## Gen Z Bankers: Embracing the Future of Vietnam’s Banking Industry
Stepping into the world of banking after graduating in 2021, Thu Thuy embarked on her journey as a recruitment collaborator at Saigon-Hanoi Commercial Joint Stock Bank (SHB). What struck this young professional, born in 1999, the most was the welcoming and professional work environment at SHB, where colleagues were amicable and supportive. This experience stood in stark contrast to her prior perception of banks as “stiff, somewhat antiquated, and offering limited opportunities for fresh graduates.”
Thuy’s initial impression of the bank’s vibrant and growth-oriented culture prompted her to forge a long-term commitment. Over time, the once collaborator has evolved into a confident recruitment specialist, attributing her growth to the enriching work environment.
“When my department head suggested I take a course on employer brand development, I vividly remember thinking, ‘Do they really trust me with this?’ That was the moment I truly felt like a part of SHB,” Thuy shared.
Gen Z seeks dynamic, modern, and professional workplaces
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Sharing a similar sentiment is Hoang Lam, born in 2000, who joined SHB as an intern in May. Contrary to the stereotypical notion of interns fetching coffee and running errands, Lam was warmly welcomed by the staff at the Hanoi branch’s corporate customer department. They offered him hands-on work experience and provided guidance along the way.
“My internship at SHB has been immensely enriching, particularly in honing my time management skills. The passion and dedication exhibited by the bank’s employees have truly inspired me,” Hoang Lam expressed.
Both Thuy and Lam represent the Gen Z cohort, a generation that is gradually entering the workforce and will soon become the primary source of talent in the banking industry. According to a report by PwC Vietnam, this group is projected to constitute nearly a third of Vietnam’s working-age population by 2025.
 Gen Z aspires to work for organizations that lead in social responsibility
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Marked by their birth in an era of technological and internet proliferation, Gen Z individuals stand out from their predecessors. They are lauded for their creativity, dynamism, and critical thinking abilities. Personal and professional growth is a priority for this generation, which proactively seeks out learning opportunities and experiences to enhance their skill set and knowledge.
Surveys also indicate that Gen Z leans towards striking a balance between work and personal life, valuing flexibility. Additionally, they prioritize transparency and purpose in their careers and are drawn to organizations that spearhead social responsibility and contribute significantly to the nation’s progress.
SHB – Fostering a Modern and Professional Work Environment
As one of the five largest joint-stock commercial banks in Vietnam, SHB is deeply committed to investing in its human capital. The bank consistently provides training and development opportunities while offering lucrative career prospects for young talent.
Mr. Do Quang Vinh, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors and Deputy General Director of SHB, shared his insights, stating, “With our focus on digitalization and transformation, we’ve witnessed a notable decrease in the average age of our recruits, including members of Gen Z and even those born in the early 2000s.”
“I’m continually impressed by how these young individuals possess the knowledge and expertise to seamlessly meet the demands of their roles,” Mr. Vinh added.
According to Mr. Vinh, today’s youth seek a civilized, modern, and flexible work environment that fosters creativity. SHB is dedicated to creating a “limitless” workplace, striving to establish a Bank of the Future model.
SHB’s innovative workspace
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The bank has been diligently crafting a modern work environment, adopting the Agile methodology and designing offices to international standards. This effort was recognized by Asia Awards Organization, which bestowed upon SHB the title of “Best Workplace in Asia” for its exceptional workspace.
In August, the bank was acknowledged by HR Asia as one of the “Best Companies to Work for in Asia 2024.” This marks the fourth time SHB has received this prestigious award. Additionally, in 2024, Finance Asia recognized SHB as the “Best Bank in Vietnam for Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion” at the Finance Asia Awards. These accolades stand as a testament to the bank’s unwavering commitment to fostering a friendly, dynamic, and innovative work environment.
Emphasizing the significance of a modern workplace, Vice Chairman Do Quang Vinh underscored SHB’s vision to build a robust organization that fosters unity and upholds cherished traditions and values. The bank is steadfast in its journey to cultivate and advance its unique culture, founded on six core values: Heart, Trust, Faith, Knowledge, Wisdom, and Vision.
SHB is undergoing a comprehensive and robust transformation, with one of its four critical pillars being “People as the Subject.” The bank consistently enhances the quality of its human resources through various internal training programs. SHB employees are empowered to develop holistically, leading to improved job performance and enhanced service quality. This not only contributes to individual success but also propels the bank’s sustainable development, enabling SHB to soar to new heights.
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Financial experts have revealed that, in the first half of this year, there has been feedback regarding customers being required to purchase insurance packages to access loan disbursements. The root cause of this issue lies in the high commissions offered by insurance companies for investment-linked insurance products, with some companies paying over 100% in commissions to their partners, leading to this unscrupulous behavior by banks.
The Future of Banking: Unlocking the Potential of Next-Gen Talent
The younger generation craves a modern and flexible workplace that offers abundant opportunities for self-improvement and skill enhancement. Embracing this understanding, SHB is committed to crafting a “limitless” work environment, paving the way for a forward-thinking and innovative banking model.
Nurturing Tomorrow’s Leaders
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