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.

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.

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 Corrall

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:

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 Corrall

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

Industry Council & Working Groups

Service Portfolio

Primarily aimed at fostering a deeper understanding and capabilities within  the timber construction industry, its benefits, standards, and the policies best to govern it in Vietnam.

Service Portfolio Activities

  • X3 Seminars – Sequence Content to Build  Repository of Learning Material
  • X1 Co-Event With Major Association Partner & x1 SAWA GALA Event
  • Annual Vietnamese Delegation Visit Overseas & International Delegation Visit Vietnam & Research & Industry Development Grant Partner Programs.
  • Capacity Building: Provide training and development opportunities for members and staff to enhance their skills and knowledge.
  • Bi-annual government Policy Dialogue Theme of ‘ Driving Timber Construction Standards & Practices). Industry topics, Issues, solutions, recommendations, pilots, discussed with government.
  • Advocacy: Represent the interests of members and the timber industry as a whole, advocating for favorable policies and regulations.
  • Quarterly Newsletter – Members News, Member Deals, Industry Trends, Vietnam Ecosystem Updates + Nha Dep Magazine x4 articles a Year + SAWA Website has members sign in page with Members Registry. 
  • Newsletter includes updates on =Collaboration and Networking, Foster partnerships with government agencies, other associations, and international organizations to promote the timber industry.

Commercial Services – Market Entry

These services are specifically designed for new entrants who need initial support getting started successfully in the market. For a sustainable industry, it’s crucial that all Vietnamese companies, regardless of size, have equal opportunities to work with international players – we’re simply here to help you get started the right way.

By working together, we can build a robust and sustainable industry in Vietnam that benefits everyone.

Building a new industry or entering a new market is a complex undertaking. It requires collaboration, expertise, and a commitment to long-term sustainability. International companies bring valuable experience and best practices, but face unique challenges when entering a new market like Vietnam.

That’s why we’re dedicated to supporting international entrants with a suite of essential services, offered at cost. We believe in fostering a thriving industry ecosystem, and that means minimizing barriers to entry. New entrants services are not on profit maximization, but on providing accessible support to those who share our vision for sustainable industry growth in Vietnam.

Product & Service Market Development

Market Entry & Development for International Product & Services

  • Specific Timber Sector Market Research & Analysis
  • Distribution Nationwide 
  • Major Events, Brand Building,  Promotion, Market Participation. 
  • Across the Supply Chain Sales & Market Growth Generation
  • Show Room, Demonstrations, Live builds, 
  • Logistics & Inventory Management 
  • Technical Support & After Sales Services 
  • Technology Integration 
  • Pricing & Localised Needs Models 
  • Leaders of industry and Public Private Partnerships 
  • Business Registration, Licensing, Compliance, Reporting.

Programs Connectivity

5: Policy, Programs,& Sustainability  

Public & private sector collaborative policy & standards  package. Identify approved structure types during the transitioning of evolving building codes and standards & R&D programs seeking grants for scaling up the industry and capabilities, & finance providers for transitioning manufacturers and small landholder plantations  

4: Construction 

All construction aspects, building types, & associated target outcomes to drive the demand/uptake of mass timber in the market through repeatable forms in affordable housing & hybrid construction 

1: Forestry & Wood Supply 

Forestry management to harvesting & milling, Advance timber milling & drying requirements for Mass timber supply chain harvesting & grading   

2: Architecture & Engineering 

Building codes, design, structure & fire safety, technical elements in design to standard building archetypes across the supply chain

3: Manufacturing 

Pre -manufacturing to Prefabrication, including billets, lamina,  joints, other components from design/engineering to construct integrated manufacturing to assembly

1: Forestry & Wood Supply 

Forestry management to harvesting & milling, Advance timber milling & drying requirements for Mass timber supply chain harvesting & grading   

2: Architecture & Engineering 

Building codes, design, structure & fire safety, technical elements in design to standard building archetypes across the supply chain

3: Manufacturing 

Pre -manufacturing to Prefabrication, including billets, lamina,  joints, other components from design/engineering to construct integrated manufacturing to assembly

4: Construction 

All construction aspects, building types, & associated target outcomes to drive the demand/uptake of mass timber in the market through repeatable forms in affordable housing & hybrid construction 

5: Policy, Programs,& Sustainability  

Public & private sector collaborative policy & standards  package. Identify approved structure types during the transitioning of evolving building codes and standards & R&D programs seeking grants for scaling up the industry and capabilities, & finance providers for transitioning manufacturers and small landholder plantations  

Our Programs

1

Educational Workshops and Seminars

  • Skills for Careers development planning across the ecosystem with sessions on the timber construction industry/materials and greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory practices and policies.
  • Audiences include universities, vocational training colleges, government departments, corporate executives, timber supply chain participants, and environmental activists.

2

Community Outreach and Education

  • Promoting timber construction & Informing how specific communities can participate & benefit from the industry
  • Engaging with local communities & institutions for raising awareness about the importance of timber and the sustainable construction industry. 
  • Social Dialogue

3

Policy Analysis and Advocacy

  • Examining existing and proposed international industry policies, regulations, & standards relevance for Vietnam 
  • Advocating for effective and fair local regulations that benefit all stakeholders in the timber sector.
  • Provide transparency with Laws & Regulations

4

Stakeholder Engagement

  • Fostering dialogues and collaborations among various groups, including governments, accreditation bodies, regulators, NGOs, and the private sector. 
  • Business linkages for building with stakeholders a sustainable and robust timber construction sector that benefits everyone involved.

5

Advisory Services

  • Offering and coordinating expert advice to organizations, governments, corporations, and project owners. 
  • Developing and implement effective strategies, best practices, and standardised processes  for the timber construction industry, ensuring that projects are both sustainable and successful.
  • Technology adoption for higher productivity, low environmental impacts, & less waste

6

R&D Programs

  • Evaluate the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the Vietnam timber construction market and carbon value chains. 
  • Jointly construct & circulate research and learnings in the Vietnam industry
  • Access international grants, funding, and R&D partners for developing the technical documentation hub, industry guidebooks & training manuals, resources & information, and run pilot projects to test productivity, standards, and the local conditions.

7

Market Product Development & SAWA EcoSystem Awards

  • 16 Major Awards across the timber construction ecosystem in conjunction with industry Institutes, Associations, and our Major Sponsors. 

SAWA Ecosystem Awards

  1. Student design award (engineer excellence).
  2. Student design award (architectural excellence).
  3. Innovative timber manufacturing & technology award.
  4. Innovation timber engineering award
  5. Hybrid building award
  6. Sustainable development award.
  7. Vietnam specialty timber award
  8. Exterior structure design award
  9. Interior design award
  10. Mid-rise building design award
  11. Commercial & public building design award
  12. Residential design award for multi-unit residential buildings (up to 3 levels)
  13. Residential design award for single family dwelling
  14. People’s choice award
  15. Supreme winner
  16. New product in Vietnam of the year award 

International Sponsorship & Partnership Pillars

Public – Private Collaboration

Develop and Advance Policy Packages

  • Public & Private coordination to develop & advance policy & industry development program priorities  
  • Dialogue and planning with government 
  • Green Building strategies, policies, & embodied carbon measurements/mechanisms  
  • Building & fire code regulations for market penetration and growth 
  • Green government tax incentives to encourage private sector to procure green materials
  • Forestry to manufacturing innovation strategy .

Standardization

Building Archetypes, wood specifications

  • Standard Product Suite/Categories  
  • Prioritise standard products for main demand/growth segments vs current building regulations 
  • Supply chain connector/ integration opportunities 
  • Affordable & practical systems for building archetypes
  • Building  elements/types to lower cost curve of prefabricated for mass market uptake 
  • Pilot Projects

Skills & Careers

Higher Education & Vocational Training

  • Skills needs and targeted advanced training programs 
  • Post graduate education for architects, engineers, finance sectors  
  • Training program for mass timber manufacturing workers 
  • Education & Innovations Hubs 
  • Capstone projects 

News

SAWA and the Vietnam Institute for Building Materials (Ministry of Construction) Join Hands to Advance the Standardisation and Application of Structural Wood in Vietnam

Within the framework of the FOREST Talk & Link programme held in Ho Chi Minh City on January 29, 2026, the Association of

31
Jan
When ‘Green’ Buildings Aren’t Truly Green

Sustainable development is no longer a choice — it is the only path forward Sustainable development is no longer a choice, but the

22
Jan
Cafe Net Zero: Turning Sustainability into Everyday Practice

The Cafe Net Zero session held yesterday (18 January 2026), organised by Net Zero VN with SAWA as the supporting partner, focused on

19
Jan
Why Businesses are Turning to Mass Timber For Office and Data Center Construction

Companies like Crow Holdings, Toyota, Microsoft, and Walmart are embracing the natural material for productivity gains, sustainability, and the bottom line. It’s the stuff

16
Jan
FOREST Talk & Link: WOOD CONSUMPTION, CLIMATE CHANGE, AND DEFORESTATION-FREE REQUIREMENTS

FOREST TALK & LINK is a dialogue program jointly organized by Hội Gỗ Xây Dựng TP. Hồ Chí Minh (SAWA) and Forest Trends,

10
Jan
KOYOBOND Commits to Accompany SAWA in the Upcoming SAWA GO TO JAPAN Tour

This afternoon (31 December), Mr. Hiroyuki Nakayama, Director of KOYO SANGYO VIET NAM, Mr. Ráng Đặng Sale, Manager with Head of Technical Department,

31
Dec
SAWA and VIBM Collaborate on Wood Construction Standards amid Green Transition

On December 29, during a working trip to Hanoi, Mr. Vo Quang Ha visited and held a working session with the Vietnam Institute

30
Dec
SAWA & TAVICO WELCOME SEQUAL – CONNECTING THE “GIVE MORE” VALUES AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Today (30 December 2025), the Ho Chi Minh City Structural Wood Association (SAWA) welcomed Ms. Jenny Loh Jenny Loh, Head of People &

30
Dec