Alexander Ziehe, chairman of the GBA, delivered the opening speech at the event at the GBA Gala Dinner & Business Awards in HCM City. -- Photo Courtesy of German Business Association

HCM CITY – The most outstanding businesses across various sectors were honoured at the GBA Gala Dinner & Business Awards, which was organised for the first time by the German Business Association (GBA).

Accordingly, the awards featured 32 companies competing in four categories: Green Business of the Year, Business Innovation, SME Excellence, and CSR Achievement. The top three of the three categories of Green Business of the Year, Business Innovation and SME Excellence will be nominated for the EuroCham Business Awards in October. 

The awards will be an important milestone, marking the beginning of an annual tradition to honour outstanding businesses within the GBA community.

“The GBA Business Awards were conceived to celebrate the collective excellence of the GBA community, recognising outstanding contributions in sustainability, innovation, entrepreneurship, and corporate social responsibility. This event honours the strength, resilience, and forward-thinking spirit of businesses, showcasing their dedication to innovation and commitment to excellence despite global challenges,” said Alexander Ziehe, chairman of GBA.

The Green Business of the Year Award was presented to Nestlé for its outstanding water management sustainability efforts across its supply chain, operations, and communities.

Bosch Vietnam was awarded the business Innovation Award for introducing a solution that leverages digital twin technology and predictive maintenance to optimise industrial assets, enhance productivity, and provide a competitive edge.

SME Excellence Award: PALLAS BrandFare received the SME Excellence Award and Super Energy Corporation was given the CSR Achievement Award.

In her remarks at the celebration, Dr. Josefine Wallat, German Consul General, stated: “German companies tend to not only excel in their industries or be hidden champions offering unique solutions, but they stand for quality, innovation, sustainability, and corporate responsibility. The GBA Awards recognise all of these qualities and are a testament to the strong relationship between Germany and Việt Nam.”

In addition, the GBA Young Innovation Award, inspired by the GBA Business Challenge, has evolved into an exciting platform for Vietnamese students and aspiring entrepreneurs. This year, 18 submissions were received with each business plan being uniquely inspiring in its own way. 

The champion of the GBA Young Innovation Award is the COPEPODS team from the University of Economics and the University of Science and Education, the University of Đà Nẵng, who are pioneering a sustainable future for aquaculture. Their business idea is a company that produces high-quality copepods, an ideal food for fish larvae that significantly enhances survival rates and growth.

The GBA was one of the first foreign business associations in Việt Nam, starting its activities in 1995. For 30 years, the GBA has been the focal point of German business life, culture, and values in Việt Nam. – VNS