Vietnam news in brief - March 15

Vingroup wins  ASEAN ESG award for high-tech solutions

Dr Morgan Carroll (right) represents Vingroup at the ASEAN Tech for ESG Award 2023 ceremony in Singapore. Photo courtesy of the company.

Vingroup, Vietnam's largest private conglomerate, has won the AIBP 2023 ASEAN Tech for ESG Award for its 'Creating a Green Future' project. Using AI, IoT, robotics, immersive technology and blockchain, Vingroup has tackled sustainability challenges across its multi-industry portfolio. Key initiatives include transitioning to smart electric vehicle manufacturing, implementing smart city solutions, and using VR/AR in healthcare.

The conglomerate's efforts are in line with ESG principles, reducing carbon emissions, creating jobs, improving education and promoting economic development. Vingroup's achievements exemplify its commitment to building a greener and more sustainable future for Southeast Asia.

Vietnam's banh mi tops list of world's best sandwiches

Vietnam’s banh mi  has topped the Taste Atlas list of the world's 100 best sandwiches, the Vietnam National Tourism Authority announced on  March 14. The food is described as having the same core ingredients as a baguette, which was brought to the country during the French colonial period.

Today, banh mi is one of the best fast foods in Vietnam. The most famous brands include Banh mi Hoi An, Banh mi Huynh Hoa and Banh mi Hoa Ma (both in Ho Chi Minh City).

Vietnam tops list of most targeted ASEAN countries for cyber-attacks

Along with Indonesia and Thailand, Vietnam ranks third in ASEAN for cyberattacks in 2023, mainly ransomware attacks that hit 83,000 computers and servers, according to IBM's latest report. Ransomware attacks are considered the primary tool for cyber attacks, followed by phishing.

Of the cyberattacks in Vietnam in 2023, 46% targeted the manufacturing sector. IBM also predicts that cybercriminals will continue to aim their cyber attacks at the manufacturing sector in 2024.

FPT sets 2024 revenue target of US$2.5 billion

Vietnamese technology firm FPT Corporation has set its 2024 business plan with a revenue target of US$2.5 billion and a pre-tax profit of VND10.87 trillion ($439 million), up 17.5% and 18.2%, respectively, from 2023.

From 2024 to 2026, the Vietnamese company will focus on rapidly expanding services, sectors and global markets, particularly in the automotive software industry, with a growth target of 50% per year and a revenue milestone of US$1 billion by 2030. Projections include 50% annual growth, 70 million chip orders by 2025 and the training of 10,000 engineers by 2030.

Japan to strengthen seafood processing cooperation with Vietnam

Given Vietnam's strengths in seafood processing, many Japanese seafood companies are looking to strengthen cooperation and outsource processing for export to markets such as the US and ASEAN countries, said Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) at a seafood business networking event in Vietnam on March 14, the Vietnam News Agency reported.