On Friday, 27 September 2024, the Nordic Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (NordCham) hosted its annual signature event, the Nordic Business Awards 2024, celebrating the values and contributions of Nordic businesses in Vietnam. This year’s theme, “Nordic Integrity & Innovation,” highlighted the core values of ethical practices and pioneering innovation that define Nordic enterprises.
The event took place at Sofitel Saigon Plaza in Ho Chi Minh City, gathering Nordic Ambassadors including the Ambassador of Norway, H.E. Hilde Sobalken, the Ambassador of Sweden, H.E. Johan Ndisi, the Ambassador of Finland, H.E. Keijo Norvanto, and the Ambassador of Denmark, H.E. Nicolai Pryzt, alongside Trade Commissioners and over 200 business leaders and investors from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden to celebrate the best of Nordic business in Vietnam.
Opening the Nordic Business Awards Gala Dinner 2024, Mrs. Eva Maria Hanson, Chairwoman of NordCham Vietnam, highlighted:
“Following our 25th anniversary celebration last year, we continue to honor Nordic excellence through the Nordic Business Awards. This year’s theme, “Nordic Integrity & Innovation,” highlights the ethical practices and pioneering spirit that define our enterprises. We celebrate companies working alongside Vietnamese partners that exemplify these values, showcasing their contributions to sustainable growth and responsible business practices.”
Commenting about the event, the Ambassador of Finland to Vietnam, H.E. Keijo Norvanto, stated:
“Nordic companies in Vietnam are distinguished by their strong commitment to sustainability, ethical business practices, and innovation. They integrate environmental responsibility into their operations and lead in sectors such as clean energy and technology, significantly contributing to Vietnam’s modernization. With high standards of transparency and integrity, they uphold fair labor practices, ensuring safe working conditions and equitable treatment.”
Nordic Business Awards 2024 received high-quality submissions with a total of 35 applications which were reviewed, with criteria including focus, relevance to the theme, and alignment with KPIs, contributing to a comprehensive assessment of each submission. This year, NordCham gladly presented the awards to our champions which are:
- Green Business of the Year: Vestas Wind Technology Vietnam LLC
Vestas is the world’s largest manufacturer of wind turbines and a leader in sustainable energy solutions, dedicated to driving the transition to a sustainable future. Since entering Vietnam in 2011, Vestas has installed over 1.6 GW of wind turbines and employs approximately 140 colleagues nationwide. Their environmental initiatives prioritize carbon neutrality, emissions reduction, waste reduction, and community engagement, all seamlessly integrated into their corporate culture.
- Business Innovation Award: Bloom. ™ by TetraPak X DenEast
Bloom. ™ is an innovative platform created through the strategic partnership between Tetra Pak and DenEast, designed to help businesses in Southeast Asia develop and scale new food and beverage products. Not only is the process from concept to commercial production innovative, but so is the collaboration between these two companies, which reduces costs, enables market breakthroughs, and minimizes environmental impact.
- SME Excellence Award: Eagle Technology
Eagle Technology, a Norwegian provider of sustainable technology systems, offers innovative solutions for slop water treatment, drilling cuttings destruction, and plastic waste recycling. Established in early 2023, Eagle Technology Vietnam now employs 23 associates at its principal office in Binh Duong province, north of Ho Chi Minh City.
- Work the Nordic Way (Diversity & Inclusion Award): Ericsson Vietnam
Diversity and Inclusion are integral to Ericsson’s mission. In Vietnam, they have made significant strides, including appointing their first female CEO, achieving 50% female representation on the management board, and maintaining 33% female overall, with 70% of interns being female and a pay gap of less than 1%. Their commitment to fostering a culture of belonging earned Ericsson Vietnam the distinction of 4th best place to work in the medium-sized company category by Great Place To Work in May 2024
- Nordic Growth Award: Sweco Vietnam (Boydens Vietnam part of Sweco)
Boydens Vietnam part of Sweco, a leading engineering consultancy with roots in Sweden, which offers services under both brands. Their focus is on advancing sustainable construction, with a strong commitment to achieving net-zero energy buildings and addressing healthcare infrastructure needs.
Winners of the first three categories will also progress to the finals of the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham) Business Awards on 22 October 2024.
In addition to the awards ceremony, the event showcased a Nordic-themed evening of festivities, where innovation and integrity was evident throughout the entire agenda and setup. Guests enjoyed a delightful Nordic feast curated by Danish Chef Camilla Bailey, a take-home sustainable vegetable bouquet, live music, and a raffle in collaboration with the Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation, with VND40,100,000 fundraised going to their operations and supporting flood relief efforts in northern Vietnam.
The evening received strong support from numerous Nordic companies, including Vestas, TetraPak, Carlsberg, LEGO, JOTUN, Scancom, FPT Software, ECCO, and many others. This impressive turnout highlights the diverse range of Nordic businesses joining forces with Vietnamese partners in Vietnam.
For more information about the Nordic Business Awards, or to request an interview, please contact: communications@nordchamvietnam.com
