Excellent Lessons from the Winners of the 2023 Vietnam Excellence Awards

What are the Vietnam Excellence Awards?

The Vietnam Excellence Awards are a prestigious program organized by Anphabe, in coordination with the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), the British Chamber of Commerce Vietnam (BritCham), the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham), the Australian Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (AusCham), the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (CanCham), and the Hong Kong Business Association Vietnam (HKBAV).

The awards aims to honor leaders and organizations that have achieved exceptional success in transforming their businesses through talent and workplace development.

The winners of these awards are not just recognized for their achievements but also serve as role models for the wider business community in Vietnam.

My Experience as a Member of the Advisory Board

Having served on the advisory board of the Vietnam Excellence Awards twice (in 2021 and 2023), I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the remarkable achievements and transformative initiatives of various leaders and organizations.

The experience has been profoundly enriching, allowing me to engage with innovative minds and visionary leaders who are dedicated to creating positive change within their organizations and the broader community.

The advisory board is composed of esteemed professionals with diverse expertise, including Professor Nguyen Duc Khuong, Ms. Bui Kim Thuy, Mr. Vo Tan Thanh, Ms. Thanh Nguyen, Ms. Winnie Lam, Mr. Simon Fraser, and myself, Joshua James.

Each member brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, contributing to the recognition and celebration of excellent practices in business and leadership that the Vietnam Excellence Awards stands for.

And the Winners Are...

Transformative Catalyst

The Transformative Catalyst category recognizes leaders who have successfully led large-scale organizational changes through innovative solutions, enhancing efficiency and productivity.

Amway Vietnam

I have always admired leadership teams that prioritize the well-being and growth of their employees, and Amway Vietnam's team embodies this ethos beautifully.

Their vision of "Helping People Live Better, Healthier Lives" is more than just a slogan; it’s a testament to their innovative spirit and dedication.

By focusing on Business Transformation, Cultural Transformation, and Talent Pipeline Transformation, they have not only sustained impressive growth for five consecutive years but also placed Vietnam among Amway's top revenue-generating markets globally in 2022.

What truly impresses me is their ability to integrate product values into the organizational culture, creating a profound sense of purpose and connection among employees.

This innovative approach has led to high employee satisfaction and enhanced business performance, proving that compassionate and effective leadership can drive remarkable success.

Saint-Gobain Vietnam

Saint-Gobain in Vietnam's strategic prowess and resilience in the face of real estate market challenges are truly inspiring. Their leadership team’s use of technology and data to maintain their leading position in the building materials industry demonstrates forward-thinking and adaptability.

Their focus on business model transformation, holistic digital transformation, and fostering a strong corporate culture is particularly admirable.

Their commitment to building and connecting a robust corporate culture, even amidst the global pandemic, speaks volumes about their dedication.

The significant improvements and timely strategies they have implemented highlight their effort to create a sustainable and positive workplace environment.

This dedication to cultural transformation is something I deeply respect and find incredibly impressive.

People Champion

The People Champion award recognizes leaders who are relentless in attracting, cultivating, and retaining high-performance teams, fostering a people-oriented environment.

We were particularly looking to honour leaders who create supportive workplaces in challenging and dynamic sectors.

VinaCapital

The senior management team at VinaCapital has built a widely known reputation for fostering a culture of engagement, high performance, and people development.

Their commitment to prioritizing employees as their most valuable asset and promoting skill development and community awareness is nothing short of inspiring.

Through initiatives like the VinaCapital Foundation, they demonstrate a profound commitment to social responsibility, making a significant positive impact on Vietnamese society.

The sense of belonging they have created among their employees, combined with ample opportunities for career advancement, is particularly impressive.

This strong, inclusive culture at VinaCapital stands as a shining example of how responsible and thoughtful leadership can transform both business and community.

Their approach aligns perfectly with my belief that business and education can work together to change the world for the better.

Mr. Nguyen Quang Thai, Thai Minh Pharmaceuticals

Mr. Nguyen Quang Thai's leadership at Thai Minh Pharmaceuticals is truly inspirational.

His "The Transformer" training program fosters a culture of continuous learning, innovation, and courage, enabling employees to grow and become better versions of themselves.

Additionally, his annual "Super Thai Minh Camp" initiative strengthens teamwork, accountability, and appreciation for their work.

Mr. Thai's unwavering commitment to creating a culture of continuous improvement and employee development positions Thai Minh Pharmaceuticals as a forward-thinking and dynamic organization.

His dedication to nurturing talent and fostering a learning environment is something I deeply admire.

Mr. Dung Tran, Spartronics Vietnam

Mr. Dung Tran, General Director of Spartronics Vietnam, has led the company to remarkable success with a clear and thoughtful people management philosophy.

His emphasis on vision, strategy execution, cultural identity, and talent development has been crucial in maintaining Spartronics' top position in growth rate within the group for many years.

What impresses me most is Mr. Tran’s strategic and employee-focused initiatives during the pandemic.

By decisively moving the factory and building a new workplace, he addressed the needs of all employee groups, thereby strengthening trust and commitment within the company.

His leadership comes across as a testament to the power of caring for both employees and their families' lives and futures.

Schneider Electric

Schneider Electric’s leadership team is a beacon of diversity and inclusion, actively breaking gender stereotypes within their industry.

Their focus on digital transformation, recognition, reward, and employee care underscores their commitment to fostering an empowering and inclusive work environment.

The success of Schneider Electric, driven by their unity and strategic vision, is truly commendable.

By building a robust training system and taking meticulous care of their employees, they have not only achieved business success but also created a supportive and progressive workplace culture.

Their efforts in leading the young generations to develop in the future are particularly admirable and align with my values of continuous improvement and people development.

Visionary Leader

For the category of Visionary Leader, we were looking out for outstanding CEOs or leadership teams who were seen to be inspiring and uniting forces within their organizations. Specifically, we were looking for leaders who fostered a shared purpose resulting in significant business performance and sustainability.

Highlands Coffee

If you have even set foot in Vietnam for even a moment, you have probably seen a Highlands Coffee shop. They're everywhere and they are loved for their great quality and strong customer service.

David Thai, the CEO and founder of Highlands Coffee, embarked on a remarkable journey with the vision to "bring the best of Vietnam to the world."

Hhis aspiration has driven the entire leadership team and employees, resulting in the establishment of over 600 stores in Vietnam and more than 50 stores in the Philippines.

Under David Thai's inspirational leadership, Highlands Coffee has combined local expertise with international best practices, making it a global brand that showcases Vietnamese culture and quality.

The company’s commitment to excellence and vision continues to drive its remarkable success and expansion. Their journey is a true testament to the power of visionary leadership and dedication.

Suntory PepsiCo Vietnam

Suntory PepsiCo Vietnam’s leadership team embodies the Yatte Minahare spirit, which encourages dreaming big, taking on challenges, and never giving up.

The company's mission and vision are to continue to strengthen and maintain the leading position in the beverage industry while living with the company's values. 

Suntory's commitment to sustained growth is driven by responsible, empowered people who care for customers and the world, sell products they are proud of, communicate with trust and candor, balance short-term and long-term goals, embrace diversity and inclusion, and respect others to succeed together.

By consistently aligning business results with people development, they have ensured future success through continuous investment in process optimization, digital transformation, and next-generation talent.

Their ability to "Live the Vision" sets them apart, ensuring continued growth and impact. And Mr. Minahare's leadership deserved recognition.

Mr. Vaibhav Bhanchawat, Marico SEA

What impressed us?

With over 23 years of experience, Mr. Vaibhav Bhanchawat has led Marico SEA through significant business transformation, delivering remarkable growth.

His ambitious vision and strategic approach have fostered a strong people culture within the organization, enhancing employee engagement and motivation. The application had the testimonials and narrative to back it up.

Under Mr. Bhanchawat's leadership, Marico SEA has become a leading player in the male grooming sector, achieving double-digit growth.

His constant efforts to build a cohesive and motivated workforce exemplify the profound impact of visionary leadership on business success. His ability to inspire and lead by example is something I greatly admire.

Final Say on the Winners of the Vietnam Excellence Awards

The 2023 Vietnam Excellence Awards highlighted companies that truly care for their employees. This was evident from strong applications filled with staff testimonials, surveys, and robust data.

Winning any award starts with submitting an application. For these businesses, this was the fundamental step to victory.

These companies showcased a sincere commitment to empowering and supporting their staff, fostering collaborative and positive work cultures. Their dedication to employee well-being set a high standard for excellence.

So companies can take inspiration from these winning companies by making people a part of their strategies, and also dedicating the time to write an application.

Winning will also attract great staff to join a great company. And that is an important way for a company to win twice from the excellence awards.

If you're preparing an entry for the Vietnam Excellence Awards and need guidance on crafting a winning submission, feel free to get in touch.

I’d be happy to share insights and help you succeed.