At VIR’s digital economy development conference held on November 25, policymakers, businesses, and experts discussed the solutions to unlock AI and 5G prospects to support the country’s digital economy development.

The event heard that 5G is bringing a clear competitive advantage to pioneering countries such as India and Malaysia, and expect this to happen to Vietnam as the government encourages network operators to speed up 5G deployment.

Seck Yee Chung, vice president of the Singapore Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam said 5G and AI together presents an extraordinary, time-sensitive opportunity for the region to leapfrog into a future shaped by intelligent connectivity, digital sovereignty, and inclusive growth.

“When integrated with AI, 5G becomes the infrastructure of innovation, enabling smart factories, precision agriculture, immersive education, AI-powered healthcare, and climate-resilient infrastructure,” Chung said.

5G is providing a competitive edge to countries like India and Malaysia, with governments creating the enablers. India has rolled out the fastest 5G networks, achieving 90 per cent 5G coverage in just 21 months. Today, India has 394 million 5G subscriptions and the highest data consumption globally, at 36 GB per month per active smartphone user. Government recognition of the need for digital infrastructure, effective spectrum allocation and management, and strong support for simplified deployment rules has enabled India to carry this out.

In Malaysia, the DNB network has become a global showcase for 5G. Based on the government’s commitment to leverage 5G to drive Malaysia’s leadership in the region, the country is enjoying more than 80 per cent coverage, one year ahead of schedule. As in the case of India, full 5G coverage is expected to create a GDP uplift of up to RM150 billion ($36.3 billion) by 2030 in Malaysia.

In Vietnam, since the first commercial 5G network was launched in October 2024, all major operators have provided the service, aiming to cover almost the entire population in the coming years.

Nguyen Phong Nha, deputy general director of the Authority of Telecommunications under the Ministry of Science and Technology, said that Vietnam’s telecommunications network currently has advanced technology equivalent to that of developed countries. Currently, the 5G network is widely covered and the fiber optic cable system reaches every village.

“Network operators are ready to cooperate with enterprises to deploy telecommunications application services on 5G networks through virtual network models. This is an opportunity for technology enterprises, and startups to deploy applications for all industries such as smart seaports, smart transportation, and online public services,” Nha said.

Hoang Van Ngoc, director of Strategy at Viettel, said that there are four major trends: AI use, the cloud, data mining and analysis, and innovation on digital platforms and data ecosystems. Ngoc noted that the government’s target is 30 per cent of GDP contribution from the digital economy, while the digital economic growth rate in Vietnam is already among the highest in the region, about 25-30 per cent per year.

“We have a dynamic and open government that promotes institutional change and a desire for transformation,” Ngoc said. “We have a large digital subscriber base and modern telecommunications infrastructure, and we have a high-quality workforce in the IT sector compared to the regional average.”

More importantly, Vietnam has transformed itself from a consumer of digital products to a producer of digital products, and can move towards exporting because of the advantages, Ngoc added.

However, Dong Manh Cuong, head of the Business School at British University Vietnam, said that as new technology platforms develop rapidly, the shortage of hybrid human resources becomes more evident. They must be able to operate blockchain-based financial models, optimise supply chains based on real-time data from 5G, or develop new fintech services.

“Vietnam’s biggest challenge today is not a lack of personnel, but a lack of the right people at the intersection of business and technology – people who are capable of turning technology into productivity, efficiency, and real economic value for businesses and the digital economy,” Cuong explained.

Managing director Andrew Khan shared Carlsberg Vietnam’s approach to renewable-energy transition during the DPPA panel at the Green Economy Forum 2025

On November 27, the Green Economy Forum (GEF) 2025 brought together policymakers, business leaders, and sustainability experts to discuss the regulatory and market shifts shaping Vietnam’s sustainability journey and its progress. Carlsberg Vietnam joined the panel discussion on direct power purchase agreement (DPPA) challenges and opportunities for foreign-invested enterprises in Vietnam, to exchange viewpoints and stay aligned with Vietnam’s evolving sustainability priorities.

During the panel discussion, Andrew Khan, managing director of Carlsberg Vietnam, shared practical insights into renewable-energy sourcing and outlined how the company is preparing its next steps in line with Vietnam’s broader energy direction.

An evolving sustainability journey

Carlsberg Vietnam has been part of Vietnam’s economic landscape for over 30 years. As one of the earliest Danish investors in the country, the company has grown alongside local communities, and sustainability has become a core pillar of its long-term strategy.

This is most evident at the company’s Phu Bai Brewery, which was expanded in August. Recent investments in upgraded equipment, advanced technologies, and automation have helped reduce environmental impacts while improving productivity.

Today, Phu Bai Brewery runs on iREC-certified renewable electricity and biomass-powered steam. Its high-efficiency brew line reduces water use by 20 per cent and energy consumption by 15 per cent, while improved refrigeration systems help lower emissions further. These advancements underpin Carlsberg Vietnam’s environmental roadmap: zero waste to landfill by end of 2025, 100 per cent recyclable or reusable packaging and 2.0 hl/hl water efficiency by 2026, and net-zero carbon emissions in production by 2028.

DPPA a key enabler for Carlsberg Vietnam’s net-zero roadmap

The DPPA session at GEF 2025 underscored that Vietnam’s renewable energy transition will require coordination between policymakers, developers, and businesses. Representing Carlsberg Vietnam, Khan highlighted how DPPA fits into the company’s long-term sustainability commitments.

Across the Carlsberg Group, power purchase agreements (PPAs) play a central role in securing electricity from newly built renewable projects. Long-term PPAs across Europe and Asia reflect the group’s ambition to source all electricity from new-build renewable assets by 2030, positioning Carlsberg among the early movers in the global brewing industry.

For Carlsberg Vietnam, DPPA is the natural continuation of this global approach. While the company has sourced renewable electricity through I-RECs since 2022, Khan noted that certificates are only a beginning. To reach net-zero production emissions by 2028, Carlsberg Vietnam is preparing to expand renewable-energy use through DPPA participation and on-site solar projects, aligned with Vietnam’s net-zero roadmap by 2050 and the group’s global targets.

“DPPA helps make renewable sourcing more meaningful and impactful,” shared Khan. “It strengthens Vietnam’s clean-energy infrastructure, supports long-term sustainability goals, and signals a clear commitment to modernising the power market and attracting high-quality green investment.

“It also opens the door for deeper technology and expertise exchange between Vietnam and Europe. European enterprises can bring innovation, technical know-how, and financing solutions that support Vietnam’s climate agenda. With global experience and a strong local commitment, Carlsberg Vietnam is ready to play a constructive role in this transition.”

In his remarks, Khan noted that DPPA strengthens Vietnam’s clean-energy transition while creating new avenues for innovation and EU–Vietnam knowledge sharing

Sustainability beyond energy: a long-term commitment to communities

Carlsberg Vietnam’s sustainability journey also extends into the communities where it operates, especially in Central Vietnam, home of the Huda brand. Through its long-running “Fresh Water for Beloved Central” programme, the company has delivered clean water to nearly 40,000 people across seven years. Its annual Lunar New Year initiative, “Tet is Full, Tet is Love”, has supported more than 75,000 beneficiaries over the past decade.

The company also stands with communities in moments of hardship. When historic floods recently struck Central Vietnam, Carlsberg Vietnam mobilised VND1.5 billion ($56,866) in emergency relief for affected households in Hue and Danang. Ahead of GEF 2025, the company further joined EuroCham’s urgent crowdfunding campaign, contributing $1,000 to the Vietnam Fatherland Front alongside other member companies – a collective effort towards “one resilient Vietnam”.

Carlsberg Vietnam donated VND1.5 billion ($56,866) to support residents in Hue and Danang in rebuilding their lives after the historic floods

Together, these sustained efforts reflect Carlsberg Vietnam’s commitment to community resilience, shown through both long-term programmes and timely support when it is needed most. This dedication was recognised with the 2025 EuroCham Community Impact Award, underscoring the company’s continued partnership with the communities it serves.

A dedicated partner to Vietnam’s green transition

As Vietnam accelerates its sustainability journey, Carlsberg Vietnam sees its own roadmap as part of a long-term partnership with the country. The company remains committed to practical, steady progress: strengthening environmental performance, improving operational efficiency, and sustaining community initiatives across the regions where it operates.

Through these efforts, Carlsberg Vietnam aims to contribute to a more resilient and sustainable future for the country, staying true to its purpose of “brewing for a better today and tomorrow”.

Carlsberg offers excellence in Vietnam The inauguration of Carlsberg’s expanded Phu Bai brewery represents commitment to build a world-class supply chain in one of Asia’s most dynamic markets. Joy Rice, vice president for Supply Chain of Carlsberg Asia, shared her insights with VIR’s Van Mai on how operational excellence and sustainability go hand-in-hand, and what’s next for the group’s ambitions.

Carlsberg Vietnam donates nearly $56,000 to support Hue and Danang after floods Following devastating floods in Central Vietnam, Carlsberg has contributed VND1.5 billion ($56,977) to support relief and recovery efforts in Hue and Danang, two localities hardest hit by the historic rainfall and landslides.

Carlsberg Vietnam honoured with Community Impact title at EuroCham Galar Dinner & Business Awards Carlsberg Vietnam was honoured with the Community Impact award for large enterprises at the EuroCham Galar Dinner & Business Awards 2025 on October 30.

Manufacturers last week sent comments about their issues in recycling packaging products during the extended producer responsibility (EPR) process to the Agribusiness and Environment Working Group of the Vietnam Business Forum.

A representative of the working group said that weak enforcement on waste segregation at source and the fragmented nature of waste collection, which relies heavily on the informal sector, continue to make the process expensive.

“The quality and volume of materials collected fluctuate, creating supply chain instability. This causes a disparity where the cost to collect, sort, and process waste into high-quality recycled materials is higher than the cost of importing new raw materials,” the representative said.

“Markets for recycled materials are immature. Most of Vietnam’s recycling operations are small-scale and use outdated, manual processes. This results in recycled materials of lower quality that cannot compete with the quality and consistency of virgin materials,” he added.

Meanwhile, a report from the Green Growth Sector Committee under the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam noted that EPR regulations currently do not have any incentives for producers that use recycled materials. These kinds of incentives would help facilitate the development of the recycling industry at this early stage and create a mechanism for the circular economy, it said. Some other issues in misalignment are being addressed in an anticipated draft EPR decree.

Members offer several recommendations, including the proposal to offer incentives for recycled materials and allow self-recycling efforts to count towards fund contributions to boost related investments.

In September, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE) submitted a draft decree on EPR to the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), a key step towards consolidating scattered regulations and ensuring the policy becomes a practical tool for circular economy transition.

According to the draft submission, previous legislation has laid the foundation for implementing EPR under the 2020 Law on Environmental Protection. However, in practice, provisions remain fragmented across multiple documents, making them difficult for businesses to follow and for regulators to monitor effectively.

“EPR is still new to Vietnam, covering a wide range of stakeholders. As a market-based environmental policy, it plays a key role in steering the country towards a circular economy by requiring producers to take responsibility for the post-consumer stage of products,” the MAE noted in the draft submitted to the MoJ.

Given the complexity and wide scope of the policy, it believes that issuing a standalone decree dedicated solely to EPR is essential. The move would unify current rules, enhance transparency, and provide a clear framework for businesses to comply while improving state oversight, the draft added.

Many foreign enterprises are interested in Vietnam’s recycling market potential. Nguyen Thanh Yen, deputy head of Legal Policy at the Department of Environment under the MAE, said, “Implementing this policy creates export advantages and creates a foundation for sustainable business development. At the same time, they will inspect enterprises that have not fulfilled their obligations and impose administrative sanctions on violating enterprises.”

Larry Lee, deputy general director in charge of strategic assets and sustainable development at Saigon Beer-Alcohol-Beverage Corporation (SABECO), said, “Packaging is the starting point in the transformation journey of enterprises. Thus, all of the company’s primary and secondary packaging can be reused or recycled. The unit has also reduced the thickness of aluminium can lid rolls, saving 15 per cent of raw materials and reducing emissions in transportation.”

SABECO is deploying a closed-loop recycling model for glass bottles, aluminium cans, and paper packaging, aiming for all packaging to be designed under a circular model by 2040.

In the paper industry, a field heavily dependent on recycled materials, the story is even more difficult. Hoang Trung Son, director of Dong Tien Paper Company, said more than half of recycled paper materials must be imported because the domestic collection system has high costs and lacks valid documentation.

“One of the major barriers is the regulation on depositing scrap imports from 18-20 per cent, while the procedures are complicated and businesses are susceptible to input VAT collection if they do not have standard documents,” Son said.

The Vietnam Pulp and Paper Association, of which Son is also chairman, proposed a number of solutions, such as tax exemption for collection businesses, allowing recycling units to pay input VAT to collectors, and promoting specialisation of the waste collection system to increase input quality.

Le Viet Dong Hieu, deputy marketing director of Duy Tan Plastic, said the production cost of products using recycled materials is still higher than that of virgin materials due to the complex processing, modern technology requirements, and strict quality control.

“This somewhat limits the green consumption trend. If supported by policies, and taxes, it will also be a strong support to help recycled products compete and attract more users in the market,” Hieu said.

On November 23, Vladislav Valerievich Shapsha, Governor of Kaluga province, toured TH Group’s advanced dairy farm complex in Nghe An while in Vietnam to receive the Friendship Medal from the President. Earlier that day, he and his delegation met with provincial leaders and were briefed on TH Group’s contributions to local development over the past 15 years.

During his tour of TH’s high-tech closed-loop production facilities, Shapsha expressed deep admiration for the rapid growth and international achievements of the modern dairy farming model built in Nghia Dan under the leadership of Labour Heroine Thai Huong.

He noted that TH had not only effectively tapped into local economic potential but had also transformed traditional production methods, engaged local communities, and improved income and living standards for residents.

Governor Shapsha (centre, white shirt) and his delegation were welcomed at TH Group’s dairy farm complex in Nghe An

The governor said he believed that TH Group’s success in Vietnam was being replicated in Kaluga, a province in central Russia about 190km from Moscow, and consistently ranked among the country’s top investment destinations. TH’s high-tech dairy farm and fresh milk processing plant in Kaluga, part of the group’s agricultural investment complex in Russia, has become one of the most prominent highlights in recent Vietnam–Russia economic cooperation.

Two years after his first official visit to Vietnam in 2023, Shapsha returned with a detailed working agenda. His priority this time was to observe firsthand the original model of TH’s large-scale, high-tech, closed-loop dairy farm in Nghe An – now being replicated in Kaluga as well as in TH’s projects in Moscow, the Far East Region, and the Republic of Bashkortostan.

Governor Shapsha (middle) visits the milking area of TH Group’s Farm No.3

Welcoming the delegation, Thai Huong, founder and chairwoman of TH Group’s Strategic Council, said, “We are deeply moved to welcome you back. The deputy governor once told me that the road we are travelling today looks different from the past. He was right – this used to be one of Nghe An’s poorest regions. We have helped transform the area, bringing local people into the value chain, empowering them to improve their lives and prosper right on their homeland.”

Huong noted that tens of thousands of households have stable employment thanks to the project, their children have better schooling opportunities, and many young people have returned to work at the very farms and factories where they were born – a testament to TH’s social value.

In response, Shapsha congratulated Huong on receiving the Friendship Medal from President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin days earlier. “Thanks to your professionalism and talent,” he said, “Kaluga now has modern dairy production and processing facilities. TH’s projects in Kaluga are not just about job creation – they symbolise the Vietnam-Russia comprehensive strategic cooperation.”

He also shared that Kaluga aims to reach a dairy output of one million litres per day within the next five years, adding, “We are delighted to walk this path with you. The provincial government will provide every possible support for TH’s investment activities.”

The TH true MILK brand officially appeared in Russia after TH Groups inaugurated its milk processing in Kaluga province in May 2025

TH’s dairy herd in Kaluga currently achieves one of the highest productivity levels in Russia, producing over 40 litres per cow per day. On May 11, the company inaugurated its fresh milk processing plant in Kaluga, with a total capacity of 1,000 tonnes per day (Phase 1: 500 tonnes/day), in a ceremony attended by Vietnamese General Secretary To Lam and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko. The facility is among the largest milk processing plants in Russia.

The Kaluga delegation visited the milking area of Farm No.3, home to about 7,000 of the nearly 70,000 high-yield dairy cows imported from New Zealand and the United States. The farm features some of Vietnam’s most advanced milking systems, ensuring a completely sealed process from milking to packaging – preventing any air exposure and preserving the freshness, purity, and nutritional value of TH true MILK products.

Data plays a central role in ensuring milk quality and herd health. TH uses Afifarm, one of the world’s leading farm management technologies developed by Afimilk from Israel.

Each cow is fitted with an electronic chip on its leg or neck, acting as a ‘digital guardian’ that tracks and transmits real-time health and activity data to the central control centre. The milk-metering devices in the milking system record milk volume and quality indicators, helping detect and predict mastitis at an early stage.

The delegation next visited TH’s IVF laboratory, where the company has mastered in-vitro fertilisation technology, enabling the creation of high-quality purebred dairy cows with productivity comparable to America’s best breeds – right in Vietnam.

At TH’s feed mill – an essential link in the international-standard dairy farming chain – the delegation learned about the daily production and mixing of roughly 2,000 tonnes of feed for the 70,000-cow herd. The facility is equipped with advanced machinery and an ISO 17025-certified laboratory using near-infrared spectroscopy for raw material quality control.

The Kaluga delegation also toured the Nui Tien pure water, herbal, and fruit beverage factory. With an investment of $47 million, the plant is equipped with 100 per cent automated, energy-efficient, environmentally friendly production lines for purified water, natural juices, rice beverages, and herbal teas.