The ranking of Vietnamese top 500 largest corporations released by Vietnam Report (VNR500) showed that the CEOs born in the Years of Horse, Tiger, Rat, and Dog) account for the largest proportions (15.6 percent, 15.3, 14.8, and 14.5 percent, respectively). 

Of these, 5.8 percent of CEOs were born in 1972 (the Year of a Rat), while 5.3 percent of CEOs were born in 1974 (tiger), 1976 (dragon) and 1977 (snake).

This year’s list of top CEOs shows that many CEOs were born in 1970s. They belong to a generation that could study in an open, peaceful environment. They have benefited from exposure to western influences and IT access, as well as favorable conditions thanks to international trade policies. They also have many years of experience in business and management.

According to Vietnam Report, CEOs aged under 40 in Vietnam account for 10.8 percent of total business leaders, significantly lower than CEOs aged 41-50 (41.1 percent), and aged 51 or older (48.1 percent). However, the proportion of younger CEOs has increased over the years.

In general, the ages of 45 or higher are the most successful period for Vietnamese businesspeople, as they have accumulated knowledge, leadership experience, and important relations which are helpful in doing business. 

Meanwhile, the increase in number of CEOs under 40 shows that business leaders are getting younger. The typical characteristics of young leaders are creativity and quick adaptation to modern business environment. This trend reflects the diversification and rejuvenation of business leadership in Vietnam.

As shown in the 2024 report, 12.9 percent of Vietnamese businesspeople leading large corporations were born in the Year of Snake, and 2.3 percent of them were born in the Year of Wood Snake.

The typical CEOs born in the Year of Wood Snake (1965) mentioned by VNR500 report include Han Ngoc Vu, CEO of VIBBank; Le Quoc Long (SeABank); Pham Van Tai (Truong Hai Corporation); Tran Tuc Ma (Traphaco); Pham Thi Thanh Huong (Bidiphar); and Pham Thi Xuan Huong (OPC).

The Year of Wood Snake 2025

In feng shui theory, the Year of Wood Snake is viewed as the ideal time for expanding business operations and embracing positive changes. The wisdom in strategic thinking and flexible actions are expected to empower enterprises to thrive in an increasingly competitive market.

2024 was a year full of challenges for the entire world, with slow economic growth, prolonged geopolitical tensions, and post-pandemic inflation. However, despite difficulties, Vietnam's economy has remained stable, with impressive recovery. According to MPI (the Ministry of Planning and Investment), the economic growth rate in 2024 is estimated at 6.8-7 percent.

Vietnam Report's survey within the VNR500 community shows notable improvements in enterprises’ revenue, profit, and number of orders. 

Particularly, the number of businesses reporting significantly increased revenue and profit accounted for 7.7 percent and 10.5 percent, respectively, much higher than the 5 percent of the previous year. Most businesses hold optimistic expectations for the economic outlook in 2025, when the nation enters a new era – the era of national rise.

The ceremony announcing Vietnam's Top 500 Largest Enterprises in 2024, organized by Vietnam Report and VietNamNet, is scheduled for January 8, 2025, in Hanoi. The event will honor Top 10 prestigious companies in key sectors such as Pharmaceuticals, Medical Equipment & Healthcare, Logistics, Tourism, Hotels & Resorts, and Animal Feed.

On November 22, 2024, Vietnam Report announced the top 10 most prestigious businesses in pharmaceuticals, medical equipment and healthcare in 2024.

These include Hau Giang Pharmaceutical JSC, Traphaco JSC, Imexpharm Pharmaceutical JSC, Binh Dinh Pharmaceutical and Medical Equipment JSC, among others.

After gaining strong growth in 2023, the pharmaceutical industry experienced a slowdown in the first 10 months of 2024, especially in the first and second quarters. 

Vietnam Report's showed that while revenue was nearly the same compared with the same period last year, the number of businesses reporting decline in profits increased significantly by 16.4 percent. This was attributed to input material price fluctuations and lower purchasing power due to people’s tightening of purse strings.

Prior to that, on October 9, 2024, Vietnam Report announced the top 10 companies in the packaging industry. Among the 10 companies, there are well known names such as Tetra Park, Dong Hai Ben Tre JSC and Viet Hung Packaging.

The Vietnamese packaging market is witnessing strong growth with 14,000 enterprises in the field. Of these, 65 percent mostly make plastic packages.

Manh Ha