Press and private sector forge values together for a new era

Press and private sector forge values together for a new era

Vietnam’s media continues to stand alongside the country’s progress, acting as a vital bridge between policy and daily life, and between the state and both citizens and businesses.

Marking the June 21 centennial of Vietnam Journalists’ Day, a talk show titled on the media was held on June 19 in Hanoi by VIR. The event brought together experts and business leaders in an open exchange between media professionals and business representatives, examining the partnership between the press and enterprises.

It highlighted the media’s role in conveying policy, reflecting innovative practices, and contributing to the improvement of the business and investment environment. Furthermore, the event showcased successful business models that build public trust, promote innovation and science-technology breakthroughs, and elevate Vietnamese business brands, ultimately contributing to the nation’s development in this new era.

This effort aligns with the core missions of Vietnamese journalism today, particularly in communicating the pillars of national development outlined in key Party resolutions on sci-tech transformation, international integration, legal reform, and developing the private sector.

According to Nguyen Quang Huy, CEO of the Faculty of Finance and Banking at Nguyen Trai University, the press plays a crucial role in disseminating the spirit of resolutions, such as the one on the new private sector vision, to the business community and the wider public, helping to dismantle old stereotypes of private enterprises as small-scale or fragmented operations.

“The media is the official communication channel of the Party and state. It helps the public better understand that private enterprises are no longer merely small traders, they are job creators, tax contributors, and innovation leaders. Corporations like Vingroup and FPT stand as proof of the private sector’s maturity,” said Huy.

He further added that recognition and support from the media would further motivate businesses to grow into dynamic, innovative enterprises capable of competing globally.

“The media must be a source of inspiration and trust. When businesses feel accompanied and appreciated, they are more determined to become national champions, contributing to Vietnam’s breakthrough development in this new era,” Huy said.

Le Thi Thu Nguyet, director of Corporate Marketing & PR at Muong Thanh Group, noted that the recognition from the party, state, and official media has created a fresh sense of motivation for private enterprises.

“Never before have we felt so strongly acknowledged. It’s a huge driving force for Vietnamese brands to reach out to the world,” she said.

With over 30 years of development, Muong Thanh has built a hotel chain that proudly bears a distinctly Vietnamese identity, maintaining service quality and preserving emotional value for its guests. The company’s international expansion since 2016, with a hotel in Laos, demonstrates that private Vietnamese businesses can integrate globally with the right strategy.

“Our hotels are developed and operated by Vietnamese people, and they promote Vietnamese culture to international guests. That’s a unique advantage that no foreign brand can replicate,” Nguyet said.

However, she also acknowledged that expanding abroad as a private Vietnamese company is a complex challenge, requiring significant efforts to overcome institutional, financial, and branding barriers. Muong Thanh thus hopes to continue receiving media support, both in timely policy communication and in building a strong Vietnamese brand image globally.

“This collaboration benefits individual businesses and also elevates Vietnam’s economic reputation internationally,” Nguyet said.

MVV Group chairman Nguyen Thanh Son believes this is an especially favourable period for private businesses to thrive, as financial and technological barriers are gradually being removed. However, he cautions that long-term success cannot rely solely on market opportunities. Instead, businesses must invest in human capital, both in leadership and in their next generation of talent. In that process, media plays a pivotal role.

According to Son, the press must accompany businesses in clearly defining their brand identity, thereby building lasting trust with customers and the wider community.

“Businesses cannot develop sustainably based solely on market opportunities, they must invest in people, from leaders to successors. In that journey, the media plays a key role in shaping brand identity and fostering trust,” he said.

All experts and business representatives at the talk show agreed on the importance of building a long-term, strategic partnership between the media and the business community. This relationship must go beyond mere news coverage or branding, and should evolve into a collaborative alliance that promotes sustainable development and national advancement, they said.

Le Thi Thu Nguyet, corporate Marketing & PR director Muong Thanh Group

The role of the media today extends far beyond simply reporting on policies or legal frameworks, it plays a critical part in helping businesses identify and seize investment and commercial opportunities. This role is becoming increasingly significant in the current landscape.

Mainstream media, in particular, holds a unique ability to build and reinforce public trust. It also serves as an effective extended arm in disseminating information about policy changes, market trends, and potential business opportunities. That said, businesses themselves must also be proactive in filtering and selecting information, knowing which sources are credible, which opportunities align with their industry, and which are consistent with their long-term strategic goals. This is a vital strategic skill.

Beyond macro-level investment prospects, the media offers another highly practical and ever-present advantage: the opportunity to connect with customers. For service-oriented enterprises such as Muong Thanh Group, mainstream journalism is a vital channel for product promotion, customer engagement, and brand trust-building.

In today’s information-saturated world, with its multitude of media channels, social platforms, and constantly generated content, mainstream journalism continues to hold a special place. It remains a trusted source with unparalleled power to shape perception and foster credibility.

For this reason, being featured in reputable media, particularly in thoughtful, well-researched, and objective coverage, is not merely a communications opportunity. It is, in fact, a strategic pillar of long-term business development.

Nguyen Thanh Son, chairman, MVV Group

Communication today plays an increasingly vital role as the bridge between businesses and their wider network of stakeholders. From the standpoint of someone working in strategic communications, I firmly believe that no business can thrive in isolation. Long-term success depends on building and sustaining strong, meaningful relationships across all relevant parties.

These stakeholders go far beyond just customers. They include government agencies, partner organisations, the media, industry influencers, and the communities in which businesses operate. Within this ecosystem, the press serves as a critical connector, both as a catalyst for engagement and as a trusted channel for information flow.

Journalism enables businesses to better understand the environment in which they operate, be it regulatory changes, legal frameworks, or evolving market dynamics. More importantly, it allows them to spot and act on emerging opportunities. Amid the noise of today’s saturated information landscape, mainstream media remains one of the most reliable sources of trusted, verified information, an essential foundation for building trust between businesses and society.

For any enterprise aiming to endure and grow sustainably, trust is non-negotiable. And to cultivate that trust, effective communication, especially through credible journalism, is indispensable. I am convinced that, in today’s fast-changing world, the media holds a uniquely important role in shaping the path towards long-term, responsible growth for Vietnam’s private sector and beyond.

Nguyen Quang Huy, CEO, Faculty of Finance and Banking, Nguyen Trai University

The media plays a profoundly important role in the development of the economy and society at large, as well as in supporting the sustainable growth of individual businesses. As the official communication channel of the Party and the state, the press serves to disseminate and interpret major political, economic, and cultural policies, helping both the public and the business community to understand and align with national objectives.

In today’s rapidly evolving global economy, where integration deepens and legal frameworks are frequently updated, journalism acts as a vital bridge. It enables businesses to grasp policy changes fully and in a timely manner, equipping them to adapt with agility and operate with confidence in a shifting landscape. This connection is essential for ensuring both regulatory compliance and long-term resilience.

From a broader societal perspective, the role of the press is even more pronounced. Over the past century, journalism in Vietnam has contributed to raising public awareness, fostering cultural and intellectual development, and keeping citizens informed about both domestic events and global trends. This constant flow of verified, contextualised information empowers people with the knowledge needed to navigate a complex and fast-changing world.

In an age characterised by information overload and fragmented sources, traditional journalism stands out as a trusted guide. Often referred to as the “secretary of the times,” the press not only reports but also explains and frames issues in ways that shape public understanding and societal consensus.

For businesses, this role is indispensable. The media is not merely an observer but a reliable companion, one that helps identify emerging trends, clarify regulations, and provide the strategic insights necessary for well-informed decision-making and sustainable development.

Lance Li, CEO BW Industial Development

VIR has grown alongside Vietnam’s economic rise, providing timely, credible insights that guide both local businesses and global investors.

In a world shaped by rapid change, its stories do more than inform, they inspire, connect, and empower better decisions. At BW, we deeply value the power of truthful, insightful journalism, where facts meet context, and data comes alive through the lens of real-world progress.

VIR’s reporting has helped us, and others, navigate complexity, build trust, and act with clarity. We are proud of our long-standing partnership and look forward to continuing this journey together, supporting Vietnam’s industrial growth and sustainable development through the enduring power of good journalism.

Kenneth Atkinson, founder and senior adviser Grant Thornton Vietnam

The press plays a crucial role in strengthening partnerships between Vietnam and other countries. They serve as vital platforms for disseminating information about Vietnam’s economic and cultural strengths to both local and international readers and, of course, disseminating information on what is happening in other countries.

By highlighting successful collaborations, investment opportunities, and cultural exchanges, these outlets foster a positive image, encouraging foreign investments and partnerships. They also provide insights into Vietnam’s business environment, regulatory changes, and market trends, which are essential for international investors looking to establish or expand their presence in Vietnam.

Nguyen Thi Ngoc Hue, senior general manager People and Brand Strategy AEON Vietnam

AEON Vietnam is grateful for all the support from press agencies throughout the years, especially VIR. Through printed and online magazines, VIR has been dedicated to bringing highlight news and in-depth analysis of policies, business trends, and investment in Vietnam. Hence, business leaders can update themselves with the latest information for important business decisions.

Furthermore, the talk shows, seminars, and similar events organised by VIR are hubs that connect government, corporations, and organisations, sharing trending topics relating not only to business but also contributing to the development of Vietnam.

We believe trusted media partners like VIR will continue to play a pivotal role in connecting enterprises with society.

Vivie Wei, country director, Dezan Shira & Associates Vietnam

Our collaboration with VIR stands out as one of our most valuable media partnerships. Over the years, we’ve appreciated the opportunity to contribute insights and analysis on foreign direct investment and related matters in Vietnam, supporting informed investment decisions and policy evaluation.

Your commitment to quality journalism and in-depth business reporting has supported our mission to inform and guide investors operating in or entering Vietnam.

We look forward to continuing this fruitful collaboration and to contributing to the high standards of reporting your publication upholds. May June 21 be a celebration of achievements and a recognition of the key contributions to Vietnam’s development.

Tran Thi Khanh Hien, Head of Research MB Sercurity

Clear, timely, and accurate information is key to reducing risks, increasing investor confidence, and ensuring the market’s sustainable development. Market participants, including listed companies, securities firms, investment funds, and regulators, must uphold their responsibility to ensure transparency.

The press plays a critical role in disseminating accurate information, exposing misconduct, and correcting market rumours. Through in-depth analysis and expert commentary, it helps investors make informed decisions and contributes to a more transparent market.

By fostering greater information integrity, both institutions and the media play a key role in guiding Vietnam’s capital market towards long-term growth.

Peter Ryder, executive chairman Indochina Capital

VIR has been operating for as long as I have been in Vietnam. It has always been proactive in reaching out to the private sector, especially foreign enterprises like ours, for comments on major market policy issues, enabling us to express our opinions and contributing to improving the local business environment.

Throughout Indochina Capital’s 25+ years in Vietnam, we have been involved with many business and transactional opportunities arising from networking opportunities and awards events organised by the publication.

We hope VIR continues the path of being one of the top English-language publications in the country, by delivering pertinent business news and opinions, and connecting companies from the private sector across various industries.

Tharabodee Serng-Adichaiwit general manager Bangkok Bank Vietnam

VIR has greatly enhanced my local knowledge of Vietnam’s economic and investment landscape since the first day I arrived. With updates on economic information and data across various sectors, this has not only helped me understand the situation, but has also been a valuable reference for my business purposes.

It has also been helpful for me to share with my clients what is happening and what is expected to happen in their industries, and how it may impact their businesses in Vietnam.

I hope VIR continues to work as a central source of information for the business community. I would also appreciate more specific details on demand and supply forecasts for each industry in table format, or including summary sections for long articles.

Michael Chiu, chairman, Hong Kong Business Association in Vietnam

VIR has an opportunity to elevate its role by expanding coverage of transformative trends such as green finance, digital innovation, and participation in global supply chains. Deeper sectoral analysis, policy explainers, and success stories from smaller enterprises could provide even greater value to readers navigating change.

To truly become a trusted companion to the business community, VIR can continue bridging the gap between policy and practice by amplifying diverse voices from various industries, highlighting entrepreneurs driving innovation, and offering commentary that helps decode complex regulations. Enhancing digital engagement through multimedia content and thought leadership pieces would also help VIR connect with a broader and younger audience.

Adib Kouteili, co-founder and general director Pebsteel

Pebsteel has been operating in Vietnam for over 30 years. During this time, I have witnessed remarkable growth and transformation in both the country’s economy and its media landscape.

Throughout this time, one of the most respected publications has been VIR, which has played a vital role in connecting enterprises, investors, and policymakers through reliable reporting. It has strengthened Vietnam’s position as a top destination for investment and business development.

VIR has also helped companies like Pebsteel build a strong brand presence and foster closer relationships with customers and partners. At Pebsteel, we value its professionalism, transparency, and commitment, which have been key in creating an informed, investor-friendly business environment in Vietnam.

Minh Nguyen, vice chairwoman German Business Association

We recognise VIR’s growing importance in providing crisp, bilingual analysis that help counsel foreign investors and promote enterprises operating in Vietnam. VIR has established itself as a credible media outlet for improving awareness of policies, market trends, and public-private collaboration prospects in critical sectors like renewable energy, supporting industries, and healthcare.

I believe Vietnamese media should concentrate on strengthening the function of policy intermediary, investing in technology and multi-platform communication, and fostering dialogue and community connections.

I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude and expectations that the Vietnamese press, with its dedication and professionalism, will continue to be a pioneering force.

VIR