In mid-May, the Vietnam Business Council for Sustainable Development (VBCSD) hosted the Vietnam Corporate Sustainability Forum (VCSF) with more than 300 officials, specialists and business executives attending. Attention-grabbing topics of discussions included roles of businesses in leveraging sustainable development in Vietnam, new sustainable business trends; sustainable business practices, solutions and models were tabled. VCSF 2015 was a medium for businesses to propose recommendations to the Government measures for more sustainable development support. On this occasion, Vietnam Business Forum has an interview with Dr Nguyen Xuan Hoang, Director of ACH Building Consultants Joint Stock Company. Ngo Khuyen reports.
Structural Centre, the forerunner of ACH Building Consultants Joint Stock Company, celebrated its 15th anniversary in 2015. Could you please introduce the 15-year development history of the company?
In the past 15 years, we have adhered to our mission of providing optimised construction solutions for investors, thus helping them minimise materials and construction costs. This is an arduous and challenging process but we always believe that this is a right way to go. With the constant effort and high determination, we have gradually obtained obvious results. In 2010, we were granted a patent for waffle slab technology. In 2011, we were awarded the VIFOTEC Scientific and Technological Innovation Award. In 2012, we were certified a scientific and technological company. Above all, we are very happy to have the trust and confidence of our customers and partners.
As one of more than 200 scientific and technological enterprises in the country and one of first seven scientific and technological enterprises in Hanoi, how do you assess scientific and technological enterprises? How are State policies on this type of business?
Scientific and technological enterprises have a small part in the economy. Their development orientations are right but they need more finance, high-quality personnel, transparent and effective legal system to have strong development. Currently, some do not have enough conditions to advance well. Although Vietnam has preference policies for science and technology enterprises, the difficulty in applying these policies sometimes brings them down.
Waffle slab - a light-weight floor technology that helps reduce expenses and time required for construction - was patented by the Ministry of Planning and Investment. This technology is highly appreciated by customers and partners. Would you mind telling about this patent?
The waffle slab patent is the result of a long research process based on the study, selection and analysis of over 300 construction technologies. This patent helps us build faster, reduce concrete, steel and labour costs, and improve construction quality.
Sustainable development is increasingly a concern for both society and businesses. ACH regards it as a philosophy in all operational processes. How has your company realised this philosophy?
We integrate sustainable development philosophy into our thoughts, words and actions. Specifically, we have constantly improved professional skills, and researched and applied new solutions to boost efficiency for customers. With the customer-centred operating principle, we always improve our services to serve more customers, including investors, construction companies, architectural firms and people with housing needs. Research and development (R&D) investment is one of our focuses to create core business values. We focus on sustainable, resource-saving, environment-friendly and green architectural construction solutions.
VCSF 2015, the second annual event held in mid-May 2015, is an opportunity for companies to raise their opinions to the Government and social organisations for sustainable development in Vietnam in general and at companies in particular. Do you have any contributions to share on this occasion?
The Government and organisations should create and maintain an effective sustainability-oriented business community. We are ready and willing to share our knowledge and experience in R&D. We stand ready to share our building knowledge with the poor in rural areas and low-income people in urban areas to create sustainable habitat.
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