4 growth pillars of SCG Group in Vietnam

The forum focused not only on how fast Vietnam can grow, but also on how to sustain that growth over the long term.

Foundations for high growth

Speaking at a high-level plenary session, Kulachet Dharachandra, SCG's country director in Vietnam, shared perspectives from the company's operations, outlining factors he sees as essential to achieving rapid but sustainable growth.

He said SCG views Vietnam as a long-term market. 

Over more than 30 years, the group has invested more than US$7 billion, operates 28 companies and 50 plants, and employs more than 15,000 people nationwide.

SCG's investments are concentrated in sectors such as petrochemicals, packaging, cement and building materials, which play a role in manufacturing capacity and supply chains.

According to the company, maintaining long-term investment in these core industries, while accepting extended investment cycles, helps support stable growth rather than short-term expansion.

Growth linked to innovation and people

SCG said achieving double-digit growth cannot rely solely on scale expansion and must be supported by innovation and workforce development.

Based on its experience in Vietnam, the group said it is implementing a development strategy built around four pillars: scale, scope, smart operations and sustainability.

Investment at scale allows the company to pursue operational shifts and innovation while responding to broader economic requirements.

At the Long Son Petrochemicals complex, SCG said it plans to invest an additional $500 million through 2027 to improve feedstock efficiency and strengthen domestic supply chain resilience.

In packaging and building materials, the group said it is expanding capacity while shifting toward higher-technology, lower-emission products such as advanced plastics, packaging solutions and low-carbon cement.

The company said it is applying automation, robotics and gradually introducing artificial intelligence, alongside training engineers, managers and operations staff. 

SCG spends about VND45 billion ($1.7 million) annually on training, scholarships and human capital development, with a focus on leadership, AI applications and ESG-related skills.

Sustainability is integrated from project design and technology selection through to production, aligning with Vietnam's net-zero emissions goal.

SCG said this approach supports a gradual shift from volume-driven growth toward higher-quality, more efficient and value-added production.

Policy support

Drawing on its experience with long-term investments, the group said policy frameworks play a key role in enabling green growth.

Regulatory reforms that emphasize transparency and consistency, including fast-track mechanisms for strategic investors, could help shorten project timelines. 

Incentives for research and development, automation and digital transformation would also enhance Vietnam's competitiveness as global capital becomes more selective.

VEPF 2025 highlighted the view that Vietnam's growth ambitions depend on coordination between central and local authorities, businesses and communities, translating policy direction into implementation.

SCG said it plans to continue long-term investment, innovation and green transition efforts in Vietnam as the country pursues sustainable growth.