The Top 15 honourees were selected through a combination of public voting and evaluation by an independent judging panel. Photos courtesy of SABECO

HÀ NỘI — SABECO has officially concluded its nationwide campaign “150 Years of Living Legacy”, a milestone initiative that went beyond the scope of a commemorative programme to celebrate heritage, inspire community spirit and highlight the values of resilience, unity and compassion that have shaped Việt Nam across generations.

Over the past three months, the campaign travelled more than 2,200 km from south to north, engaging over 16,000 people across multiple provinces through community interaction activities and local initiatives. The programme served as a tribute to the legacy SABECO has built throughout its 150-year journey alongside the nation, while creating new opportunities for communities to connect and share pride in Việt Nam’s cultural richness.

One of the campaign’s most symbolic initiatives was the “Wall of Unity”, which captured over 1,700 handwritten messages and generated more than 2,200 social media shares. The activity emerged as a powerful representation of Vietnamese solidarity, amplifying the voices and sentiments of people from all walks of life.

In the same spirit, SABECO and Vietnam Beverage (VietBev) contributed VNĐ1.5 billion through the Việt Nam Fatherland Front (VFF) to support communities in the south-central region recovering from severe storm damage. Earlier, SABECO had also provided VNĐ3 billion through the VFF and local chapters to help restore livelihoods and support households affected by floods. These initiatives reinforced SABECO’s long-standing commitment to stand with the Vietnamese people not only in moments of celebration but also in times of hardship.

Honouring shared values through the Ambassadors of National Progress Award

The campaign’s closing ceremony in Hà Nội was also an occasion to celebrate individuals whose work has contributed meaningfully to the wellbeing and development of their communities. These honourees represent the courage, goodwill and aspiration for progress that SABECO seeks to champion as it continues to evolve through its next century and beyond.

Jointly initiated by SABECO and Đại Đoàn Kết Newspaper, under the guidance of the Việt Nam Fatherland Front Central Committee, the award attracted strong public interest. Over 20,000 online votes were cast within just 10 days, highlighting its broad social resonance. The Top 15 honourees were selected through a combination of public voting and evaluation by an independent judging panel, with oversight from the VFF to ensure diversity and fairness across gender, age, ethnicity, geography and professional fields.

The laureates were recognised in six categories aligned with SABECO’s sustainable development priorities: education and vocational training; environmental sustainability; balanced living and public health; community development; culture, arts and sports for community; and science and technology for community benefit. These categories were symbolised through the “Heritage Ice Stones” – artistic pieces crafted from Bia Saigon using blast-freezing technology, inspired by Việt Nam’s celebratory drinking culture and the shared pride of raising a toast.

Speaking at the ceremony, Hà Thị Nga, Vice President of the Việt Nam Fatherland Front Central Committee, commended the award’s contribution to highlighting positive stories across the country.

“We have witnessed many heartfelt and inspiring stories during the selection process. Each honouree represents the essence of the Vietnamese spirit - resilient, compassionate and always ready to contribute. This award carries profound social significance, helping spread good values and encouraging further acts of kindness and responsibility within our communities,” she said.

SABECO CEO Lester Tan delivered a speech at the ceremony.

SABECO CEO Lester Tan emphasised the meaningful impact of the initiative. “The ‘Inspiring Figures’ Award has created strong momentum, connecting communities nationwide. It is not only a national recognition but a community award—where people come together to celebrate shared Vietnamese values. The spirit embodied by these individuals - generosity, resilience and community-mindedness - reflects the values SABECO has upheld throughout our 150-year journey. Through this award and the wider campaign, we reaffirm our commitment to rise together with Việt Nam.”

A journey of legacy and forward vision

Beyond the awards, the broader “Legacy on the Move” journey connected thousands of people through vibrant public events. The red double-decker “Heritage Bus” travelled across nine destinations, drawing more than 10,000 participants to heritage-themed engagements. Over 4,200 residents took part in SABECO’s interactive recycling model, promoting waste sorting and circular practices.

The campaign also brought thousands together through three large-scale “Heritage Nights”, where cultural performances, music and community pride converged. Iconic SABECO brands - Bia Saigon, Bia 333 and Lạc Việt - were featured throughout, symbolising the company’s long-standing connection with generations of Vietnamese consumers and its role in countless memorable moments.

As one of Việt Nam’s leading beverage enterprises, SABECO today operates 25 breweries, 11 trading companies and a nationwide distribution network. Built on a foundation of tradition and innovation, the company continues to pursue sustainable development, support local communities and elevate Việt Nam’s beverage industry to new heights.

With the “150 Years of Rising Legacy” campaign now concluded, SABECO looks ahead to the next chapter - continuing to honour the heritage that shaped its identity while advancing a vision of sustainable, community-centred growth for the future. — VNS