​Sabeco, Vietnam Fatherland Front launch 2026 community recognition award

Saigon Beer-Alcohol-Beverage Corporation (Sabeco), under the direction of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee and in collaboration with Dai Doan Ket Newspaper, launched the 2026 Ambassador of National Progress Award in Hanoi on Oct. 16.

The award recognizes individuals whose initiatives and dedication have brought positive changes to communities across Vietnam.

Building on its inaugural edition in 2025, this year's program will expand nominations nationwide, engage younger generations and introduce SMS voting alongside online voting. Organizers have also revised the evaluation mechanism to balance professional assessment with public participation.

The launch ceremony was attended by representatives of the VFF Central Committee, ministries, government agencies, partner organizations and Sabeco. Photo courtesy of Sabeco

The award aims to recognize people whose work supports community development through practical initiatives, innovation and sustained dedication. Their contributions may span technology, agriculture, design, materials development, traditional crafts and other fields that bring tangible benefits to local communities.

This year's edition places greater emphasis on emerging initiatives and younger contributors, alongside individuals who have worked for their communities over many years. Organizers hope that sharing their stories nationwide will inspire others to participate in community activities and develop solutions to local challenges.

Lester Tan, General Director of Sabeco, speaking at the launching ceremony. Photo courtesy of Sabeco

Tan Teck Chuan Lester, General Director of Sabeco, said the award reflects the company's appreciation for the determination and creativity of Vietnamese people across generations.

"What has always inspired us about Vietnam is the Vietnamese people's unwavering spirit of striving forward," he said.

"It is reflected in their perseverance, strong sense of community, creativity, eagerness to learn, and willingness to adapt and experiment with new approaches."

Tan noted that younger generations are bringing fresh ideas and approaches to community development. Through the award, Sabeco hopes to connect people with a shared commitment to social progress and bring their contributions to wider public attention.

"The award also reinforces the belief that contributions to national development can originate from any locality, sector, or generation," he said.

"As a company that has grown alongside Vietnam for generations, Sabeco remains committed to accompanying the country on its development journey and growing together in the spirit of 'Vietnam Together, Thrive as One,'" Tan added.

Under the partnership between Sabeco and the VFF, local Fatherland Front organizations in all 34 provinces and cities will nominate individuals who have made meaningful contributions to their communities.

The nomination period will run from October to December 2026 and cover six categories: Balanced Living and Community Health, Education and Vocational Training, Community Development, Science and Technology for Communities, Environmental Sustainability, and Culture and Arts for Communities.

Organizers will shortlist 150 nominees for public voting, introducing their stories and achievements to audiences nationwide. For the first time, members of the public can vote by SMS as well as through the award's official website, making participation more accessible.

A total of 15 outstanding individuals will be selected through a combined evaluation process. The Evaluation Council will account for 70% of each nominee's final score, while public voting will contribute the remaining 30%.

Organizers said the system is designed to combine professional assessment with community recognition while maintaining transparency and fairness.

Cao Xuan Thao, Vice Chairman of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, speaking at the event. Photo courtesy of Sabeco

Cao Xuan Thao, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee, said that promptly recognizing exemplary individuals and acts of kindness at the grassroots level not only helps spread positive actions but also strengthens public trust, promotes self-reliance and inspires Vietnamese people to contribute to the country's development.

He added that the Standing Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee has called on provincial and municipal Fatherland Front committees and member organizations to work closely with Dai Doan Ket Newspaper to identify and nominate individuals whose contributions deserve recognition.

Truong Thanh Trung, Editor-in-Chief of Dai Doan Ket Newspaper, speaking at the event. Photo courtesy of Sabeco

Truong Thanh Trung, Editor-in-Chief of Dai Doan Ket Newspaper, said the publication would work with Fatherland Front organizations to identify and share stories from grassroots communities.

"Building on the success of the 2025 edition, expanding the 2026 program to all 34 provinces and cities will enable us to listen to and bring the most inspiring stories from grassroots communities to audiences nationwide," Trung said.

He added that the newspaper and participating organizations would maintain rigorous standards throughout the nomination and selection process.

First launched in 2025 to commemorate Sabeco's 150-year brewing heritage, the Ambassador of National Progress Award is part of the company's efforts to support community development and recognize individuals whose work contributes to positive social change.