Lester Tan, general director of Saigon beer - alcohol - beverage joint stock corporation (Sabeco), was named among the top 100 "typical Vietnamese entrepreneurs - Saint Giong cup 2026". The Vietnam chamber of commerce and industry (VCCI) organized the awards ceremony on 11/10, in Hanoi.
The selection criteria for the award included business performance, governance capabilities, innovation, digital transformation, social responsibility, and contributions to the business community. According to a Sabeco representative, the organizing committee highly regarded Lester Tan's leadership and development efforts, particularly in improving operational efficiency, expanding international markets, and building Vietnamese brands.
As general director, Lester Tan focused on advancing Sabeco's development strategy. This involved improving operational capabilities, investing in human capital, fostering innovation, and expanding international presence, while preserving the identity of Sabeco as a long-standing beer producer in Vietnam.
Under his leadership, Sabeco reported a post-tax profit of 4,573 billion VND in 2025. The company's return on equity (ROE) also saw an increase, rising from 18% in 2024 to 19,3%.
Sabeco's international business operations have also recorded positive results. Its products are currently available in more than 40 countries, with export results for the first half of 2026 increasing by 221% compared to the same period last year.
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General director Lester Tan was honored by VCCI as "typical Vietnamese entrepreneur – Saint Giong cup 2026" on the evening of 11/10. Photo: organizing committee |
General director Lester Tan was honored by VCCI as "typical Vietnamese entrepreneur – Saint Giong cup 2026" on the evening of 11/10. Photo: organizing committee
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Lester Tan emphasized that the recognition extends beyond his individual efforts. He stated that the award reflects the collective efforts of the entire Sabeco team in its ongoing innovation and development.
Sabeco's leadership further explained that the company's growth is not attributable to one person or isolated ideas. Instead, it is the outcome of unity, continuous learning, adaptation, and jointly setting new standards. This title, therefore, holds special significance in acknowledging the combined efforts of Sabeco's employees and leadership.
Following the awards ceremony, on the afternoon of 12/10, Lester Tan was among 170 typical business delegates who met with General Secretary and State President To Lam. This meeting took place on the occasion of Vietnamese entrepreneurs' day.
At the meeting, the General Secretary and State President acknowledged the business community's contributions to economic development. He also stressed the importance of improving productivity, innovating technology, strengthening governance capabilities, and building internationally competitive brands.
Earlier on 11/10, Lester Tan participated in the forum "pioneering entrepreneurs – creative government in the new era". During this event, he shared his perspectives on the role of Vietnamese businesses in elevating brand value in the international market.
According to Tan, while export growth is a positive indicator, the long-term goal extends beyond merely sending products abroad. He asserted that true success is also measured by the level of awareness, trust, and choice of international consumers for Vietnamese brands such as Bia Saigon, Bia 333.
From this viewpoint, he argued that Vietnamese businesses need to transition from exporting products to building brands. The focus should shift from competing based on production capacity to competing based on value.
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Lester Tan shared with the business community at the forum held on 11/10. Photo: organizing committee |
Lester Tan shared with the business community at the forum held on 11/10. Photo: organizing committee
"The next journey requires us to be confident in our Vietnamese identity, steadfast in raising standards, open to new ideas, and bold enough to experiment with new directions," Lester Tan emphasized.
Yen Chi
