“Sustainable Development: A Conversation with Ms. Đặng Huỳnh Ức My at the ‘Gateway to ASEAN’ Conference”

UOB’s First Conference in Vietnam Gathers Leading Enterprises

The “Gateway to ASEAN” conference is an annual program organized by the United Overseas Bank (UOB) in the ASEAN region, aiming to expand trade and investment and boost economic growth. This year, the conference was held in Vietnam for the first time after successful events in Singapore and Indonesia in previous years. The conference was attended by over 600 guests, including leaders from various ministries and sectors in Vietnam, as well as experts and leading enterprises in the ASEAN region, China, Hong Kong, and beyond.

With the theme “ASEAN: Crossroad to The World,” speakers shared insights on factors driving economic growth in the region, government policies facilitating cross-border trade, supply chain diversification, promoting the digital economy, and striving towards net-zero emissions.

In the discussion session “Innovation with Sustainability,” Ms. Dang Huynh Uc My, Chairman of the Board of TTC AgriS and Betrimex, presented innovative solutions on investment, business, sustainable development, and the implementation of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) criteria, drawing from the successful practices of TTC AgriS and Betrimex, two leading high-tech agricultural enterprises in Vietnam.

Ms. Dang Huynh Uc My joins senior leaders from Coca Cola Vietnam, DHL Express, Schneider Electric, and UOB in a discussion on innovative solutions with sustainability.

Notably, Ms. Uc My was the only female leader among all the speakers in the five conference sessions, alongside leaders from UOB and prominent corporations such as Fung Group, Silverlake, Axis, BW Industrial, Viessmann, Intertek, Schneider Electric, Coca Cola, and DHL Express. She was also the sole representative from Vietnam, serving as the Chairman of two agricultural companies with a combined revenue of over USD 1 billion in the past year.

Sustainable Development Efforts for National Agriculture

Addressing the conference, Chairman Uc My expressed her pride in Vietnam’s agricultural traditions and the achievements that have elevated Vietnamese enterprises to global heights. She affirmed, “As a Vietnamese, I always feel a great responsibility to support and develop the national economy, especially the production sector.” To that end, she has led TTC AgriS and Betrimex to become frontrunners in high-tech agriculture, enhancing the position and value of Vietnamese agricultural products on the international stage.

Ms. Uc My shared, “Digital transformation in agriculture and sustainable development are monumental tasks. We have persevered in this endeavor throughout TTC AgriS’s 55-year history, and we will continue to do so in the next 50 years.” During the discussion, she offered insights and experiences of Vietnamese enterprises in overcoming challenges and pursuing sustainable agricultural development. These included practical stories of convincing farmers to join digital transformation platforms, supporting local partners in elevating their businesses, and sharing knowledge and perspectives with international partners.

TTC AgriS and Betrimex are currently focused on high-tech agriculture, providing organic, naturally-derived nutritional products. Both entities are implementing ESG standards across their governance, production, and business operations, enhancing international governance capabilities, and striving for net-zero emissions by 2035.

In the discussion, Chairman Uc My emphasized the importance of green finance in the transition to a green and sustainable economy. She commended UOB for bringing a fresh perspective and valuable offerings to customers and the Vietnamese market. Betrimex, as a pioneer in receiving green finance from UOB to support farmers in the Fairtrade program, was honored to be part of this initiative.

Ms. Dang Huynh Uc My, Chairman of TTC AgriS and Betrimex, and Mr. Lim Dyi Chang, Senior Director of Corporate Banking at UOB Vietnam, at the signing ceremony between UOB and Betrimex in April 2024

Earlier in April this year, UOB and Betrimex signed a green trade finance agreement to support sustainable agricultural development, enhance farmers’ skills and knowledge, and more. Alongside Betrimex’s partnership with UOB, TTC AgriS has also attracted international financial institutions, raising over USD 220 million in foreign capital within just one year.

Beyond the main discussion sessions, the “Gateway to ASEAN” conference in 2024 provided an opportunity for leaders from various ministries and sectors, the Ho Chi Minh City government, and representatives of domestic and foreign corporations to connect and explore potential business partnerships. “We have received positive feedback from the government, financial organizations, and the business community,” shared Ms. Uc My. “This triangular linkage is key to our collective progress, sharing, and development on a common platform.”

Commenting on this year’s conference theme, “ASEAN: Crossroad to The World,” Chairman Uc My remarked, “Vietnamese enterprises are now operating in multiple countries, and we have strong momentum in Asia. This presents a significant opportunity to harness the power of synergy to meet market demands, combine financial products, and turn actions into results.”