Infrastructure, data are key to modern retail: Masan Group CEO

On Wednesday, the Techcombank Investment Summit 2025, themed 'New Vietnam: Vision for Value Creation,' was held in Hanoi. 

The event welcomed Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc along with policymakers, business leaders, investment funds, and global experts.

Investing in AI, machine learning, data

Speaking at the summit, Danny Le, CEO of Masan Group, emphasized the critical role of technology and digital infrastructure in Vietnam's long-term economic strategy. 

He highlighted the importance of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and big data in shaping the future economic landscape.

From the perspective of international investors, Vietnam is emerging as a regional innovation hub—not only due to its stable macroeconomic foundation but also thanks to a young, talented, and adaptable tech workforce.

"Vietnam has the talent, the ambition, and is experiencing strong growth. This is an ideal time to attract new capital," said Danny Le.

Regarding the potential of modern retail, Le pointed out that modern retail channels currently account for just 12 percent of Vietnam's market, compared to 30–50 percent in neighboring countries like Thailand and Indonesia.

To accelerate retail modernization, the development of end-to-end integrated supply chains and robust data platforms are essential.

"Investing in AI, machine learning, and data platforms unlocks tremendous opportunities to enhance customer experience, optimize costs, and improve operational efficiency," he explained.

"These are critical elements for increasing productivity and reducing product costs—key concerns for today's consumers."

Earlier, at its April shareholders' meeting, Masan announced its deployment of Digital Twin technology to simulate and optimize its entire value chain—from branding and retail all the way to the consumer. 

This technology is expected to maximize synergies, cut costs, and enable Masan's strategy of seamless offline-to-online integration.

Leveraging the Digital Twin platform, WinCommerce—a Masan subsidiary and the operator of the WinMart and WinMart+ retail chains—is poised to enter a new growth phase, expanding its minimart model to be smarter, more efficient, and more profitable.

A closed-loop consumer–retail value chain

With a closed-loop consumer–retail value chain spanning from production to distribution, Masan is steadily realizing its vision of becoming a tech-driven, integrated consumer and retail platform serving 100 million Vietnamese consumers. 

The company tightly controls the entire product journey—from planning and manufacturing to logistics and multi-channel distribution—forming the backbone of its sustainable growth and profit margins.

Masan operates a robust consumer goods manufacturing platform through subsidiaries such as Masan Consumer, Masan MEATLife, and WinEco, and integrates financial services via its partnership with Techcombank. 

Its internal logistics arm, SUPRA, manages operations and fulfillment, optimizing inventory, automating restocking, and accelerating market coverage.

In retail, Masan connects directly with consumers through a modern network of over 4,000 stores and supermarkets under the WinMart, WinMart+, and WiN brands.

With the advantage of a fully integrated consumer–retail value chain, Masan aims to improve supply chain management efficiency and cut production costs by 15–20 percent through process digitization and operational optimization. 

In addition to digitalizing its own WinMart/WinMart+ network, Masan plans to collaborate with traditional retail stores to rapidly bring the modern retail experience to every neighborhood and street corner across Vietnam.

All of these initiatives represent not only a transformative opportunity for Masan, but also a significant driver for the development of Vietnam's entire retail sector—and, more broadly, its national economy.