A delegation of 14 financial institutions from six countries, led by the Maybank Investment Banking Group (Maybank IBG), visited Vietnam recently to explore the local market. They were hosted by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and discussed investment potential, particularly in the financial and business environments for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups; areas where Maybank and its partner investment funds excel.

With assets surpassing $200 billion, Maybank IBG is part of the Maybank,   as Malaysia’s largest financial conglomerate and the fourth-largest in ASEAN. Mr. Nguyen Manh Dung, Vice President and Head of Institutional Sales and Institutional Brokerage at Maybank Investment Bank Vietnam, noted that Maybank has been present in Vietnam since 1996, providing banking and securities services. Moreover, it has strategically invested in the An Binh Commercial Joint Stock Bank since 2008. Maybank IBG also serves as a credit partner for numerous domestic corporations and groups like Vingroup, Hoa Phat, and Thaco.

Apart from Maybank IBG, the delegation also comprised of representatives from investment funds of the Malaysian Government, such as LTH and KWAP (which are major stakeholders in Gamuda Group, Tan Chong Motor, Public Bank, and Hong Leong Bank), and SCBAM from Thailand, who came to explore investment prospects in Vietnam.

Other noteworthy partners include Asset Plus from Thailand, a fund with assets totaling approximately $1.2 billion and a significant shareholder in many large ASEAN enterprises; Nomura Asset Management from Japan, a leading global fund manager overseeing more than $500 billion in global assets focusing on sustainable, long-term investment strategies; and Haitong International from Hong Kong (China), which manages assets of up to $125 billion and is recognized for its strong ESG practices and corporate governance, with an “A” rating from MSCI for ESG initiatives and inclusion in the FTSE4Good Index.

Speaking at the reception, Vice Chairman of VCCI Nguyen Quang Vinh expressed his gratitude for the keen interest shown by the investment funds in exploring Vietnam’s potential. Serving as the national organization representing the business community, entrepreneurs, the workforce, and business associations in Vietnam, VCCI pledged to furnish investors with market insights and to foster effective business ventures in the country.

Mr. Vinh highlighted Vietnam’s promising demographics, with a population approaching 100 million, coupled with a plentiful young workforce, stable socio-political environment, and pivotal investment attraction policies enacted by the government. Over recent years, numerous leading global conglomerates have demonstrated an interest in and commitment to investing in Vietnam in various sectors, including semiconductors, high-tech manufacturing, and clean energy. Furthermore, Vietnam boasts robust infrastructure, skilled human resources, and government initiatives aimed at embracing emerging fields like technology, semiconductors, the green economy, clean energy, and startup investments. These ongoing enhancements underscore Vietnam’s readiness to meet the needs of foreign investors, laying solid groundwork for interested parties to explore and pursue long-term collaborative opportunities in the future.