SABECO stands side-by-side with Vietnam in the fight against COVID-19

The total contribution of medical equipment and essentials amounts to about $435,000 in value

"We need to come together and join the tremendous and ceaseless efforts of healthcare workers to prevent the spread of COVID-19,” shared Bennett Neo, general director of SABECO at the recent launch of the community care programme that supports healthcare frontliners during this critical time.

The pandemic has hit all corners of the world, challenging governments to act promptly in controlling the spread of the pandemic. With the latest wave of infections, Vietnam’s political system and the entire population continue to fight the pandemic.

Within the community care programme, SABECO provided seven ventilator machines, 65,000 N95 medical masks and protective gears, 35,500 bottles of hand sanitiser, and 20,000 boxes of purified water.

Besides this, the company supports the Vietnam Youth Federation's Central committee after the government's call for contributing millions to disadvantaged households and distribute support packages to 5,000 affected families in quarantined zones

The total contribution of medical equipment and essentials amounts to about $435,000 in value, and it is not the first time that SABECO showed its strong commitment to the country.

Fight together, move forward together

SABECO kicked off the Business Continuity Planning that outlines how a business will continue operating during an unplanned disruption. That is why this firm can implement local stay-at-work arrangements for workers within a 24-hour deadline.

The pandemic has caused shortages of raw materials to most sectors. But according to SABECO, the sources for materials for production are backed up from the beginning, so it does not affect its production plan.

Neo commented that, "Together, we will rise and pass any test, because without pressure there are no diamonds.” These standards are also reflected in the company’s transformation strategy that started three years ago after Thai Beverage acquired a majority stake in the state-owned brewery.

It is estimated that there is a bumpy road ahead for beer makers, as a full rebound for the market is only forecast from 2022. However, Neo said that, “we will focus on weathering this storm, and be fully prepared to make hay when the sun shines again.”

SABECO posted net revenues of over $314 million in the second half of the fiscal year, almost equal to the corresponding period a year ago. This year, SABECO aims to achieve net revenues of around $1.46 billion and after-tax profits of nearly $230 million. So far, the company has fulfilled 40 per cent of the target.

Moreover, the proudest point this year for SABECO is not only business results but also job security for employees and contributions to the community. SABECO continues to ensure job security for employees and its contributions to the community. With these efforts, SABECO helps to maintain jobs for itself and its partners in the same supply chain.

SABECO's activities have provided stable employment for more than 12,000 employees in its ecosystem. Meanwhile, community and sustainability activities have been a key part of the beer maker’s development strategy to leverage positive impacts on Vietnam and its people.

Community and sustainability activities have always been a key part of SABECO’s development strategy to leverage positive impacts on Vietnam and its people

Human capital – the foundation

Neo added, “With the spirit of being stronger together, SABECO commits to stand side-by-side with Vietnam and its people in the fight against COVID-19.”

Right after the government called on businesses to support vaccine rollouts and a $1.1 billion vaccine fund, SABECO began exploring ways to work with relevant authorities.

A series of initiatives has been implemented that not only reflect the company’s commitment to communities, but also the support of its ecosystem of subsidiaries and suppliers.

According to SABECO, not a single person has lost their job due to the pandemic, and the human factor remains the foundation of the company.

“Community and sustainability activities have always been a key part of SABECO’s development strategy to leverage positive impacts on Vietnam and its people. As Vietnam is facing the current wave of COVID-19, SABECO is stepping up programmes to support the country's healthcare workers and affected communities. In addition, SABECO has also implemented the SABECO Cares programme to ensure the health and safety of its employees during these critical times,” said Neo.

With its 146 years of brewing history, SABECO has established itself as one of Vietnam’s leading companies. The brewer is striving to create positive changes to enhance the position of the Vietnamese brand, while promoting positive development for the community and Vietnam. Accordingly, its sustainable development strategy focuses on the four pillars consumption, conservation, country, and culture.