Keppel: Investing in Vietnam’s Sustainable Progress

1:35:12 PM | 8/18/2025

As Vietnam accelerates its journey to become a high-income, developed nation by 2045, the country is undergoing a profound transformation. Robust economic growth, pro-investment policies, and deeper global integration have made Vietnam one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic and attractive investment destinations.

Among the Singaporean companies contributing to this progress, Keppel stands out for its long-term commitment and sustainability initiatives. As a global asset manager and operator with strong expertise in sustainability-related solutions spanning the areas of infrastructure, real estate and connectivity, Keppel provides critical infrastructure and services, supporting Vietnam’s development with expertise in renewables, clean energy, decarbonisation, sustainable urban renewal and digital connectivity.

A long-term commitment to sustainable urban development

Keppel’s relationship with Vietnam spans over three decades, beginning when the country first opened to international investment. Today, Vietnam is one of Keppel’s key markets. Keppel has grown to become one of the largest foreign real estate investors in Vietnam, with 25 projects and a total registered capital of approximately US$3.8 billion.

From iconic developments like Saigon Centre in Ho Chi Minh City to the upcoming Hanoi Centre in Hanoi, Keppel has consistently delivered real estate projects that combine quality, functionality, and sustainability. Notably, The Estella, a residential project in Binh Trung Ward (formerly An Khanh Ward, Thu Duc City), was the first in Vietnam to receive the Green Mark Gold Award from Singapore’s Building and Construction Authority (BCA). Today, nearly all of Keppel’s developments in Vietnam hold BCA Green Mark certifications, demonstrating its commitment to sustainability and advancing the decarbonisation of the built environment.

In recent years, Keppel has expanded beyond traditional real estate development to provide integrated services that support more energy-efficient and resilient cities. Through its Energy-as-a-Service (EaaS) model, Keppel has secured contracts in Vietnam to design and retrofit existing cooling systems in developments, improving energy efficiency and asset performance. Additionally, the Company is exploring the implementation of other types of EaaS solutions with various Vietnamese partners, further demonstrating its commitment to supporting the country’s energy transition.

Investing in Vietnam’s digital future

Keppel is also participating in Vietnam’s fast-growing digital economy. As a leading data centre player with a portfolio of over 30 data centres across Asia Pacific and Europe, Keppel is well-positioned to bring best-in-class technologies and operational excellence to Vietnam. These data centres serve as critical enablers of cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and other digital services, driving productivity and competitiveness for Vietnamese businesses.

In a strategic move to deepen its presence in Vietnam’s tech sector, M1, a subsidiary of Keppel Ltd., acquired a 70% stake in ADG National Investment and Technology Development Corp, a prominent IT solutions provider based in Vietnam. The acquisition allows M1 to tap into new growth opportunities aligned with Vietnam’s National Digital Transformation Programme.

Mobilising capital for sustainable growth

As a global asset manager and operator, Keppel is bringing in investors to fund the creation of high-quality projects through its quality investment platforms and asset portfolios. An example is the Keppel Vietnam Fund, Keppel’s private fund which combines capital from Keppel and global institutional investors to co-invest in residential developments, commercial properties as well as mixed-use projects and townships in Vietnam. To date, the Keppel Vietnam Fund has invested alongside Keppel in several high-quality residential projects in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

With Vietnam’s increasing focus on sustainable development, Keppel sees compelling opportunities to deploy its sustainability solutions and services in the country through its range of investment platforms and diverse asset portfolios.

A strategic partnership for progress

Keppel’s journey in Vietnam also reflects the broader partnership between Singapore and Vietnam, one built on mutual respect, economic collaboration, and shared aspirations for sustainable progress.

Mr Joseph Low, Chief Representative, Vietnam, President, Vietnam, Real Estate, and CEO, Retail, Real Estate, Keppel Ltd., said, “With our strengths, synergies, and deep operating capabilities, Keppel is well-positioned to continue contributing to Vietnam’s sustainable development journey.”

By Le Phuong, Vietnam Business Forum