The Nordic Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (NordCham) recently celebrated its annual Nordic Business Awards, spotlighting companies exemplifying integrity and innovation within Vietnam. Held at the Sofitel Saigon Plaza, this year’s event gathered over 200 leaders, 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 with Trade Commissioners, and over 200 business leaders and investors from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden to recognize outstanding Nordic companies making a mark in Vietnam.
The awards reflected NordCham’s 2024 theme, “Nordic Integrity & Innovation,” emphasizing sustainable, ethical practices alongside groundbreaking solutions. In her opening remarks, Eva Maria Hanson, Chairwoman of NordCham Vietnam, highlighted that the awards are part of a broader mission to honor businesses working collaboratively with Vietnamese partners to drive responsible and sustainable growth.
Among the winners, Vestas Wind Technology Vietnam LLC took home the Green Business of the Year award for its leadership in sustainable energy. As the world’s largest wind turbine manufacturer, Vestas has significantly impacted Vietnam’s renewable energy landscape, employing 140 people nationwide and emphasizing initiatives for carbon neutrality and emissions reduction.
Business Innovation Award went to Bloom™, an initiative by Tetra Pak and DenEast, aimed at helping businesses across Southeast Asia to scale new food and beverage products. Their collaborative approach streamlines processes from concept to commercialization, reducing environmental impact and operational costs.
For excellence in small and medium-sized enterprises, SME Excellence Award honored Eagle Technology. This Norwegian company, established in 2023, provides innovative solutions for waste treatment and recycling, employing 23 associates in Binh Duong, Vietnam.
The Diversity & Inclusion Award, titled Work the Nordic Way, was awarded to Ericsson Vietnam. Celebrated for its commitment to gender equality, Ericsson has a 50% female management team, with 70% of its interns being female and a pay gap of less than 1%, making it one of Vietnam’s most inclusive medium-sized companies to work for in 2024.
Lastly, the Nordic Growth Award was presented to Sweco Vietnam, operating under Boydens Vietnam, for its commitment to sustainable construction and healthcare infrastructure development. This firm, with roots in Sweden, is dedicated to advancing net-zero energy buildings.
Beyond the awards, the evening featured Nordic-inspired festivities, including a curated menu by Danish Chef Camilla Bailey and a charity raffle supporting Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation, raising over 40 million VND for flood relief in northern Vietnam.
The winners of the top three awards will advance to the EuroCham Business Awards, underscoring NordCham’s commitment to furthering ethical and innovative practices in Vietnam.
