Lester Tan and company employees hand-delivered Tết gifts at the event in southern province of Bình Dương. Photo courtesy of SABECO

HÀ NỘI — Sustainable development is a core strategy for Saigon Beer - Alcohol - Beverage Corporation (SABECO), enabling the company to deliver exceptional products while actively contributing to community growth.

For the Tết (Lunar New Year), SABECO has gone above and beyond, distributing over 10,000 gifts across 25 localities nationwide.

Each gift package, valued at US$30, includes lucky money bags and essential items, reflecting SABECO's commitment to enhancing festive joy. In addition to the gift distribution, the company has organised entertainment events across cities and provinces, providing communities with opportunities to engage in the excitement of the season and participate in lucky prize hunts sponsored by Bia Saigon.

As a brand deeply rooted in Việt Nam's cultural and culinary heritage, Bia Saigon uses the dragon as a symbol of sustainable prosperity. The initiative aims to express gratitude and encouragement to those who have worked hard to overcome the challenges of the past year, while looking forward to a prosperous Year of the Dragon.

Over the years, SABECO has consistently hosted community support events to help local residents navigate socioeconomic challenges, fostering a spirit of sharing during the festive season. Since 2020, the company has channeled over $1.8 million to benefit nearly 28,000 individuals, providing essential gifts, lucky money envelopes, and transport tickets to ensure a warm and joyous Lunar New Year for workers and disadvantaged individuals.

SABECO’s commitment extends beyond product improvements and marketing; it plays a vital role in supporting local communities and contributing to sustainable development. In collaboration with the HCM Communist Youth Union (HCYU), SABECO's initiatives from 2022-23 provided approximately $1.25 million in assistance, reaching around 500,000 beneficiaries. Programmes like Fostering Sports have upgraded 30 community sports playgrounds, while the Light Up the Rural initiative has installed over 70 kilometres of solar streetlights across the country.

The company also champions active lifestyles by organising events such as a youth football tournament in northern province of Thái Bình, which saw participation from ten teams representing various localities. Recognising youth development as essential to its sustainable strategy, SABECO has facilitated training and mentoring for over 500 young individuals, enhancing their startup knowledge and competitiveness.

SABECO has honored young achievers through the Lương Đình Của Award, celebrating over 40 young farmers for their contributions to rural business development and recognizing nine outstanding projects from the Rural Youth Startup Project competition.

With a strong network through HCYU and its partners, SABECO amplifies its community initiatives, contributing significantly to Vietnam’s national strategies for rural development, green growth, digital transformation, and talent cultivation.

People enthusiastically engaged in activities at the game area during the launch event for the Tết Sharing Year of the Dragon. Photo courtesy of SABECO

SABECO's sustainable development strategy focuses on four pillars (4Cs): country, culture, consumption, and conservation, aiming to benefit Việt Nam as a whole. This approach encourages responsible consumption while ensuring that business practices align with environmental conservation and promote Vietnamese cultural heritage.

“Bia Saigon was born and nurtured in Việt Nam. With a 148-year history, we take pride in producing a high-quality Vietnamese beer that competes globally,” Đinh Nguyễn Thị Hường, SABECO's Head of Corporate Communications.

The company is committed to sustainable brewing practices that support its business operations under Việt Nam's extended producer responsibility (EPR) regulations and broader green growth strategies. SABECO has transitioned to plant-based biomass fuels for its boilers and implemented a wastewater treatment system. It also focuses on sustainable packaging and has made significant strides in reducing water consumption, decreasing the amount used per liter of beer from five liters in 2018 to under three liters last year.

In 2023, SABECO launched the second phase of its rooftop solar power project, with 17 out of 26 production plants now utilising renewable energy sources, saving 25 million kWh of electricity annually. This initiative is projected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 18,000 tonnes each year, contributing to the company's net-zero emissions target by 2050 and supporting Việt Nam's green growth initiatives. — VNS