During the “ESG in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (AI)” panel discussion at the Horasis India Meeting 2025, held in Singapore from 15–16 December 2025, Mr. Nguyen Quang Huan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Halcom Vietnam, shared insightful perspectives on the increasingly important role of AI in advancing sustainable development. He also emphasized the need to approach this transformative technology with caution, a comprehensive mindset, and a strong sense of responsibility.
According to Mr. Huan, AI brings significant and far-reaching benefits to the economy, society, and governance. However, he cautioned that focusing solely on its positive aspects could cause people to overlook its potential risks. “AI can help consumers save energy, but AI itself also consumes an enormous amount of electricity. If we fail to fully consider its negative impacts, this technology could one day cause harm to communities and humanity,” Mr. Huan emphasized.
Mr. Nguyen Quang Huan (second from the right) speaks on ESG and AI at the Horasis India Meeting 2025
One example Mr. Huan highlighted was the rapid advancement of telemedicine. AI is making healthcare services more accessible and convenient, particularly for people living in remote and underserved areas. However, he warned against the growing tendency for users to place complete trust in AI-powered tools, such as chatbots and automated advisory systems, instead of consulting medical professionals directly. “If we immediately accept AI’s recommendations without verification, it could lead to serious risks,” he said.
Alongside these challenges, Mr. Nguyen Quang Huan also pointed to AI’s significant positive contributions to ESG, particularly in agriculture, urban management, and environmental protection. In Vietnam, as well as in India, AI is helping farmers adopt drone technology for crop monitoring and management, reducing the use of chemicals, conserving water, and improving agricultural productivity. AI is also being used to forecast climate change, support governments in environmental protection efforts, and help businesses assess the environmental and social impacts of their production and business activities. In urban areas, Mr. Huan cited Hanoi’s deployment of AI-powered traffic camera systems as an example of how artificial intelligence can enhance public compliance with traffic regulations and improve urban governance.
“AI is becoming an integral part of daily life in both urban and rural areas, and most people have embraced it—many are even pleased with the convenience and benefits it brings,” he noted.
However, precisely because AI is having such a profound impact on society, Mr. Huan emphasized that the role of governments and regulatory frameworks is more important than ever. He noted that Vietnam has begun introducing AI-related regulations, with the National Assembly recently approving legislation aimed at managing AI-related risks and safeguarding the public. According to Mr. Huan, the purpose of these legal frameworks is not to hinder the development of AI, but to ensure that the technology serves humanity and does not cause harm to society.
Mr. Huan also highlighted concerns surrounding AI ethics, safety, and misuse, including the growing risks of financial fraud, deepfakes, and sophisticated cyber scams. He noted that many people—particularly those in rural areas—still lack the knowledge and digital literacy needed to protect themselves from these emerging threats. “We cannot focus solely on the benefits of AI. We must also take proactive measures to protect communities from its potential negative impacts,” he emphasized.
Mr. Nguyen Quang Huan (center) joins fellow panelists during the discussion on ESG and AI
The Horasis India Meeting 2025, held in Singapore on 15–16 December 2025, brought together more than 250 CEOs, business leaders from India and around the world, as well as representatives from governments and international organizations. Co-organized by Horasis, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), and the Global Schools Group, the event focused on strategic topics including sustainable growth, innovation, technology—particularly artificial intelligence (AI), ESG, and bilateral and multilateral economic cooperation. The meeting provided a high-level platform for sharing perspectives, discussing policy, and fostering business partnerships.