CapitaLand marks 30 years in Vietnam, building communities and creating positive impact

CapitaLand celebrates its 30th anniversary in Vietnam with an appreciation dinner attended by Singapore Ambassador Jaya Ratnam, business partners, and employees. Photo courtesy of CapitaLand

Since its entry into Vietnam in 1994, CapitaLand has grown from focusing on serviced residences and commercial projects to becoming a leader in high-quality residential developments. In 1996, it joined the Singapore consortium for the first Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Park (VSIP) in Binh Duong Province.

Over the past three decades, CapitaLand has established itself as the largest international lodging owner-operator and a trusted developer in Vietnam. Its portfolio now includes one retail mall, one SOHO development, two integrated developments, and over 18,000 homes across 18 residential projects.

Through The Ascott Limited, the wholly-owned lodging business unit of CapitaLand Investment, the Group operates about 9,000 units across 36 properties in 16 cities.

Ronald Tay, CEO of CapitaLand Development (Vietnam), expressed excitement about the company's growth and new opportunities in Vietnam, with plans to expand its residential portfolio to 27,000 units by 2028.

"Beyond residential developments, we see significant potential in the office, industrial, and logistics sectors as Vietnam becomes a global manufacturing hub," Tay said. "Through strategic partnerships, we will continue to invest in large-scale projects in key cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, as well as emerging provinces, reinforcing CapitaLand's long-term commitment to Vietnam."

His Excellency Jaya Ratnam, Singapore's Ambassador to Vietnam, praised CapitaLand for its pivotal role in shaping Vietnam's urban landscape and contributing to its economic growth. He highlighted the company's commitment to innovation, sustainability, and community development.

"CapitaLand's 30 years in Vietnam is a testament to the flourishing bilateral relationship between Singapore and Vietnam," the ambassador said.

Ronald Tay, CEO of CapitaLand Development (Vietnam), delivers his speech at the appreciation dinner. Photo courtesy of CapitaLand

Deepening long-term commitment

CapitaLand has further strengthened its support for local communities through its philanthropic arm, CapitaLand Hope Foundation (CHF).

The company has partnered with Blue Dragon Children's Foundation, pledging up to $270,000 to improve the social mobility of children and youth facing adversities by providing access to education.

On Sept. 30, CHF inaugurated its fifth school refurbishment project in Bac Giang Province as part of the CapitaLand Hope School Program, aimed at providing a safe and improved learning environment for students. With support from CHF, approximately SGD490,000 (US$380,306) was contributed towards the redevelopment of an educational block at Tien Son Primary School.

Various partners, including Hanoi University of Civil Engineering, "1+1>2" Architecture Firm, and several companies, supported the initiative. This brings the total number of schools under the CapitaLand Hope School Program to 33, benefiting over 29,000 underprivileged children in Vietnam, India, and China.

Tan Seng Chai, Executive Director of CHF and Senior Advisor of CapitaLand Investment, emphasized the company's commitment to building community resilience and supporting underserved children.

"As we celebrate our 30-year milestone in Vietnam, we are happy to further our community development efforts, making a social impact and supporting youth to be resilient and future-ready," Tan said.

His Excellency Jaya Ratnam, Singapore's Ambassador to Vietnam, speaks at the appreciation dinner. Photo courtesy of CapitaLand

The newly developed two-story building at Tien Son Primary School, located 1.5 hours from Hanoi, will serve more than 200 students. To mark the completion of the project, CapitaLand organized the International Volunteer Expedition (IVE) as part of its "GivingAsOne" campaign, bringing together staff and partners to support vulnerable communities.

From Sept. 28-30, over 100 volunteers, including CapitaLand staff from 10 countries and students from Hanoi University of Civil Engineering, worked to enhance the school environment by painting murals, setting up learning corners, and planting gardens.

Volunteers also visited the homes of students and interacted with their families.

The newly designed school block, which achieved Lotus certification from the Vietnam Green Building Council, features eco-friendly elements, including green spaces and natural ventilation. Drawing inspiration from traditional Vietnamese craftsmanship, the structure incorporates natural brick walls and references rice paper production.

CHF inaugurated its fifth school refurbishment project in Bac Giang Province on Sept. 30, part of the CapitaLand Hope School Program. Photo courtesy of CapitaLand

CapitaLand's commitment to sustainability

CapitaLand is one of Asia's largest diversified real estate groups, with a portfolio spanning over 260 cities in 40 countries.

Headquartered in Singapore, the company's focus is on real estate investment management and development, supported by a suite of capabilities that drive competitive advantage across the real estate value chain.

Sustainability is at the core of CapitaLand's operations, contributing to the social and environmental well-being of the communities where it operates while delivering long-term value to its stakeholders.