Come for the insight.
Stay for the people.

A relaxed evening series bringing together senior leaders, investors, founders, and visiting executives for candid conversation, drinks, and high-quality networking.

5:30 PM–7:00 PM · Ho Chi Minh City · By invitation

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Good conversations.
Interesting people.
No stage required.

Off the Record is part conversation, part happy hour, and part carefully curated networking.

No long speeches. No stiff panels. No forced business-card exchanges.

Just a good guest, a strong room, and the kind of conversation that becomes more interesting once the microphones are turned off.

A group of people attending a conference, sitting at tables with water bottles and glasses, focused and listening.

Why It Exists

Vietnam’s business landscape is evolving faster than most leadership conversations.

The CxO Initiative creates a space for serious leaders to think aloud, exchange lessons, and test strategies with peers facing the same pressures — without the performance of a public stage.

  • Growth under uncertainty

  • Capital, FX, and supply constraints

  • Governance beyond founders

  • Cross-border competition

The Format

Hear something useful

Go beyond the public talking points and hear how experienced leaders are actually thinking about Vietnam, the region, and the decisions ahead.

Meet people worth meeting

The room is curated around founders, CEOs, investors, senior executives, advisers, and visiting international leaders.

Enjoy the evening

A short, informal format designed to be useful without feeling like work after work.

THE ONE RULE

Take the insight. Leave the name.

Participants may use the ideas and insights shared during the evening, but comments should not be attributed to a specific person or organisation without permission.

This is clearer and lighter than writing a lengthy explanation of Chatham House Rule.

No recording.
No public attribution.
No live reporting.

Themes We Tackle

  • Vendor consolidation, FX shifts, and logistics bottlenecks.

  • How to build oversight without killing agility.

  • When to professionalize and when to hold the reins.

  • Financing growth when money isn’t free.

  • From founder-led to institution-ready.

  • Real operator use cases that move P&L.

What to expect

Each edition is built around one interesting guest, one timely question, or one perspective worth hearing.

The conversation is informal, moderated, and designed to leave plenty of time for drinks and introductions.

5:30 PM
Drinks, arrivals, and introductions

6:00 PM
A brief welcome from Vietnam Vanguard

6:05 PM
Conversation with the featured guest. Questions and discussion with the room.

Drinks and networking

7:00 PM
Official close—although good conversations may continue

Who Attends

CEOs, Founders, and Chairs of mid-sized and large Vietnamese companies

Country Heads and Regional Leaders of multinationals (MNCs)

Investors and Family Offices with operating interests

Vanguard Corporate Members and Partners

Group of four people at a social event, engaged in conversation, holding drinks, indoors.

Off the Record is a curated gathering with limited capacity. Submit your details below and our team will confirm attendance directly.

Request an invitation

FAQs

  • No. All sessions run under Chatham House Rule.

  • No, seats are non-transferable.

  • By exception only, if operating in a leadership capacity.

  • A few guest seats are available for qualified CxOs.