On Friday, September 26th 2025, the Nordic business community in Vietnam gathered for the highly anticipated Nordic Business Awards 2025, hosted by Nordic Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (NordCham), an evening dedicated to celebrating excellence, innovation and the spirit of Nordic values.
The Nordic community spent a memorable evening recognising outstanding achievement across seven award categories – Green Business of the Year, Work the Nordic Way – Best Place to Work, Community Impact, Business Innovation, SME Excellence and Nordic Leadership Award. The Palme d’Or of this year’s awards, Nordic Company of the Year, was selected by the judging panel as the overall winner from the first five award categories. This year, NordCham offered its heartfelt congratulations to all the worthy champions, who are:
1. Nordic Company of the Year: Vestas Wind System A/S
Vestas, founded in 1945 in Denmark, is a global leader in wind turbines and sustainable energy solutions, with over 193 GW installed across 88 countries, avoiding 245 million tonnes of CO₂. Ranked the world’s most sustainable energy solutions company in 2025, Vestas covers the full wind project lifecycle. In Vietnam since 2011, Vestas has installed 1.6 GW and services 400+ turbines powering 5 million households, preventing 3 million tonnes of CO₂ annually. With 180+ colleagues nationwide, Vestas supports Vietnam’s clean energy transition with safe, efficient, and reliable wind solutions.
2. Green Business of the Year Award: Hitachi Energy
Hitachi Energy is a global leader in power grids, delivering engineering services, grid automation, high-voltage products and transformers. Guided by the purpose “Inspire the next era of sustainable energy”, they embed sustainability into every aspect of our strategy—planet, people and principles—covering environment, safety, human rights, diversity, and governance. Recognised by CDP, SBTi, and EcoVadis, they achieved a Platinum rating in 2025, ranking among the top 1% in sustainability. In Vietnam for 30+ years, with 800 employees across Hanoi, Bac Ninh, Da Nang and HCMC, Hitachi Energy strengthens the nation’s power infrastructure while supporting local communities and clean energy transition.
3. Work the Nordic Way – Best Place to Work Award: Carlsberg Vietnam
Carlsberg Vietnam, one of the first Danish multinationals in Vietnam since the 1990s, has grown into a leading brewer with 3,800 employees delivering both international brands like Carlsberg, Tuborg, 1664 Blanc, and Somersby, and local icons Huda and Halida. Guided by their purpose “Brewing for a better today and tomorrow” and the Group’s Together Towards ZERO & Beyond strategy, Carlsberg Vietnam drives sustainability, innovation and community impact. Recognised three years in a row as one of Asia’s Best Companies to Work For, with 40% female leadership, strong DE&I, and high engagement, they proudly combine business success with people success.
4. Community Impact Award: AstraZeneca Vietnam
AstraZeneca Vietnam is a trusted partner in the country’s healthcare transformation, with 30+ years of innovation and partnerships to advance patient care. As part of the global AstraZeneca family, they invest $310 million (2020–2030) to reduce disease burden, enhance local R&D, boost pharmaceutical manufacturing and nurture Vietnamese talent. Through initiatives like the Healthy Lung Program, Young Health Program and CaReMe, AstraZeneca improves prevention and treatment of major diseases while driving health equity. Their $50 million AZ Forest commitment supports Vietnam’s net-zero goals. Guided by science, innovation, and sustainability, they aim to build a healthier Vietnam for generations.
5. Business Innovation Award: VARD Vung Tau, Ltd.
VARD, headquartered in Norway with 8,200 employees, is a global leader in designing and building specialised vessels, supported by facilities in Norway, Romania, Brazil, and Vietnam. A subsidiary of FINCANTIERI, one of the world’s largest shipbuilders, VARD delivers highly customised vessels alongside advanced power, automation, and engineering solutions. In Vietnam, Vard Vung Tau—established in 2006—has become one of Southeast Asia’s most advanced shipyards, driving innovation, sustainability and local talent development. Pioneering hybrid propulsion, energy storage, and the award-winning Ocean Charger, VARD combines Nordic values with Vietnamese expertise to lead the transition toward sustainable maritime solutions.
6. SME Excellence Award: RecyGlo Vietnam
RecyGlo Vietnam is a leading sustainability solutions provider specialising in waste management, recycling and circular economy services. Through their digital platform, clients gain real-time insights into waste streams, recycling rates, carbon savings and EPR compliance, enabling measurable sustainability goals. RecyGlo designs tailored programs across industries to transition businesses toward zero-waste practices, tackling challenges like plastic pollution and e-waste through closed-loop and recovery systems. Beyond services, their workshops and campaigns empower communities with sustainable habits. Supporting Vietnam’s net-zero 2050 vision, RecyGlo combines technology, expertise and education to redefine resource value and drive the country’s circular economy.
7. Nordic Leadership Award: H.E. Nicolai Prytz, the Ambassador of Denmark to Vietnam
A highlight of the evening was the annual special award recognising an individual for their special contribution to the Nordic business community. This year, the honour went to H.E. Nicolai Prytz, whose tenure has set a new benchmark for collaboration and engagement. Through his leadership, he strengthened ties with both the Nordic business community and the Danish diaspora, fostering communications, inclusion and the contribution of the Nordic community.
Winners of the Green Business of the Year Award, Community Impact Award and Business Innovation Award will proceed to compete at the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham) Business Awards on 31 October 2025.
The Nordic Business Awards 2025 took place at Sofitel Saigon Plaza in Ho Chi Minh City, gathering Nordic Ambassadors H.E. Nicolai Prytz, the Ambassador of Denmark to Vietnam, and H.E. Pekka Voutilainen, the Ambassador of Finland to Vietnam with over 200 business leaders and investors from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden to celebrate the best of Nordic business community in Vietnam.
The Gala night also showcased a Nordic-centric evening of festivities, where creativity, sustainability and recognition were presented throughout the entire setup and agenda. Our distinguished guests were treated to an epicurean extravaganza of Nordic delicacies from Michelin-starred Danish chefs, David B. Randel and Naja Strandbygaard.
Opening the Nordic Business Awards Gala Dinner 2025, Mr. Thue Quist Thomasen, Chairman of NordCham Vietnam highlighted:
“The focus this year is on Green Impact, Innovation, the Nordic way of working, and making a positive impact in our communities. Four areas where Nordic companies continue to make excellent strides […] Beyond the winners and contestants tonight, we are here to celebrate the progress we have made in Nordic-Vietnamese business. Change is a constant in Vietnam, and as Nordic companies and employers, we provide essential inspiration when we follow our values and do business the right way.”
The Nordic Business Awards 2025 received great support from numerous Nordic and international companies, including top sponsor Kingspan, sponsors Carlsberg Vietnam and DSV and in-kind sponsors Vietnam Airlines, InterContinental Halong Bay Resort, Minor Hotels, Qatar Airways, LEGO, Sofitel Saigon Plaza, 25Hours Hotel, ECCO, Annam Group, Warehouse, Evian, SalMar and BARTELS.
For more information about the Nordic Business Awards, please contact Ms. Nguyet Anh at [email protected].
Photo credit: B9 Media Co., Ltd