HR Asia’s Best Companies to Work for in Asia 2026

On July 9, the company was named one of HR Asia’s Best Companies to Work for in Asia 2026 for the fourth consecutive year (2023–2026), while also receiving the HR Asia Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Awards 2026.

On July 8, Carlsberg Vietnam was recognised among Vietnam’s Top 10 Outstanding Green Energy and Environmental Enterprises 2026 by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), recognising its continued progress in responsible business development.

Top 10 Outstanding Green Energy and Environmental Enterprises by VCCI

Commenting on the dual recognitions, Andrew Khan, managing director of Carlsberg Vietnam, said, “Receiving these two recognitions in the same period of time is a proud moment for Carlsberg Vietnam because together they reflect what matters most to us. One recognises the culture we’ve built for our people, while the other acknowledges our long-term commitment to sustainable growth. Although they celebrate different achievements, they are driven by the same belief: lasting business success comes from investing in people, caring for the environment and creating value responsibly. That’s the future we’re committed to building every day.”

A fourth consecutive HR Asia recognition, with special recognition for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Four consecutive HR Asia recognitions are more than a milestone for Carlsberg Vietnam, especially with this year’s additional recognition of the HR Asia Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Awards 2026. They reflect years of building a workplace where inclusion is part of how people work, grow and lead, not simply an initiative, but a culture that shapes everyday decisions.

HR Asia Awards 2026

This year’s recognition comes at an important time as Carlsberg Group introduced its new Global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) Policy, reaffirming that DE&I is a core part of the Group’s purpose, Growth Culture and long-term business strategy. Guided by the principles “Diversity Is Us. Equity Strengthens Us. Inclusion Empowers Us.,” the policy reflects the belief that diverse perspectives lead to stronger collaboration, better decisions and better business.

At Carlsberg Vietnam, these principles shape how people are recruited, developed, supported and given opportunities to grow. Over the past year, the company has continued strengthening its inclusive culture through initiatives such as Pride Month’s ‘Come As You Are’, its annual DE&I campaign celebrating individuality and belonging, and SHELeads, a women leadership community designed to build confidence, capability and connection among future female leaders.

Reinforcing this commitment, Carlsberg Vietnam also became a signatory to the Women’s Empowerment Principles, established by UN Women and the UN Global Compact, while continuing to advance Carlsberg Group’s ambition of achieving 42 per cent women in senior leadership by 2032.

The impact of these efforts is also reflected in employee experience. In the latest group employee engagement survey, Carlsberg Vietnam achieved an Inclusion Index score of 86 and has consistently performed at the Top 10 per cent global benchmark for Inclusion Index, as measured by Glint, for three consecutive years. The result demonstrates the company’s strong progress towards Carlsberg Group’s ambition of being among the top 10 per cent benchmark for employee inclusion experience by 2032.

“Receiving these recognitions is especially meaningful because they reflect the culture we continue to build every day,” said Dang Tran Ngoc Ngan, senior director of People & Culture at Carlsberg Vietnam.

“We believe our greatest strength comes from our people. A diverse workforce helps us better understand the consumers and communities we serve. Different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives help us challenge our thinking and make better decisions. When people with different backgrounds and perspectives feel respected, included, and empowered to contribute, they bring broader thinking, stronger ideas, and better decisions. Those differences make us stronger as teams and ultimately help us build a more sustainable business. This belief continues to shape how we develop our people, our leaders and our future.”

Recognised among Vietnam’s Top 10 Green Energy and Environmental Enterprises

Carlsberg Vietnam has also been recognised among Vietnam’s Top 10 Outstanding Green Energy and Environmental Enterprises 2026, presented at the World Energy and Environment Forum – Vietnam 2026 organised by VCCI. The award recognises the company’s long-term commitment to sustainable operations and responsible business growth.

Guided by Brewing Tomorrow, Carlsberg Group’s ESG programme, Carlsberg Vietnam continues investing in technologies and initiatives that reduce environmental impact while creating long-term value. At Phu Bai Brewery, the largest Carlsberg brewery in Asia, next-generation brewing technology helps reduce water consumption by around 20 per cent and energy consumption by 15 per cent compared with previous technology.

The brewery also captures and reuses all CO2 generated during fermentation, has achieved zero waste to landfill, and continues advancing renewable energy through its upcoming rooftop solar project as part of the group’s ambition to achieve net-zero across the value chain by 2040.

Beyond its operations, Carlsberg Vietnam continues creating positive impact through initiatives such as Fresh Water for Beloved Central, responsible drinking partnerships and community environmental programmes that encourage sustainable choices.

The VCCI recognition is the latest milestone in Carlsberg Vietnam’s sustainability journey. It builds on a growing track record of external recognitions, including being named among Vietnam’s Top 100 Sustainable Businesses 2025 by VBCSD–VCCI, receiving the 2025 EuroCham Community Impact Award, and earning recognition from the Ministry of Industry and Trade at the 35th Anniversary Celebration of the Vietnam Beer – Alcohol – Beverage Association for the company’s contributions to sustainable industrial development.

These recognitions show Carlsberg Vietnam’s long-term commitment to creating lasting value through its people and responsible business practices. Guided by its Growth Culture and Brewing Tomorrow, the company continues to grow responsibly by brewing great beer and creating a workplace where everyone belongs and a business that contributes to a better today and tomorrow.

Carlsberg Vietnam awarded both domestic and international honours Carlsberg Vietnam has received recognition from both local authorities and international quality institutions, underscoring its continuation of a development journey built steadily over more than three decades in Vietnam.

How Carlsberg Vietnam is building high-performing teams through trust and empowerment At the Work the Nordic Way 2026 conference hosted by NordCham Vietnam, leaders from Carlsberg Vietnam shared how trust, empowerment, and people-first leadership are helping shape stronger teams, faster execution, and a more resilient growth culture.

Carlsberg Vietnam joins Danang cycling event to mark 55 years of Denmark ties Carlsberg Vietnam has taken part in a green cycling event in Danang to mark 55 years of diplomatic relations with Denmark and reinforce its sustainability pledge.

Photo: tinnhanhchungkhoan.vn

Announced on July 1, the initial public offering (IPO) will see Dien May Xanh (DMX) shares begin trading on the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange in August.

On June 30, the company’s Board of Directors issued Resolution No.14/NQ/HĐQT/ĐMX-2026, approving the results of the IPO. A total of 166,438,500 shares were successfully allocated (equivalent to 93 per cent of the offered volume and representing 13.1 per cent of the company’s voting shares after the offering) to 2,646 investors.

In finalising the allocation, the Board of Directors approved the further allocation of part of the 13,386,900 shares that remained unsold. Accordingly, Robert Alan Willett, a member of the Board of Directors, subscribed for 325,000 shares at VND80,000 ($3.08) per share, for a total value of VND26 billion ($1 million); these shares are subject to a one-year transfer restriction from the close of the offering in accordance with regulations. The remaining 13,061,900 unsold shares were cancelled and not counted towards the company’s charter capital.

At the IPO price of VND80,000 per share, the actual proceeds from the transaction reached more than VND13.32 trillion (over $500 million). The completion of the IPO will raise DMX’s charter capital from VND11.01 trillion ($423.46 million) to VND12.68 trillion ($487.69 million), corresponding to 1,267,722,000 shares outstanding – a scale that secures DMX’s position as the CE/ICT retailer with the largest charter capital in the market.

The offering results further confirm DMX as one of the most closely watched transactions on the stock market, drawing the participation of nearly 30 institutional investors representing close to 60 domestic and foreign investment funds, alongside nearly 2,600 individual investors. These financial institutions absorbed up to 90 per cent of the total registered volume; of which foreign institutional capital played the leading role at 73 per cent, with domestic institutions accounting for 17 per cent.

With 90 per cent of the volume held by institutional investors and long-term funds, DMX’s shareholder base is regarded as high in quality. This reflects institutional investors’ long-term confidence in the business and helps mitigate short-term profit-taking pressure once the shares begin trading. Following the IPO, Mobile World Investment Corporation holds nearly 86 per cent of DMX’s charter capital.

This is a notable outcome, as the transaction – exceeding half a billion US dollars in size – was executed during a period of heightened market volatility, marked by intensifying net selling by foreign investors. Despite this backdrop, major international capital still chose to invest in DMX.

The foundation for the successful IPO is Dien May Xanh’s steady business growth. In the first five months of 2026, consolidated net revenue reached more than $2 billion, up 33 per cent on-year and completing 45 per cent of the full-year plan after only 5 of 12 months.

This growth was driven entirely by deeper market penetration, with same-store sales growth maintained at 33 per cent while no new stores were opened in Vietnam during the period. In Indonesia, the Erablue chain reached 245 stores, with revenue up 93 per cent on-year.

On the back of this momentum, DMX is on track to exceed its 2026 plan, with revenue and net profit after tax projected to grow 30 per cent and 50 per cent on-year, respectively. This provides the foundation for DMX to deliver on its commitment to pay a cash dividend of VND4,000 (15.4 US cents) per share immediately after listing, equivalent to a 5 per cent dividend yield on the IPO price.

Indonesia-Vietnam retail chain EraBlue targets $790 million by 2030 EraBlue, an Indonesian consumer electronics retail chain joint venture between Vietnam’s Dien May Xanh and Indonesia’s PT Erajaya Swasembada, is targeting annual revenue of $790 million by 2030.

Dien May Xanh posts over $40,000 profit per hour in Q1 Dien May Xanh, Vietnam’s leading consumer electronics and home appliance retailer, recorded average profits of more than $40,000 per hour in the first quarter, as it accelerates ecosystem expansion ahead of a planned IPO this year.

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More than a commemoration of history, the occasion is an opportunity to reflect on a legacy of reinvention, honour the people who have shaped that journey, and look to the future of communication – marketing transformation in Vietnam.

Publicis Groupe Vietnam’s leadership team on stage, expressing their gratitude to the talents, clients and partners who have accompanied the company on its journey in Vietnam

From its origins as a small creative hot shop in Montmartre, Paris in 1926, Publicis Groupe has transformed into the industry’s leading holding company employing more than 114,000 professionals across 100 markets with globally recognised capabilities under an integrated model.

What began as a pioneering office in Vietnam with just 15 people in 1996 has evolved into the country’s market-leading group, now home to 10 agency brands with 700 people.

Publicis Groupe was the first international communications group to establish an official legal presence in Vietnam through the Saatchi & Saatchi and Leo Burnett representative offices, before they united under the goup umbrella.

Building on this early foundation and driven by tireless efforts, Publicis Groupe Vietnam has gone on to make its mark in some of the most prestigious international creative arenas, including the market’s first Cannes Lions Award in 2007, and in recent years, Clio Awards, New York Festivals Advertising Awards, Spikes Asia, AdFest, Effie APAC Awards and MMA Smarties, reflecting the strength of both creative excellence and marketing effectiveness.

Locally and regionally, Publicis Groupe Vietnam has also built a consistent track record as Campaign Asia’s Agency of the Year, with recognitions across Creative, Media, Digital Innovation and PR, underscoring the breadth of its integrated capabilities. Each accolade stands as a powerful testament to the integrated strength of the Power of One model and a bold statement of Vietnamese creative talent on the global stage.

Over the past three decades, as Vietnam has emerged as one of Asia’s most dynamic markets, Publicis Groupe Vietnam has grown alongside the country’s transformation, continuously expanding its capabilities, investing in talent and supporting clients across an increasingly connected and competitive landscape.

Speaking at the celebration, Hoang Thi Mai Huong, chairwoman of Publicis Groupe Vietnam, said, “At the heart of our 30 years of success in Vietnam are two essential elements: our incredible people – while technology can work wonders, it’s their passion and creativity that bring our work to life with a soul, and our deep love and respect for Vietnamese culture, which not only helps creates our most effective campaigns, but also fills our hearts with joy.”

Kate Bayona-Garcia, CEO of Publicis Groupe Vietnam, added, “We are celebrating the people who made Publicis Groupe Vietnam what it is today – our visionary clients who trust us with their bold ambitions, our dedicated partners who help us make the impossible possible, and of course, our brilliant talents whose creativity and devotion are the living heartbeat of our journey.”

“We are also celebrating our spirit of courage and resilience to go through uncomfortable transformations if it means fuelling growth for our clients and our people. A decade ago, we radically dismantled our agency silos to form the ‘Power of One,’ preparing us for the future that is now before us. Today, as we step into a new century of change driven by AI, it is this same spirit that assures me our best years are still ahead of us,” she said.

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The awards were announced on June 26, jointly organised by VIR and Viet Research in their second year, reinforcing their role as a credible benchmark for embedding environmental, social and governance (ESG) in Vietnam.

Photo: Chi Cuong

Based on Viet Research’s assessment methodology, the rankings recognise outstanding enterprises across 16 major economic sectors, including banking, finance and securities, real estate, construction, retail, logistics, technology and telecommunications, tourism, pharmaceuticals, high-tech agriculture, food and beverages, energy, manufacturing, and media.

The honoured companies were recognised for their business performance and for integrating ESG standards into their core strategies, demonstrating a strong commitment to responsible growth and long-term value creation.

According to a survey of ESG100 and ESG10 enterprises, 95 per cent have made concrete commitments to reducing carbon emissions in their production and business operations, while 93 per cent have established targets aligned with net-zero ambitions or broader sustainability objectives.

The findings reflect a growing shift among Vietnamese businesses as ESG moves from a compliance requirement to a strategic priority. Many companies are accelerating investments in cleaner production, technological innovation and corporate governance while strengthening their resilience amid an increasingly competitive global business environment.

Speaking at the ceremony, Le Trong Minh, VIR’s deputy editor-in-chief, said the ESG100 and ESG10 rankings reflect the Vietnamese business community’s growing aspiration for sustainable development. “The enterprises recognised today have integrated ESG standards, green growth and corporate social responsibility into their long-term development strategies,” he said.

He noted that as global competition intensifies and international markets place greater emphasis on governance, environmental performance and social responsibility, ESG has become an increasingly important measure of corporate competitiveness.

“The enterprises honoured today stand out for their long-term vision, innovative management capabilities, and their ability to create sustainable value for shareholders, employees, customers, partners, communities, and the environment,” Minh said.

He added that these achievements demonstrate Vietnamese enterprises are capable of achieving faster and more efficient growth while becoming greener, more responsible and more sustainable.

The organisers also highlighted the broader transformation taking place across Vietnam’s corporate sector. Despite continued uncertainty in the global economy and the country’s ongoing economic restructuring, many businesses have maintained strong growth by embracing innovation, improving governance, and accelerating digital transformation alongside ESG implementation.

Beyond expanding production and strengthening their brands, many companies are pursuing long-term competitiveness through green growth strategies, technological adoption and responsible business practices that generate positive impacts for society and the environment.

These efforts are contributing to the emergence of a new generation of Vietnamese enterprises that are more innovative, more proactive in international integration and more committed to balancing economic performance with social responsibility and environmental protection.

According to the organisers, the annual ESG100 and ESG10 awards honour high-performing enterprises while fostering greater collaboration within the business community. It provides a platform for companies to exchange best practices in innovation, ESG implementation and green growth while exploring new strategic partnerships.

As Vietnam continues its transition towards a greener and more sustainable economy, the programme is expected to further strengthen the competitiveness and international standing of Vietnamese enterprises, supporting the country’s ambitions for sustainable and inclusive development.

Top 10 ESG Vietnam Green Enterprises in key industries. Photo: Chi Cuong

Top 10 ESG Vietnam Green Enterprises in key industries. Photo: Chi Cuong

Top 100 ESG Vietnam Green Enterprises. Photo: Chi Cuong

Enterprises ready for ESG Eco and Environmental, Social, and Governance are essential requirements for Vietnamese enterprises to integrate into global value chains, experts revealed at the seminar “Economic Outlook 2026: FDI Businesses and the Roadmap for Vietnam’s Rise” held in Ho Chi Minh City on April 2.

Small business ESG strategies unlocked A true sustainability ecosystem requires global endorsement, genuine green financing, and technology solutions to lower the cost of implementation for businesses.

ESG must be translated into tangible action Environmental, social and governance (ESG) is a long-term journey that requires businesses to start early, take concrete actions, and continuously improve over time, rather than waiting for a perfect starting point.

Illustrative photo courtesy of Hoa Phat Group

Speaking at the Ministry of Industry and Trade’s conference on encouraging double-digit export growth on June 25, Dinh Quoc Thai, vice chairman and secretary general of the Vietnam Steel Association (VSA), said the global steel industry was showing signs of recovery.

According to the World Steel Association, global steel production posted positive growth in the first four months of 2026, reflecting stronger manufacturing activity and rising demand from steel-consuming industries.

Vietnam’s steel industry has also experienced a broad-based recovery across the entire value chain, from raw material production to finished products.

Crude steel output reached 2.6 million tonnes in May, up 27.2 per cent on-year, marking the highest growth rate among the world’s top 10 steel-producing countries. Output totalled 12.6 million tonnes in the first five months of 2026, up 26.8 per cent compared to the same period last year.

Thai estimated that steel production would reach around 14.8 million tonnes in the first half of 2026, up 21.2 per cent on-year, while steel consumption is expected to increase 13.1 per cent to 17.9 million tonnes.

However, steel exports are projected to decline by 4.8 per cent to around 1.79 million tonnes during the same period.

Despite the weaker export performance, the VSA remains optimistic about the industry’s overall outlook. Crude steel output is forecast to reach approximately 27 million tonnes in 2026, up 10 per cent from the previous year. Finished steel production is expected to total around 33 million tonnes, while domestic consumption is projected to reach 28 million tonnes.

Steel exports are forecast at around 6 million tonnes for the full year, while imports are expected to decline compared to 2025.

“The combination of higher exports and lower imports is a positive signal,” Thai said. “This reflects effective domestic market management, trade policy measures introduced by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and the improving ability of Vietnamese steel producers to meet market demand.”

Nevertheless, Thai warned that the industry would continue facing significant headwinds in the second half of the year.

Global steel overcapacity is driving an increasing number of trade protection measures in key export markets. The United States, for example, has imposed tariffs of up to 50 per cent on certain steel products under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, while more trade remedy investigations targeting Vietnamese steel products have also been initiated.

At the same time, tightening greenhouse gas emission requirements and the gradual introduction of carbon border adjustment mechanisms across major markets are creating additional challenges for steel exporters.

Although Vietnam has improved domestic supplies of some raw materials, the country still relies on imports of iron ore, scrap steel and several other key inputs, Thai said.

Despite ongoing challenges arising from the global economic slowdown, prolonged geopolitical tensions and market volatility, the VSA believes Vietnam’s economy remains relatively resilient compared to other ASEAN countries, providing a solid foundation for the steel industry’s continued recovery.

To support sustainable development, the VSA identified two strategic priorities: protecting the domestic market from surging imports of low-priced steel and accelerating green and digital transformation to meet evolving market requirements.

The association also called for long-term policies to encourage domestic investment and production, alongside early implementation of regulations requiring imported steel products to comply with Vietnamese quality standards before entering the domestic market.

The VSA has also proposed strengthening trade remedy investigations to address unfair competition, while providing greater support for steel producers facing overseas trade defence cases to help maintain and expand export markets.

The association recommended accelerating the development of national technical standards for steel products and enhancing market monitoring and forecasting to enable businesses to respond more effectively to changing market conditions.