In a global economy marked by uncertainty, Vietnamese family businesses have emerged as a beacon of resilience. According to the latest PwC survey, 75% of these enterprises reported growth last year—far surpassing the global average. This is the story of Vietnam’s "Real Economy": deeply rooted, fiercely ambitious, and poised to define the future.
1. The Outliers of Asia: A Testament to Resilience
While the global economy navigated headwinds, Vietnamese family businesses pressed forward with remarkable vigor.
The numbers tell a story of exceptional vitality. The PwC 2025 Family Business Survey reveals that 75% of Vietnamese family firms achieved revenue growth in the last fiscal year, compared to a global average of just 57%. Even more impressive, 41% of these firms recorded double-digit growth—a feat achieved by only a quarter of their international peers.
These are not merely companies; they are the stalwarts of the nation. From industrial giants like Thaco to household names like Bitis, these families act as the custodians of Vietnam’s economic stability. They possess a unique "grit"—a blend of traditional prudence and modern agility that allows them to thrive where others falter.
2. Aggressive Ambition: The Hunger for the Future
Far from being "stuck in the past," Vietnamese family leaders are proving to be the most forward-thinking in the room.
The survey highlights a striking ambition: 31% of Vietnamese family business leaders have set their sights on "quick and aggressive" growth over the next two years. This is nearly double the global rate (16%).
They are actively pivoting toward the future, with 69% prioritizing digital transformation. They view technology not as a threat to tradition, but as a tool to amplify it. Whether it is integrating AI into manufacturing or digitizing supply chains, these families are proving that heritage and innovation can coexist harmoniously.
3. The Power of "Patient Capital"
What sets these businesses apart is their philosophy. Unlike public companies driven by quarterly earnings, family businesses possess the superpower of "Patient Capital."
They build for the next generation, not just the next quarter. This long-term vision allows them to weather short-term storms and invest in sustainable value.
- 91% of Vietnamese family firms have solidified their family values and expectations.
- 84% have a crystal-clear business purpose (significantly higher than the global 64%).
However, this purpose is often a "silent asset." The next step for these dignified enterprises is to vocalize their mission. By sharing their stories of integrity and stewardship with the world, they can transform their internal values into a powerful public competitive advantage.
4. Professionalizing the Legacy: The Path to Longevity
To protect what they have built, Vietnamese families are now focusing on the architecture of longevity.
While the entrepreneurial spirit is strong, the survey notes that formal governance is the next frontier. Currently, only 6% utilize a formal Family Constitution. This is not a weakness, but an immense opportunity. By establishing formal governance structures and inviting independent expertise into the boardroom, these families are not diluting their control—they are fortifying it. Professionalization is the ultimate act of protection, ensuring that the business remains robust enough to support the family for generations to come.
5. The Next Generation: Custodians of the Flame
Perhaps the most beautiful aspect of the Vietnamese family business is its commitment to continuity.
94% of leaders prioritize protecting the business as a vital asset, and 81% are dedicated to preserving the family legacy. This deep sense of duty is the heartbeat of the sector.
While intergenerational differences exist, they represent the friction of progress. The elder generation offers wisdom and stability; the "NextGen" brings digital fluency and global perspectives. When these two forces align under a shared vision, they create an unstoppable momentum.
Conclusion: Vietnamese family businesses stand at a pivotal moment of history. They are the vanguards of value, balancing the weight of tradition with the velocity of modern commerce.
As they continue to professionalize and expand, they are doing more than just generating profit—they are building Legacy. They prove that in Vietnam, business is personal, it is honorable, and it is built to last.
Source: PwC Family Business Survey 2025. Curated by: The Ajita Editorial Desk.
