Happiness – The Foundation of Sustainable Development
Over the past few decades, “happiness” has emerged as a new measure of development, alongside traditional indicators like GDP and profit. The world is witnessing a profound shift: from a sole focus on “economic efficiency” to a pursuit of “human-centric efficiency,” where individuals, mental well-being, and work environments take center stage.
Many advanced nations, such as Japan, South Korea, and European countries, have already integrated “Happiness Management” and “Well-being Economy” into their development strategies. Global corporations like Google, Unilever, Toyota, and DBS Bank (Singapore) emphasize that employee happiness is the cornerstone of true business sustainability.
In Vietnam, “happiness” is not a foreign concept. It has long been a measure of social progress and a criterion of socialism in the country. Within the relationship between independence, freedom, and happiness, independence is the foundation and condition for freedom and happiness, while freedom and happiness are the ultimate values of national independence. Thus, a happy society has been a long-standing strategic goal of the Party and the Government.
According to the 2025 World Happiness Report, Vietnam ranks 46th globally—its highest position ever and second in Southeast Asia, just behind Singapore. Notably, Hanoi has entered the top 10 happiest cities in Asia and the top 20 globally, alongside Beijing, Shanghai, and Mumbai. These positive indicators reflect that Vietnamese people increasingly feel secure, connected, and optimistic about the future.
In this context, Vietnamese businesses—particularly in the financial sector—are expected to become the “happiness nuclei” of the economy. They play a pivotal role in fostering financial security and enhancing the quality of life for millions.
The Philosophy of a “Happy Bank” – A Vision for Sustainable Development
Sai Gon-Ha Noi Commercial Joint Stock Bank (SHB) has recently been associated with the term “Happy Bank.” Over its 30-year history, SHB has consistently adhered to the philosophy of “Banking for People,” placing “people at the center”—one of its four development pillars, alongside employees, customers, and the community.
In the challenging banking sector, where numbers, targets, and pressures dominate, SHB has cultivated a unique work environment where every individual feels valued and genuinely cared for. SHB considers its employees its most precious asset and the foundation of its sustainable values.
SHB’s “Happy Bank” philosophy begins with its own workforce. The six core values—Heart, Trust, Integrity, Knowledge, Intelligence, and Vision—have been cultivated across generations, guiding all its activities.
When employees feel happy, recognized, and find meaning in their work, they radiate positivity, foster long-term commitment, and collectively create value for customers, partners, and the community. In the digital age, “putting people first” remains one of SHB’s four critical pillars in its comprehensive transformation journey.
Thanks to this foundation, SHB has consistently been recognized by prestigious domestic and international organizations: “Best Place to Work in Asia” (HR Asia, four consecutive years); “Most Diverse, Equitable & Inclusive Workplace in Vietnam” (FinanceAsia 2024); Top Most Attractive Employers 2024 (CareerViet); and “Bank for People of the Year” (Better Choice Awards 2024).
Most recently, SHB earned the “Great Place To Work” certification, a testament to its relentless efforts in creating a positive, sustainable, and inspiring work environment.
Beyond accolades, the tangible impact of SHB’s “Happy Bank” philosophy is evident in its numbers. According to the 2025 Great Place To Work survey, involving nearly 5,600 SHB employees, 95% expressed pride in working at SHB, and 93% wished to remain with the bank long-term.
The spirit of the “Happy Bank” also extends to customers. In Decision Lab’s 2025 Customer Satisfaction Ranking for Vietnamese banks, SHB not only ranked in the Top 10 but also recorded the fastest growth in customer satisfaction for two consecutive years.
As a result, SHB has maintained steady growth, navigating market fluctuations while sustaining business efficiency. High employee retention, a top-rated work environment in the banking sector—all contribute to an SHB built on trust, people, and happiness.
On its 32nd anniversary, SHB continues to spread this spirit through the “Sowing Happiness” community campaign, featuring meaningful activities: from charity projects for children and the vulnerable to the “Recognizing Happiness” minigame, where every positive moment is shared and amplified.
Previously, to mark the 80th National Day, SHB launched the “Happiness is Being Vietnamese” campaign—a journey celebrating Vietnamese values, spreading happiness, national pride, and positivity throughout the community.
SHB has also translated the value of “happiness” into tangible actions. Hundreds of social welfare programs, totaling hundreds of billions of VND, have been implemented, targeting underprivileged students, vulnerable populations, and disaster-affected areas. Simultaneously, the bank actively supports culture, sports, education, and promotes financial literacy, empowering individuals to manage their finances—a cornerstone of a sustainable and happy life.
SHB – The Happy Bank
For over three decades, Sai Gon-Ha Noi Commercial Joint Stock Bank (SHB) has steadfastly pursued its mission of “sowing happiness” by spreading positive values to employees, shareholders, customers, and the community. For SHB, happiness is both the driving force and the ultimate goal, where every individual is valued, together creating sustainable value.
On its 32nd anniversary, SHB launched the “Sowing Happiness” community campaign, inviting everyone to contribute to stories of love and sharing for special individuals across the nation. Every small act, every kind gesture, will help spread compassion, multiplying happiness through sharing.
With its mission as a Happy Bank, SHB will continue its journey of connecting and nurturing trust, accompanying customers and the community toward a happier society in the prosperous era of the nation.
30-Year-Old Industrial Fair Transforms into International Event at VEC
Building on the resounding success of the 2025 Autumn Fair, all eyes in the industry are now turning to the highly anticipated “Vietnam Industry & Technology Week 2025,” taking place from November 12-15 at the Vietnam Exhibition Center (VEC).
Kobler Joins GBA in Celebrating 30 Years of Growth and Success in Vietnam
To commemorate the 30th anniversary of the German Business Association (GBA), the “GBA Legacy in Frames” exhibition and the panel discussion “30 Years of GBA in Vietnam – From Renovation to Global Gateway” were held with great solemnity at Deutsches Haus, Ho Chi Minh City, on November 3rd.
Sustainable Breakthrough: Revolutionizing Vietnam’s Beverage Industry
On November 7, 2025, in Ho Chi Minh City, the Vietnam Beer – Alcohol – Beverage Association (VBA) will host the seminar “Vietnam’s Beverage Industry in the New Era: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities.”
Climate Change Threatens to Erase a Decade of Vietnam’s Economic Growth
The World Bank (WB) warns that without adequate adaptation measures, climate change could slash Vietnam’s GDP by at least 12.5% by 2050 compared to baseline projections. This would effectively erase nearly a decade of growth, significantly hindering the nation’s goal of achieving high-income status by 2045.
Nghệ An Welcomes ‘Eagle’ to Cement Its Position as North Central Vietnam’s Green Industrial Hub
Nestled in a prime geographical location, with a rapidly developing infrastructure and flexible investment policies, Nghe An is emerging as a magnet for major FDI players. This transformative growth solidifies its position as the leading hub for green industrial development in the North Central Coast region of Vietnam.
