5 strategic marketing decisions

The corporate bond market is a big source of capital for the economy. In the latter half of 2022, a “psychological” shock was recorded in the private placement segment following many violations uncovered by authorities. The Government, the Prime Minister and management agencies have made many important decisions to stabilize the market, ensure its compliance with law, and enhance people’s trust to support the economy. Speaking via videoconference, Assoc. Prof., Dr. Vu Minh Khuong, a lecturer at the Singapore-based Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, said to help enterprises avoid committing violations, their leaders should gain a thorough understanding of corporate governance, ensure legal issues and rescue response, and conduct annual audits. It is a highly urgent need to build a foundation for a healthy financial system, he said, expressing his belief that the Government of the current tenure can manage to do that and view current challenges as a chance to make strategic … [Read more...] about Measures suggested to guarantee corporate bond market’s stability

Why did AEON decide to invest in Vietnam over a decade ago instead of a more dynamic or developed destination in the region at the time? Furusawa Yasuyuki, executive officer board member of AEON Co., Ltd. in charge of Vietnam Business, as well as general director of AEON Vietnam We started to research the Vietnamese market in 2009 before opening our first shopping mall in 2014. Now, we have eight companies in Vietnam covering shopping malls, retail, finance, services, and exports. We realise that Vietnam is in a period of rapid and outstanding growth, which is similar to the previous development stage of Japan. Therefore, we believe with AEON’s experiences and know-how accumulated in Japan, we can apply and contribute to the development of Vietnam’s market. How does AEON evaluate the investment environment in Vietnam? Japanese businesses want to invest in Vietnam because of various attractive factors. Firstly, with fast population growth, especially in the … [Read more...] about Robust decision-making for rapid retail development

According to a recent report by the Bank of Korea (BOK), Vietnam is swiftly becoming a significant market for South Korean semiconductor makers, who have been grappling with lacklustre demand in China. As the rivalry between the United States and China intensifies, the BOK has emphasised the importance of diversifying export markets for industry giants like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix. The BOK underlines Vietnam's emergence as a new source of demand for South Korean semiconductors, highlighting its growing status as an international hub for IT device production and potentially positioning it as a substitute for China in the future. Major smartphone manufacturers have established production bases in Vietnam, where South Korean semiconductors play a crucial role as intermediary goods in the production of finished products, the report notes. Vietnam's abundant low-wage workforce and its proximity to the Chinese market are attracting global businesses, including South Korean … [Read more...] about Vietnam’s market becomes ray of hope for South Korean semiconductor manufacturers

Vietnamese e-wallet MoMo has partnered with Apple to introduce Apple Installments, which allows users to own Apple products through flexible payment plans ranging 6-24 months. The US tech giant launched an online store in Vietnam in May. Optimism rises for fintech development opportunities, illustration photo/ Le Toan Do Quang Thuan, senior deputy director in charge of financial services at MoMo, said, “As we seamlessly integrate into the online Apple Store, we present Vietnamese users with an unparalleled range of payment options. It’s a gateway to unlocking their dreams of Apple ownership while maintaining a firm grip on their financial equilibrium.” The landscape has become increasingly competitive in Vietnam, driving innovation and advancements in digital payment solutions. Breaking new ground in the Vietnamese market, MoMo is also the first local partner to offer cashless payment options for YouTube Premium. The strategic collaboration brings added convenience … [Read more...] about Optimism rises for fintech development opportunities

Transactions at SHB. The capital surplus would help SHB foster the bank’s financial capacity, thereby enabling massive investment in digital transformation. — Photo courtesy of the bank SHB on Tuesday officially announced it successfully completed the transfer of the first 50 per cent of charter capital at SHBank Finance Company Limited (SHB Finance) to its partner - Krungsri Bank of Thailand - a strategic member of MUFG Group (Japan). They will complete the remaining 50 per cent in the next three years, subject to approval from the relevant regulators. The completion of the acquisition follows the capital transfer agreement announced on August 25, 2021. According to the Decision No 759/QD-NHNN by the SBV and the Establishment and Operation License No 21/GP-NHNN dated April 25, 2023, SHB Finance officially converted from Saigon- Hanoi Commercial Joint Stock Bank Finance Single-member Limited Company to Saigon-Hanoi Commercial Joint Stock Bank Finance Company Limited. Do … [Read more...] about SHB completed 50 per cent shares transfer to Krungsri Bank of Thailand

The Vietnamese government is focusing on high-value investment. How can high-value foreign direct investment (FDI) in particular support the nation’s economy? Vietnam has over the years successfully transformed into an export-led economy where foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs) create more than 70 per cent of the country’s exports. The manufacturing sector, particularly electronics and textiles and garments, has been the key driver. High value investments cover a broad range of sectors including semiconductors, renewables, electric vehicles (EVs), logistics, data centres, fast-moving consumer goods, and higher education. These are value-added industries poised to take Vietnam to the next level of qualitative growth. Vietnam has over the past 35 years learned and experienced the benefit of establishing a manufacturing supply chain ecosystem. The strategy to focus more on high-value FDI attraction is absolutely the right direction, and it’s commendable. Focusing to encompass … [Read more...] about High-value investment of prime importance to advance

Starting in 2024, when the South Korean government will impose the global minimum corporate income tax (GMT), Samsung estimates that it will be required to pay an additional $400 million in taxes to South Korea. Taking into account the tax incentive period in Vietnam, the total tax difference this group must pay is estimated to be $6.5 billion, according to data released by Samsung Vietnam last month. Clock ticks to shape response to global corporate tax policy, photo Thuy Linh Companies like Samsung are believed to be anxious that the enactment of GMT next year will exacerbate the company’s obstacles, as profits are declining and competition for semiconductor technology is intensifying. According to the Ministry of Finance, Vietnam has approximately 335 projects with registered capital exceeding $100 million, with a focus on the high-tech industry, including Samsung, Intel, LG, Bosch, Sharp, Panasonic, Foxconn, and Pegatron. The total registered investment for these … [Read more...] about Clock ticks to shape response to global corporate tax policy

Hanoi's key economic drivers such as investment, exports and consumption should be the focus of further promotion. Hanoi should remain an example for other cities/provinces in socio-economic development. Hanoi from above. Photo: Pham Hung/The Hanoi Times The Government Office released the Prime Minister's conclusion on the direction of the capital's development. The conclusion emphasizes Hanoi's crucial role as the national political-administrative center and an important hub for business, culture, education, science, technology, and international integration. Despite the prevailing challenges faced by the entire country, the city has shown great determination and taken decisive action to successfully contain the Covid-19 pandemic, eventually moving from a state of lockdown and social distancing to a safe and flexible adaptation. "This has enabled the recovery of socio-economic development and ensured social security," the announcement said, adding … [Read more...] about Hanoi to set example in socio-economic development

TymeBank – a multi-country digital banking group for emerging markets – is strategically considering this expansion as part of its ambitious growth plan following the recent injection of capital. The decision to target Vietnam stems from a thorough evaluation and assessment of the market. Coen Jonker, co-founder of Tyme and CEO of TymeBank, expressed confidence in Vietnam's potential, particularly as a market with limited access to digital banking services for small businesses. He believes Tyme Group's digital lending services could effectively meet the funding needs of these underserved firms. Vietnam marks the second Asian market that Tyme Group – headquartered in Singapore – is entering to facilitate its growth, having launched its services in the Philippines last year. Jonker highlighted Vietnam's economic potential, with its rapidly expanding $366 billion economy and low unemployment rates, making it an attractive landscape for Tyme Group's market presence. Interestingly, … [Read more...] about Tyme Group sets sights on Vietnam for digital lending services

How would you evaluate VinFast’s valuation upon completion of its merger? Marc Iyeki, former head of Asia-Pacific Listings at the New York Stock Exchange VinFast’s proposed merger with a special-purpose acquisition company (SPAC) at a $23 billion valuation, negotiated with Black Spade Acquisition, awaits validation in the public market. VinFast’s SPAC merger occurs amid reduced investor enthusiasm for electric vehicle (EV) companies and the broader market, as well as closer regulatory review of SPAC transactions. This adds a layer of scrutiny to the deal. While startups often grapple with mounting losses during their quest for market share, investors will closely monitor VinFast’s on-year sales growth, which turned negative from 2021 to 2022, although 2022 was a difficult year for the auto industry. In comparison to other EV companies that have gone public, how does VinFast’s valuation stack up? One difference between VinFast and a number of EV counterparts … [Read more...] about Tough journey is just starting for VinFast