Mr Lim Kay Siong, Head, Asset Operations Management, Vietnam, Real Estate, Keppel Ltd., and General Director of Saigon Centre, delivering a speech at the event.

The LEED certification presentation ceremony was held at Saigon Centre and was officiated by Mr Gopalakrishnan, Managing Director, South Asia and Middle East of USGBC, Mr Santanu Duttagupta, Associate Director, Market Development of East India, Bangladesh & Vietnam of USGBC, Mr Quang Do, General Director of Green Viet, the project’s LEED consultant, Mr Lim Kay Siong, Head, Asset Operations Management, Vietnam, Real Estate, Keppel Ltd., and General Director of Saigon Centre, and Ms Sharon Ong, Head of Retail Operations, Vietnam, Real Estate, Keppel Ltd., and General Manager of Saigon Centre.

From left to right, Ms Sharon Ong, Mr Lim Kay Siong, Mr Gopalakrishnan, Mr Santanu Duttagupta, Mr Quang Do unveiling the LEED Platinum plaque of Saigon Centre

The certifications reflect Saigon Centre’s strong performance across key sustainability criteria, including energy efficiency, operational excellence, and environmental management.

One of the key contributors to these achievements is Saigon Centre’s consistent focus on sustainable development practices, particularly the adoption of energy-efficient technologies. The development has implemented EC fans in its air handling units, combining direct current motors with electronic control systems. This initiative alone reduces energy consumption by more than 1 million kilowatt-hours annually.

Mr Gopalakrishnan (right) presenting the LEED Platinum certification to Mr Lim Kay Siong

Other initiatives include the retrofitting of air handling units, the installation of energy-efficient LED lighting integrated with smart sensor technology, and the incorporation of solar energy solutions across the property. Over the past six years, solar panels installed at Saigon Centre have generated more than 240,000 kilowatt-hours of clean energy, resulting in both environmental benefits and cumulative cost savings of over VND600 million.

Mr Santanu Duttagupta (right), presenting the LEED Gold certification to Ms Sharon Ong

Beyond that, Saigon Centre has rolled out a range of sustainable initiatives that positively impact its communities. These include transforming food waste into compost, adopting eco‑friendly products at Sedona Suites, Keppel’s serviced apartment project, providing battery‑disposal bins, running a plastic‑straw‑free challenge to encourage sustainable habits, and introducing the “Bag Tree” initiative to promote the use of reusable bags.

Keppel is a global asset manager and operator with strong expertise in sustainability-related solutions spanning infrastructure, real estate, and connectivity. Headquartered in Singapore, Keppel operates in more than 20 countries worldwide, providing critical infrastructure and services supporting renewables, clean energy, decarbonisation, sustainable urban renewal, and digital connectivity.

The “Bag Tree” and battery-disposal bin at Sedona Suites

In Vietnam, Keppel is a pioneer and one of the largest foreign real estate investors, with a quality portfolio across Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Saigon Centre, located in the heart of Sai Gon Ward (formerly Ben Nghe Ward, District 1), has been a landmark on the city’s skyline for nearly three decades.

Saigon Centre, Keppel’s flagship mixed use development in Ho Chi Minh Cit

Phase 1 of Saigon Centre commenced in 1994 and was completed in 1996, introducing one of the city’s earliest mixed-use developments that combined office, retail, and hospitality components.

Representatives of Keppel, office and mall components of Saigon Centre, Sedona Suites – serviced apartment project, GreenViet and USGBC taking a group photo at the event

Phase 2, completed in 2016, expanded the complex with a modern shopping mall, Grade A office space, and Sedona Suites serviced apartments.

Today, Saigon Centre is a vibrant hub for commerce, lifestyle, and hospitality, while also serving as a catalyst for urban development and contributing to Ho Chi Minh City’s ambition to become an international financial hub.

Looking ahead, Keppel is actively progressing with Phase 3 of Saigon Centre, which will further elevate the development’s status as an architectural and commercial icon. The upcoming phase will comprise a 42-storey sustainable tower, featuring a 5-star hotel alongside Grade A retail and office spaces. Designed to meet international sustainability standards, Saigon Centre Phase 3 will enhance the city’s skyline while delivering world-class commercial spaces that support the evolving needs of businesses and the wider community.