The 8th Annual Forum (AF8) stands as Vietnam’s premier professional event focused on Corporate Governance (CG) aligned with Sustainable Development and ESG, organized by VIOD with support from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), and in collaboration with the State Securities Commission (SSC). Expertise is further bolstered by Vietnam’s Stock Exchanges (VNX, HOSE, HNX).
AF8 serves as a pivotal platform for business leaders to engage in dialogue and commit to enhancing the “Corporate Governance Operating System,” moving beyond traditional compliance to compete in regional and global capital markets. The forum emphasizes two critical assets: Trust and Reputation.
Key highlights of 2025 include Resolution 68-NQ/TW on private sector development and FTSE Russell’s recognition of Vietnam’s eligibility for Emerging Market status, effective September 21, 2026. This milestone reflects sustained regulatory reforms by authorities, stock exchanges, intermediaries, and listed companies.
Vietnam’s equity market is poised to attract significant international investment, with projections of $3–5 billion post-upgrade and up to $25 billion by 2030, contingent on FTSE Russell and MSCI inclusion.
Achieving Emerging Market status demands deeper capital market development, diversified ownership, increased institutional investment, and enhanced listed company value and appeal.
Corporate Governance has become a central priority, shaping capital utilization, risk management, shareholder protection, and investor credibility. It underpins transparency—a key criterion for responsible investors in emerging markets like Vietnam.
The market’s evolution necessitates a strategic mindset shift, starting with boards of directors adopting a “breakthrough mindset” to transition from passive to proactive governance, aligned with international standards.
A responsible board, effective oversight, and robust risk management foster investor trust and market reputation—intangible assets that enhance enterprise value alongside financial metrics like EBITDA.
AF8’s theme underscores the strategic importance of Trust and Reputation, viewed by professional investors as critical to competitive advantage and enterprise valuation.
Opening the forum, Ms. Vu Thi Chan Phuong (SSC Chair) highlighted capital market trends and OECD governance principles. SECO’s representative emphasized Switzerland’s commitment to Vietnam’s private sector governance.
Experts like Michael Kokalari (VinaCapital) and Alejandra Medina (OECD) addressed Vietnam’s economic outlook and G20/OECD governance principles. Phan Le Thanh Long (VIOD) outlined strategies to position Vietnam’s market through the ACGS20 initiative.
A panel featuring Vinamilk, SSI, ICDM, and MSCI discussed board innovation to strengthen investor trust and brand value.
AF8 initiatives include the ACGS20 program, VNCG50 Index, and recognition of top boards, reinforcing VIOD’s role in advancing governance standards for a sustainable, competitive market.
Specialized sessions addressed ESG ratings (with MSCI, Dynam Capital) and family business valuation, emphasizing governance for IPO success and investor confidence.
AF8 reaffirms VIOD’s leadership in promoting governance excellence, fostering a transparent, sustainable, and regionally competitive capital market.
Gold Bullion Transaction Tax: Will Small-Scale Buyers and Savers Bear the Brunt?
A 0.1% tax effectively diminishes the profit margins of short-term traders, scalpers, and speculative flippers.
Experts Converge at World Tea Fest to Discuss Tea’s Role as a Bridge for Health, Culture, Dialogue, Education, and Community Prosperity
On the morning of December 6th, as part of the International Tea Festival 2025, the Tea Summit took place at Tea Resort Prenn in Da Lat, bringing together professors, artists, association presidents, and renowned domestic and international experts. The discussion sessions offered multifaceted perspectives, ranging from culture and economics to in-depth research, contributing to shaping the future development strategy of Vietnam’s tea industry.
International Organizations Maintain Positive Outlook on Vietnam’s Economic Prospects
On the afternoon of December 6th, the Government Office held its regular November 2025 press conference. Minister and Chairman of the Office of the Government, Trần Văn Sơn, who also serves as the Government Spokesperson, chaired the event. The conference provided updates on the socio-economic situation for November and the first 11 months of 2025.
CIO Techcombank in the Hot Seat: Leveraging AI for Real-World Problem Solving
“A.I Thực Chiến,” the first-ever national TV competition focused on artificial intelligence and a flagship AI program nationwide, is nearing the end of its semi-final rounds. In the latest episode, teams tackled the theme “Building a Bank’s Financial Report,” judged by special guest Mr. Nguyễn Anh Tuấn, Director of Technology Division at Techcombank. During the segment, Techcombank’s CIO unveiled a four-step process to transform data-driven ideas into complete AI solutions, while also discussing the role of businesses in nurturing Vietnam’s next generation of AI talent.
Sacombank Joins Elite Group of 30+ Enterprises in VNCG50, Validating International Governance Standards
Sacombank’s achievement of the VNCG50 certification, a benchmark for corporate governance excellence among listed companies in Vietnam, is a significant milestone, especially as the bank navigates its restructuring phase. This recognition underscores Sacombank’s unwavering commitment to enhancing operational quality and strengthening its governance framework in alignment with international standards.
