SME Forum 2026 is scheduled for 20/3 at GEM Center in Ho Chi Minh City. The event will gather international experts and business leaders from the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and manufacturing sectors, which are crucial for Vietnam's growth and exports. This forum is part of the "Cham thinh vuong" (reaching prosperity) campaign, offering a comprehensive ecosystem of solutions for businesses built on four pillars: knowledge enhancement, finance, digitalization, and business networking.

One of the main speakers at the program is Rajesh Achanta, former Vice President of Asia-Pacific Supply Operations at P&G. With over 35 years of experience at the global consumer goods corporation, he developed a supply chain system serving more than 1,000 retail partners across 20 markets, with annual operations valued at approximately 7 billion USD. Achanta is also a member of the Magnus Society, P&G's award for outstanding global supply chain professionals.

During the forum, Achanta will share management lessons derived from his experience operating large-scale systems. His insights will cover decision-making during crises, identifying "growth traps" that lead to increased revenue but declining profits, and essential management systems needed before businesses embark on a phase of scaling up operations.

SME Forum 2026 will take place on 20/3 in Ho Chi Minh City. *Photo: VPBank*

In addition, the program will feature a panel discussion with several business leaders. Vuu Le Quyen, CEO of Biti’s, will recount the brand repositioning journey of her over 40-year-old company, which saw the Biti’s Hunter product line become a new icon for young people.

From the perspective of a family business, Vu Hung Son, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Cong ty CP Bao Tin Manh Hai, will share the transformation journey of the 34-year-old jewelry brand, from modernizing operations to expanding its business system.

Pierre Pang, General Director of MAMEE Group, will provide an international perspective on the regional expansion of a Malaysian family food business, which doubled the group's revenue in just a few years.

The forum will also feature Tan Sri Sir Dr. Jeffrey Cheah, founder and Chairman of Sunway Group, a Malaysian diversified conglomerate with a market capitalization of nearly 11 billion USD.

According to the organizers, SME Forum 2026 is expected to offer the Vietnamese business community fresh perspectives on management, growth strategies, and brand building, drawing from the practical stories of entrepreneurs and international experts.

Notably, 50 businesses that are clients of VPBank SME will participate in an in-depth workshop led directly by Rajesh Achanta. Unlike the stage presentations, this program is structured as a direct exchange, allowing business leaders to bring their real-world challenges for analysis and discussion with the expert.

During this workshop, Achanta will share critical management principles for volatile market conditions, including: avoiding temporary management trends, balancing speed with strategic direction, and applying data and scientific models in supply chain and inventory management.

Through these forums and knowledge-sharing activities, VPBank SME aims to help businesses access international management standards, thereby enhancing their competitiveness and identifying suitable development paths in the new economic landscape.

VPBank SME currently offers tailored financial solutions for each industry, developed based on market data and specific business operations, rather than applying generic credit packages. These policies have been designed for several sectors, such as: textile - footwear, pharmaceuticals and medical equipment, rice, plastics, and coffee, with preferential terms on unsecured credit limits, contract financing ratios, and document discounts.

Beyond capital, businesses also gain access to flexible credit granting methods, a team of industry-specific consultants, and support policies designed to optimize operating costs. In the future, the bank plans to continue expanding these customized solutions to many other economic sectors, aiming for long-term partnership with the SME business community in their development process.

(Source: VPBank)

Businesses interested in attending the event can register directly with VPBank SME here.