What are the most significant cases or transactions that your legal team has recently been involved in?

As part of the energy transition, VinES, a member of Vingroup, the largest private conglomerate in Vietnam, focuses on the research, development, and production of batteries for electric vehicles (EVs), medium and high-power tools, other mobility applications, and energy storage solutions. Our team has provided legal advice for the company’s product strategy and numerous domestic and international investment transactions, as we currently operate several factories. The legal team has also played a crucial role in establishing partnerships with leading global partners in the energy sector, such as VinFast, Gotion, CATL, Li-cycle, Prologium, Stordot, among others. We take great pride in our contributions to the growth of the VinGroup ecosystem, which aims to create a better life for people.

Could you share an example of a time when you came up with an innovation that improved how your legal team works and did not come at a large expense?

An example of an innovation that improved our legal team’s efficiency without incurring significant costs is our successful digital transformation. The Legal and Compliance department was one of the first units in the company to successfully undergo a digital transformation, becoming a model for internal service provision to the Board of Directors and other departments in the company. 100% of the requests sent to the Legal Division are automatically received on the system, closely monitored for SLA (Service-Level Agreement), and feedback from all departments on each issue is recorded. The system was deployed without any additional costs, leveraging platforms for which the company had already purchased licenses before.

How do you see the general counsel role evolving in Vietnam over the next five-ten years?

Vietnam is one of the rapidly developing countries in Asia, experiencing an increasing number of complex transactions. Therefore, at present, both Vietnamese enterprises and FDIs are placing significant emphasis on establishing internal legal teams. This trend is accompanied by higher demands for professionalism and a service-oriented mindset, which, in turn, warrants corresponding rewards. Over the next five to ten years, I believe that the corporate legal teams in Vietnam will encounter numerous opportunities for development and will continue to achieve success.

What are some of the main trends impacting your industry in Vietnam?

There are several key trends impacting the industry in Vietnam. Firstly, digital transformation is a significant trend, with many companies leveraging technology to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and enhance customer experiences. Secondly, sustainability and environmental considerations are increasingly important, with many businesses focusing on green initiatives and sustainable practices. Thirdly, there is a growing emphasis on compliance and corporate governance as companies strive to meet evolving regulations and standards. Lastly, the rapid growth of e-commerce and online platforms is changing the way businesses operate and interact with customers.