Our Value to Vietnam

We respond to

1

In 2012, the United Nations highlighted that increasing the production and use of wood products in construction is essential for a sustainable future. This means that architects, engineers, planners, developers, and builders all play a crucial role in making this happen. They are responsible for creating buildings that are not only functional but also environmentally friendly (UN, 2019; Forests and Wood Products Australia, 2022).

2

Vietnam has committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050, which means it needs a sustainable timber ecosystem to help remove carbon dioxide from buildings and construction. With a strong timber sector, Vietnam is well-positioned to contribute to this goal and support global efforts to combat climate change. (COP26, 2022)

3

Vietnam’s timber industry is robust, with 4,500 processing plants and 1,000 forestry-based enterprises, employing around 500,000 people. The government has also set ambitious by 2030 timber industry growth targets, aiming for USD $20 billion in international exports of wood products and USD $6 billion in domestic consumption for construction projects. This strategic focus on wood and wood-related products is seen as vital for the nation’s economic growth and environmental sustainability (Vietnam Government Economic Decree – Decision 327/QD-TTg 10/3/2022). 

1

In 2012, the United Nations highlighted that increasing the production and use of wood products in construction is essential for a sustainable future. This means that architects, engineers, planners, developers, and builders all play a crucial role in making this happen. They are responsible for creating buildings that are not only functional but also environmentally friendly (UN, 2019; Forests and Wood Products Australia, 2022) (…)

2

Vietnam has committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050, which means it needs a sustainable timber ecosystem to help remove carbon dioxide from buildings and construction. With a strong timber sector, Vietnam is well-positioned to contribute to this goal and support global efforts to Combat climate change (Cop26, 2022) (…)

3

Vietnam’s timber industry is robust, with 4,500 processing plants and 1,000 forestry-based enterprises, employing around 500,000 people. The government has also set ambitious by 2030 timber industry growth targets, aiming for USD $20 billion in international exports of wood products and USD $6 billion in domestic consumption for construction projects. This strategic focus on wood and wood-related products is seen as vital for the nation’s economic growth and environmental sustainability (Vietnam Government Economic Decree – Decision 327/QD-TTg 10/3/2022) (…) 

Our Role

Our Role in Timber Construction

We play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between complex timber construction standards, policies, and best practices. Our aim is to develop the industry for individuals, businesses, industry bodies, and policymakers in Vietnam.

Collaborative Efforts for Sustainability

Through broad and collaborative services with our sponsors, members, and international partners, we strive to create a more informed and engaged community focused on sustainability and climate action across the construction industry supply chain.

Mission & Vision

Mission Statement

To build a sustainable and prosperous timber construction ecosystem in Vietnam through **innovation**, **collaboration**, and the cultivation of a **skilled workforce**.

Vision Statement

A Vietnam where the timber construction industry is a major contributor to the nation’s **economic growth** and **environmental well-being**.

RoadMap Pillars to 2030

1

To protect and grow the timber industry in Vietnam, it’s essential to establish international partnerships. This involves gaining a shared understanding of carbon concepts used in the building sector, engaging in frameworks that create opportunities for forestry and wood products, advocating for policies that meet international industry standards, and exploring financial incentives for participants in the supply chain.

2

Upskilling both the timber sector and building design professionals is crucial. This means educating stakeholders about the frameworks that influence the market for forest and wood products, especially in construction. Providing design professionals with the knowledge and tools to assess wood products within Green Building frameworks for zero-carbon buildings will enhance their understanding and participation in sustainable practices.

3

Smart design practices that utilize wood products in structural systems can significantly reduce fossil fuel use and lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to alternatives like cement, steel, and aluminum. By implementing comprehensive carbon life cycle storage planning—from forestry to processing, digital fabrication, modular construction, recycling, and managing landfill and energy use—we can maximize available carbon-reduction opportunities.

BOD Biographies

Mr Vo Quang Ha

Wood Building Material Ecosystem 

“Championing the sustainable development of Vietnam’s wood industry ecosystem  through optimization and innovation to benefit all stakeholders equitably”

Mr Vo Quang Ha is the Chairman of Tavico Group. For over 30 years Mr Ha has been a pioneer in developing the timber ecosystem in Vietnam to form an internationally accredited vertical supply chain from forestry, logs, timber processing & lumper to modular housing & assembly components. Mr Ha commitment to sustainability is highlighted through  his leadership in building a FSC accredited small landowner plantation ecosystem with finance and social development programs for the rural communities within an innovative localised forestry industry model to be replicated across Vietnam. 

Mr Neil Dodunski

Vice Chairman  – Timber Systems 

“Leading the construction industry’s transition to a sustainable carbon-neutral green future through united action and leading timber industry expertise.”

Mr Neil  Dodunski is a Cofounder of NewHouse, Vietnam and an industry expert advising government departments and corporations across Asia and Europe. Neil has designed and delivered a large range of projects in New Zealand and Vietnam under the New Zealand (NZ) Building Standards version NZ3604 – Timber Framed Buildings In the early 2000’s, Neil was deployed as an industry expert by the NZQA to design the original training tools standards for New Zealand, including the first – version 1 NZ National Unit Standards (NZQA) in timber processing/remanufacturing for GOVT NZQA, FITEC ITO (now Competenz). Neil was the first General Manager of Xlam and in charge of  setting up and manage the first CLT plant in the Southern Hemisphere. Neil was one of the key engineered timber pioneers with CLT, GLT, LVL, and structural wood in New Zealand that flowed into developing the industry in Australia.

Mr Nguyen Manh Binh San

Vice Chairman – Architecture  

“Cultivating a legacy of architectural excellence by pioneering innovative timber construction techniques and promoting the unique beauty and sustainability of wood as a primary building material”

Mr Nguyen Manh Binh San pioneered the  Landscape Architecture Creative Art Institute and is a cofounder of NewHouse Building Solutions. In his decorated career, Mr San  has participated in over 100 architecture & landscape projects, including the design and building of Vietnam’s signature timber resorts, timber eco tourist areas,  a timber commercial complex with international and Vietnamese design, architect, engineer, and manufacturing companies situated in to create a wood material  innovation hub of excellence. 

Mr Phuong Nguyen

Vice Chairman – Production 

“Innovating and implementing sustainable wood-framed structures to reduce our carbon footprint, foster a greener planet, and ensure eco-conscious building practices for future generations:

Mr Phuong Nguyen is a seasoned leader in the Vietnam timber industry, co-founding Minh Thanh Fine Furniture and later establishing Vitana, a leading millwork producer exporting globally. At Vitana, he spearheaded product development and is driving the company’s transition into developing advanced wood products like CLT, Glulam, & panel manufacturing. Phuong is highly respected for his expertise in lean manufacturing, QA principles & standards, and meeting advanced protocols with international market demands. Phuong also serves as Vice Chairman of Dong Nai Wood & Handicraft Association (Dowa) and is one of the first Vietnam timber sector leaders to be invited to international trade fairs and sector specific discussions where his cross cultural understandings and capabilities support all nationalities to come together and be successful.

Mr Adam Corall

Vice Chairman – Global Partnerships

 “”Driving Vietnam’s timber value chain to economic prosperity by attracting global expertise with our unwavering commitment to become the sustainability benchmark for developing economies.”

Mr Adam Corrall is the Cofounder of Australasian Premium Partners, CEO of Fusion Timber systems, and advisors a number of international boards in Vietnam. Adam has extensive cross industry expertise in Vietnam for over 20 years. From 2006-2012 he codesigned and lead divisions of international universities market entry and growth strategies in Vietnam. From 2012, Adam has pioneered new trade routes, supply chains, and investment frameworks with Vietnam and international markets, led multinational corporate strategy and implementation in Vietnam across multi-sector market entry and growth projects, formed cross-border public-private partnerships and alliances, delivered M&A for vertically integrating international value chains with Vietnam, and drives transnational capability development in all projects he leads.   

Mr Tran Hoai Son

Vice Chairman –  Advanced Machinery

“Empowering the wood construction industry with cutting-edge technology for sustainable innovation and elevating industry standards”

Mr Hoai Son leads Vietnam’s advanced manufacturing equipment and installation systems for Weinig, the world-renowned German timber processing company. Mr Son has over 20 years of experience and extensive product training in Germany, Australia, and Singapore, Mr. Son has successfully consulted on and supplied equipment for more than 30 projects across various sectors, including:

  • Complete laminating finger joint lines
  • Rough mill material preparation systems with advanced scanner technology
  • Profile moulding solutions for furniture parts and housing components
  • Machinery for fully integrated furniture factories, including production of U.S. bedroom furniture
  • And other specialized timber processing systems

Mr Vo Quang Ha

Wood Building Material Ecosystem 

“Championing the sustainable development of Vietnam’s wood industry ecosystem  through optimization and innovation to benefit all stakeholders equitably”

Mr Vo Quang Ha is the Chairman of Tavico Group. For over 30 years Mr Ha has been a pioneer in developing the timber ecosystem in Vietnam to form an internationally accredited vertical supply chain from forestry, logs, timber processing & lumper to modular housing & assembly components. Mr Ha commitment to sustainability is highlighted through  his leadership in building a FSC accredited small landowner plantation ecosystem with finance and social development programs for the rural communities within an innovative localised forestry industry model to be replicated across Vietnam. 

Mr Neil Dodunski

Vice Chairman  – Timber Systems 

“Leading the construction industry’s transition to a sustainable carbon-neutral green future through united action and leading timber industry expertise.”

Mr Neil  Dodunski is a Cofounder of NewHouse, Vietnam and an industry expert advising government departments and corporations across Asia and Europe. Neil has designed and delivered a large range of projects in New Zealand and Vietnam under the New Zealand (NZ) Building Standards version NZ3604 – Timber Framed Buildings In the early 2000’s, Neil was deployed as an industry expert by the NZQA to design the original training tools standards for New Zealand, including the first – version 1 NZ National Unit Standards (NZQA) in timber processing/remanufacturing for GOVT NZQA, FITEC ITO (now Competenz). Neil was the first General Manager of Xlam and in charge of  setting up and manage the first CLT plant in the Southern Hemisphere. Neil was one of the key engineered timber pioneers with CLT, GLT, LVL, and structural wood in New Zealand that flowed into developing the industry in Australia.

Mr Nguyen Manh Binh San

Vice Chairman – Architecture  

“Cultivating a legacy of architectural excellence by pioneering innovative timber construction techniques and promoting the unique beauty and sustainability of wood as a primary building material”

Mr Nguyen Manh Binh San pioneered the  Landscape Architecture Creative Art Institute and is a cofounder of NewHouse Building Solutions. In his decorated career, Mr San  has participated in over 100 architecture & landscape projects, including the design and building of Vietnam’s signature timber resorts, timber eco tourist areas,  a timber commercial complex with international and Vietnamese design, architect, engineer, and manufacturing companies situated in to create a wood material  innovation hub of excellence. 

Mr Phuong Nguyen

Vice Chairman – Production 

“Innovating and implementing sustainable wood-framed structures to reduce our carbon footprint, foster a greener planet, and ensure eco-conscious building practices for future generations:

Phuong Nguyen is a seasoned leader in the Vietnam timber industry, co-founding Minh Thanh Fine Furniture and later establishing Vitana, a leading millwork producer exporting globally. At Vitana, he spearheaded product development and is driving the company’s transition into developing advanced wood products like CLT, Glulam, & panel manufacturing. Phuong is highly respected for his expertise in lean manufacturing, QA principles & standards, and meeting advanced protocols with international market demands. Phuong also serves as Vice Chairman of Dong Nai Wood & Handicraft Association (Dowa) and is one of the first Vietnam timber sector leaders to be invited to international trade fairs and sector specific discussions where his cross cultural understandings and capabilities support all nationalities to come together and be successful.

Mr Adam Corall

Vice Chairman – Global Partnerships

 “”Driving Vietnam’s timber value chain to economic prosperity by attracting global expertise with our unwavering commitment to become the sustainability benchmark for developing economies.”

Adam Corrall is the Cofounder of Australasian Premium Partners, CEO of Fusion Timber systems, and advisors a number of international boards in Vietnam. Adam has extensive cross industry expertise in Vietnam for over 20 years. From 2006-2012 he codesigned and lead divisions of international universities market entry and growth strategies in Vietnam. From 2012, Adam has pioneered new trade routes, supply chains, and investment frameworks with Vietnam and international markets, led multinational corporate strategy and implementation in Vietnam across multi-sector market entry and growth projects, formed cross-border public-private partnerships and alliances, delivered M&A for vertically integrating international value chains with Vietnam, and drives transnational capability development in all projects he leads.   

Mr Tran Hoai Son

Vice Chairman –  Advanced Machinery

“Empowering the wood construction industry with cutting-edge technology for sustainable innovation and elevating industry standards”

Mr. Hoai Son leads Vietnam’s advanced manufacturing equipment and installation systems for Weinig, the world-renowned German timber processing company. Mr Son has over 20 years of experience and extensive product training in Germany, Australia, and Singapore, Mr. Son has successfully consulted on and supplied equipment for more than 30 projects across various sectors, including:

  • Complete laminating finger joint lines
  • Rough mill material preparation systems with advanced scanner technology
  • Profile moulding solutions for furniture parts and housing components
  • Machinery for fully integrated furniture factories, including production of U.S. bedroom furniture
  • And other specialized timber processing systems

Leadership & Participation

The Board of Directors (BOD) are industry leaders in their respective disciplines and bring a wide range of public and private sector experience across the global and Vietnam value chains to ensure the scope of activities from the BOD and active sponsors and members in the industry councils and working groups maximize market development outcomes with C02 emissions prevention and reduction, end of product life impact scenarios, SMART building principles, advanced manufacturing, and international standards and regulations.