SDSU among the top 15% of four-year colleges in the United States, out of nearly 2,400 evaluated. The university was also featured on 'The Princeton Review's' Best West list, which highlights standout colleges across seven U.S. regions. High marks in key categories According to the report, SDSU earned top-tier scores across several key categories (on a scale of 60 to 99), including: Professor Aaccessibility: 90 Green initiatives: 97 Quality of life: 89 Financial aid: 89 Admissions selectivity: 88 Fire safety: 96 These scores are based on a combination of institutional data and student feedback, with students offering insights into their academic and social experiences on campus. More information on how these scores are determined can be found here. USS Sterett returns to San Diego after 9-month deployment Sustainability in the spotlight For the second consecutive year, SDSU claimed the No. 42 spot on 'The Princeton Review's' Top 50 Green Colleges list, making it the only California State University campus to appear in the ranking. The sustainability recognition reflects SDSU's commitment to environmental practices, sustainability education, and overall campus livability. The school's impressive 'green' score of 97 is based on both student surveys and data provided by the university. Support for student success In addition to academic accolades, 'The Princeton Review' highlighted SDSU's career development resources, including Handshake, a job and internship platform, and the Aztec Mentor Program, which pairs upper-level students with professional mentors from the SDSU alumni network. 'SDSU has outstanding academic programs, and the feedback we received about SDSU from its students was very impressive,' said Rob Franek, Editor-in-Chief of 'The Princeton Review.' 'We are delighted to name SDSU one of our Best Colleges for 2026.' With strong momentum across academics, research and sustainability, SDSU continues to raise its profile as one of California's most dynamic public universities. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Yahoo
Man purchases 2-bedroom house after recycling nearly half a million cans in reverse vending machines — here's how he did it
Man purchases 2-bedroom house after recycling nearly half a million cans in reverse vending machines — here's how he did it Recycling cans and bottles in exchange for cash might be the most widely known example of a circular economy in action — and one motivated Australian man leveraged a local initiative to accumulate a down payment on a house. 36-year-old Damian Gordon said he was "casually aware" of a regional "Return and Earn" program in New South Wales, which offered ten cents for every can collected and returned to a designated exchange point. "Reverse vending machines" accept empty cans, glass bottles, and plastic containers, and they're one of the ways the Return and Earn program allows residents to turn trash into cash. Gordon spoke about his long-term bottle and can collection project, explaining that a down payment on a home wasn't his initial motivator. At first, he wanted to blow off steam after long days in the "health industry." Gordon began taking walks on the beach to unwind and found it "impossible to ignore all the rubbish … scattered across the shoreline." "Returning to the beach as often as I could, I made it my mission to collect the rubbish during my walk," he told lifestyle weekly That's Life. It wasn't long before he "started noticing how many containers were left behind at events and parks." That inspired Gordon to visit music festivals, as "crowds left mountains of empties behind." It's no secret Australia is facing complex housing woes, with more than a third of houses in the country priced at over $1 million or more. Gordon wasn't thinking about a steep property ladder when he began collecting and returning cans, first cultivating a "small habit" of putting aside eligible cans and glass bottles due to what he witnessed on his nightly beach walks. After a festival in 2017, Gordon and other volunteers separated 40,000 recyclable containers from other refuse. He "was amazed to walk away with a whopping $4,000" after just one event, and the single-day take gave him a "wild idea." "I'm going to recycle my way to a house deposit," Gordon told his mother. New South Wales' Return and Earn program was introduced in 2017, and within three years, he'd saved $20,000. January marked seven years of Gordon's recycling efforts. By that point, he'd netted $45,000, which he combined with other savings for a deposit on a 2-bedroom house. Do you think America has a plastic waste problem? Definitely Only in some areas Not really I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Gordon's money-saving approach to securing a down payment was shockingly successful, and he took an eco-friendly approach to homeownership. After spending years face-to-face with mountains of refuse during his recycling efforts, he furnished his new place with "treasures" he found at the curb, "including a fridge, microwave, juicer, and a bed frame." The thing about habits — good or bad — is that they can be difficult to break, and Gordon's reverse vending machine routine hasn't gone anywhere. "With mortgage repayments coming hard and fast, I don't plan to stop collecting any time soon," Gordon said. "Now I'm paying off my dream home, one bottle at a time." Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Yahoo
Gafisa SA (GFASY) Q2 2025 Earnings Call Highlights: Strategic Growth Amid Market Challenges
Release Date: August 15, 2025 For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. Positive Points Gafisa SA (GFASY) has launched a new flagship complex, showcasing innovative design and architecture. The company is focusing on sustainability, aligning with global reporting initiatives and sustainability accounting standards. Gafisa SA (GFASY) is actively pursuing new projects, indicating a commitment to growth and expansion. The company has received design awards, highlighting its excellence in project execution and innovation. Gafisa SA (GFASY) is maintaining a consistent approach to its business strategy, which is expected to yield positive results. Negative Points There are concerns about the complexity of the market and the challenges it poses to Gafisa SA (GFASY). The company faces significant competition, which could impact its market share and profitability. Gafisa SA (GFASY) is dealing with regulatory and compliance issues that could affect its operations. There is uncertainty regarding the economic environment, which may impact the company's financial performance. The company is experiencing delays in some projects, which could affect its revenue and growth projections. Q & A Highlights Warning! GuruFocus has detected 3 Warning Signs with GFASY. Q: Can you provide an update on Gafisa's strategic initiatives and how they are impacting the company's performance? A: Sheila Hezange, CEO, explained that Gafisa is focusing on expanding its flagship projects and enhancing design quality to differentiate in the market. These initiatives are aimed at improving customer satisfaction and driving sales growth. Q: How is Gafisa addressing the challenges in the current real estate market? A: Emerson Gio, CFO, mentioned that the company is implementing cost control measures and optimizing its project portfolio to mitigate market volatility. They are also exploring new financing options to maintain liquidity. Q: What are the expectations for Gafisa's financial performance in the upcoming quarters? A: Sheila Hezange, CEO, stated that while the market remains challenging, Gafisa expects to see gradual improvement in financial performance due to strategic initiatives and operational efficiencies. Q: Can you elaborate on Gafisa's sustainability efforts and their impact on operations? A: Emerson Gio, CFO, highlighted that Gafisa is committed to sustainability through initiatives aligned with global standards. These efforts are expected to enhance the company's reputation and attract environmentally conscious investors. Q: How is Gafisa planning to leverage technology in its operations? A: Sheila Hezange, CEO, noted that the company is investing in digital tools to streamline construction processes and improve customer engagement. This technological integration is anticipated to boost efficiency and reduce costs. For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
