The Group Chief Executive of Standard Chartered Bill Wintersmet with Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính. Photo courtesy of the bank

HÀ NỘI — The Group Chief Executive of Standard Chartered, Bill Winters, reaffirmed the bank’s strong and long-term commitment to Việt Nam during his official visit to the country from April 2-4.

On his visit, the senior executive called on Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính, as well as senior leaders of Ministry of Finance and the State Bank of Việt Nam. These high-level discussions focused on Việt Nam’s economic potential, business and investment opportunities, as well as other collaborative efforts to support the nation’s sustainable development. He also shared insights on the global and Vietnamese economic outlook and Standard Chartered’s strategic vision for its operations in Việt Nam with key stakeholders, meeting with leading clients to strengthen partnerships and explore further collaboration opportunities.

Winters also joined the launch event of Standard Chartered Hanoi Marathon Heritage Race 2025. This is the tenth country where the iconic Standard Chartered Marathon franchise is held and last year became the largest in the country in terms of registration, with 18,000 runners signed up.

This year, the marathon is set to take place on 9 November, and will have a new route to enhance the experience of the increasing number of participants. With the tagline 'Together, we run further' the bank is dedicated to creating the most sustainable marathon in Việt Nam.

Standard Chartered will organise recycling and environmental activities, adhering to sustainability criteria, and honouring the enduring value of heritage by blending sports with culture and art. As part of the marathon festivities, a three-day exhibition and special performances will take place from 7-9 November at Quần Ngựa Sports Palace in Hà Nội.

During Winters’ visit, the bank announced two projects under Futuremakers, valued over $US$1 million to benefit thousands of young people and entrepreneurs in Việt Nam.

Nearly VNĐ20 billion (US$750,000) will be put into the employability programme, in partnership with NGO Plan International to provide young people with skills and quality training, enabling support systems, networks and platforms, offering job opportunities that align with their profiles and interests.

Around VNĐ12 billion ($450,000) is for the entrepreneurship programme, in partnership with Youth Business International & Startup Vietnam Foundation to support young entrepreneurs, especially women and people with disabilities, to achieve business growth, and build social and green microbusinesses.

“Việt Nam remains a key growth market for Standard Chartered. We are excited about strengthening our support in the community to help drive continued sustainable growth. Our investment through initiatives such as our community impact programme, Futuremakers, and the Standard Chartered Hanoi Marathon Heritage Race 2025 (SCHM) coupled with our ongoing dialogue with senior leaders, demonstrates our commitment to supporting Việt Nam’s future,” the Group Chief Executive of Standard Chartered Bank said.

Nguyễn Thúy Hạnh, CEO, Head of Coverage, Standard Chartered Vietnam, said: “It is our great pleasure to welcome our Group Chief Executive to Việt Nam. Bill’s visit is testament to our strong commitment to the country. Leveraging our unrivalled local knowledge and global capabilities, we are dedicated to continuing to drive commerce and prosperity in Việt Nam.

"Following the success of Standard Chartered Marathon Heritage Race last year, we are excited to launch the SCHM 2025 and committed to building this marathon into an iconic international event, drawing thousands of runners worldwide while continuing our legacy of sustainability and social responsibility, upheld for over 120 years in Việt Nam.” — VNS