Strategic Restructuring Drives Strong Financial Performance
SCG has reported a continued improvement in its operating results for the first half of 2025, driven by ongoing strategic restructuring across its business units. The company announced that its earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) reached VND23.7 trillion ($904 million), marking a notable 21% increase from the second half of 2024. According to President and CEO Thammasak Sethaudom, this growth is a direct result of measures implemented since mid-2024 to strengthen the company’s financial position, which included adjusting its investment portfolio and discontinuing unprofitable businesses. This proactive approach to enhancing operational efficiency has paid off across its core segments: the cement and building materials division effectively managed costs, the packaging unit (SCGP) leveraged technology and AI for efficiency, and the chemicals business (SCGC) showed signs of a gradual recovery due to improving price spreads. This focused strategy has positioned SCG for a resilient performance.
Advancing Sustainable Innovation and ESG Initiatives
SCG is making significant strides in its commitment to the ESG 4 Plus strategy, particularly within its Vietnamese operations. A key example of this focus on green innovation is the major construction phase of the Long Son Petrochemicals (LSP) Enhancement project, which utilized a proprietary low-carbon concrete mix to minimize its environmental footprint. The project incorporated 18,000 tonnes of SCG’s Low-Carbon Super Cement, a move that is estimated to have reduced CO2 emissions by approximately 6,800 tonnes. SCG’s dedication to sustainability also extended to major national infrastructure projects in Vietnam, which were supplied with low-carbon materials from Song Gianh Cement. Furthermore, the company showcased its commitment to sustainable building with the introduction of new eco-certified products, such as Smartboard Ultra and Flexitech tiles, which highlight its vision for a circular economy and responsible construction practices throughout the region.
Fostering Community and Developing Future Leaders
The company’s ESG strategy goes beyond environmental efforts to include a strong emphasis on social and human development in Vietnam. During the first half of the year, SCG expanded its social impact initiatives, holding a Children’s Day festival in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province that included scholarships for local students and a skills-building workshop for hearing-impaired children. The company also engaged with the nation’s youth through creative and educational programs, such as the ‘Speak Up to Net Zero’ initiative, which involved over 3,000 young participants in exploring environmental solutions. Similarly, the ‘Packaging Speak Out’ competition with SCGP empowered university students with practical skills for a circular economy. Internally, SCG is investing in its talent pipeline by partnering with Duke University to offer a bilingual executive training course for 40 mid-to-senior managers, reinforcing its commitment to developing strong leadership and fostering a culture of continuous learning and safety.
