On September 10, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City (USSH-VNUHCM) teamed up with Dear Our Community (DOC) to host a dynamic talk show themed “THE BIG PICTURE - WHY SUSTAINABILITY”. Serving as a cornerstone of the Campus Sustainability Hub project, the event underscores the strategic partnership between the two institutions to bring the university's Sustainable University Program to life.
The gathering featured prominent industry voices, including Mr. Tran Nam, MA, Head of the Office of Student Affairs at USSH-VNUHCM. Joining him on the panel were key project founders and corporate partners: Ms. Vo Ngoc Tuyen, Founder and CEO of Dear Our Community; Ms. Giang Nguyen, Head of Sustainability at Biti’s; Ms. Emily Nguyen, Head of Sustainability at De Heus; and Ms. Mai Thi Nguyet Anh, Impact and ESG Services Manager at KPMG.
The discussion centered on building a pragmatic sustainability community fueled by real-world corporate narratives. It aimed to offer the second generation of Campus Sustainability Hub students multifaceted perspectives on sustainable development, empowering them to translate inspiration into tangible on-campus action.
Tackling the core question, "Why should we care about sustainability?", the speakers unpacked the three pillars of ESG (Environment, Social, Governance). Kicking off the "Environment" discussion, Ms. Emily Nguyen emphasized that sustainability often starts with subtle shifts in resource management. She illustrated this by citing how upcycling discarded byproducts—like eggshells and seashells—into valuable production materials demonstrates the profound, long-term impact of a simple mindset shift.
On the "Social" front, Ms. Giang Nguyen argued that sustainability transcends specific professions; it is a fundamental choice in how one lives and works. When human connections and positive values are prioritized, this sustainable ethos naturally ripples from individuals to the broader community.
Highlighting the "Governance" aspect, Ms. Nguyet Anh revealed how this pillar manifests in daily operational choices. Drawing from her experience at KPMG—a workplace traditionally reliant on heavy paper usage—she noted that a seemingly minor adjustment like transitioning to digital PDFs reflects a deeply embedded sustainable governance mindset. She reminded students that governance is not just about grand strategies, but about integrating responsible choices into routine business activities.
Adding an academic perspective, Mr. Tran Nam, MA, reaffirmed the university's commitment to its Sustainable University Program. He noted that practical, everyday actions—such as replacing single-use plastic cups with glassware in all faculty meetings, planting trees, and launching community service initiatives—serve as vital building blocks in USSH-VNUHCM’s sustainable strategy.
Concluding the session, Ms. Vo Ngoc Tuyen stressed that understanding the "why" of sustainability must be paired with concrete action. Through the Campus Sustainability Hub's upcoming e-learning modules, interactive workshops, and practical mini-projects, students will step beyond theoretical concepts to forge meaningful connections and generate real, measurable impacts within their communities.
