HCM CITY — The Military Industry and Telecoms Group (Viettel) has defended its position as Việt Nam’s most valuable brand for the 11th consecutive year, with its brand value rising 7 per cent to US$7.9 billion, according to the latest Việt Nam 100 2026 report released by brand valuation consultancy Brand Finance.

The firm's sustained dominance was driven by steady expansion in its core telecommunications business.

The report also highlighted Viettel as the national leader in Sustainability Perceptions Value, reflecting its ability to convert environmental, social, and governance (ESG) commitments into tangible brand equity.

Overall, the total value of Việt Nam’s top 100 brands rose by 11 per cent year-on-year to reach $43 billion in 2026.

This growth follows an 8 per cent GDP expansion in 2025, with economic growth expected to moderate to between 6 per cent and 7 per cent this year.

High-performing sectors driving the increase include airlines (up 79 per cent), healthcare services (up 76 per cent), and banking (up 13 per cent).

Dairy firm Vinamilk secured the second spot in value at $2.6 billion, supported by recovering domestic demand and international expansion.

Vietjet emerged as the fastest-growing brand in the report, with its brand value increasing by 117 per cent to $906 million, driven by the expansion of international routes to markets including Australia, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, and Russia.

In terms of brand strength, insurer Bảo Việt was named Việt Nam’s strongest brand, achieving a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 96 out of 100 and an AAA+ rating due to improvements in service quality.

Vinpearl followed as the second strongest brand with a BSI score of 95.4/100, while Vietcombank ranked as the third most valuable and third strongest brand overall, posting a BSI score of 95.3/100.

Electric mobility provider Green SM (GSM) entered the ranking for the first time with a brand value of $635 million.

The company recently expanded into India, its fifth overseas market, securing a BSI score of 58/100 (A rating).

In the banking sector, VPBank's brand value jumped 41 per cent to $995 million, climbing two spots to 11th overall.

The increase in market capitalisation followed the announcement of its fourth-quarter listing plans.

Alex Haigh, Managing Director Asia Pacific at Brand Finance, said the 2026 ranking highlights a two-speed brand economy in Việt Nam, where established leaders like Viettel and Vietcombank anchor value through scale, while high-growth sectors like aviation capture renewed demand. — VNS