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Programme Overview
Against the backdrop of profound global economic shifts, UOB FinLab 2025 – Digital Gateway to Global Markets was successfully held in Ho Chi Minh City on September 19, 2025. The event served as a strategic forum for the Vietnamese business community, bringing together leading experts in finance, e-commerce, logistics, and legal affairs to explore pathways for adaptation, transformation, and expansion in today’s evolving business landscape.
The central theme of the event emphasized harnessing the power of digitalization and e-commerce to overcome traditional trade barriers, unlock new export markets, and enhance competitive capabilities. Mr. Jimmy Tay, Country Head of Channels and Digitalisation, UOB Vietnam, stated: “UOB FinLab organized the Digital Gateway to Global Markets programme reflects UOB’s strategic commitment to supporting Vietnamese businesses in adapting to global economic shifts, accelerating digital transformation, and enhancing competitiveness. Through valuable insights from leading industry experts and practical solutions offered by UOB and our partners within the UOB FinLab ecosystem, we aim to accompany Vietnamese enterprises in overcoming short-term challenges and seizing opportunities to expand their business effectively across ASEAN and globally”.
Programme Highlights
ASEAN & Vietnam Economic Outlook
Mr. Suan Teck Kin
CFA, Head of Research, Global Economics and Markets Research, UOB Group
Delivering the keynote on macroeconomic trends, Mr. Suan Teck Kin – CFA, Head of Global Economics & Market Research at UOB Group – highlighted ASEAN’s emergence as a premier destination for foreign direct investment (FDI), supported by robust trade growth. Despite headwinds from U.S. tariff policies, Vietnam recorded an impressive GDP growth of 7.52% in the first half of 2025, driven by export recovery and tariff adjustments. Mr. Teck Kin advised Vietnamese businesses to diversify both markets and product portfolios to mitigate external risks and ensure sustainable growth.
E-commerce & AI – Catalysts for Sustainable Growth
Ms. Nguyen Thi Phuong Uyen
Marketing Director, Alibaba.com Vietnam
Continuing the programme, Ms. Nguyen Thi Phuong Uyen, Marketing Director of Alibaba.com Vietnam, underscored the transformative role of e-commerce in enabling export expansion and overcoming operational challenges. She emphasized that digital platforms have dismantled traditional barriers of distance, cost, and time - allowing Vietnamese enterprises to reach millions of global customers. Platforms like Alibaba.com not only enhance visibility but also offer AI-powered marketing tools, business analytics, cross-border trade support, and specialized training programmes. These integrated solutions help businesses optimize performance, reduce costs, and expand flexibly into new markets. Ms. Uyen affirmed that the synergy between technology and service will accelerate export growth and empower Vietnamese companies to compete confidently on the global stage.
Panel Discussion
Beyond Borders: Navigating Trade Barriers, Legal Shifts & Financial Leverage in Vietnam’s B2B Landscape
From right to left: Moderator: Ms. Trang Tran, Communications Manager, AHK Vietnam; Speakers: Mr. Juergen Weber, Country Director of Logwin Air + Ocean Vietnam; Mr. Nguyen Van Du, Partner, BDO in Vietnam; Mr. Suan Teck Kin, CFA, Head of Research, Global Economics and Markets Research, UOB Group; Ms. Nguyen Thi Phuong Uyen, Marketing Director, Alibaba.com Vietnam
The expert panel featured representatives from UOB, Alibaba.com, BDO, and Logwin Air + Ocean Vietnam, offering in-depth perspectives on trade barriers, regulatory dynamics, logistics, and financial governance. Mr. Juergen Weber, Country Director of Logwin Air + Ocean Vietnam & Chairman of the Transportation & Logistics Sector Committee at EuroCham, noted the increasing complexity of global trade, particularly due to U.S. tariff policies. He stressed the importance of cost management and delivery timelines, given the intricacies of customs and regulatory procedures.
Ms. Pham Van Khanh, Country Head of Transaction Banking at UOB Vietnam, remarked that UOB’s positioning as “One Bank for ASEAN”, combined with its robust regional presence, enables the bank to effectively support B2B enterprises through comprehensive supply chain solutions, trade finance, cash and liquidity management, and industry expertise across key markets such as Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam.
Panelists also emphasized the importance of foreign exchange risk management, especially when entering emerging markets, and highlighted the critical role of local partnerships in helping businesses navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities. The discussion provided practical, multi-dimensional insights for enterprises pursuing global expansion.
The event concluded with UOB FinLab reaffirming its role as a strategic enabler for Vietnamese businesses on their journey of digital transformation, market expansion, and sustainable development. The insights, connections, and inspiration generated from the event will continue to empower enterprises to confidently scale and thrive in the global marketplace.
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