May 10: The 80-year journey of Vietnam's fashion "ambassador" and a strategic leap in the "dual transformation" era

In the history of Vietnam's textile industry, few enterprises possess a unique "dual DNA" like May 10 Corporation: Combining the ironclad discipline of the military with the elegance and sophistication of fashion. Established in the Viet Bac war zone in 1946, initially as military supply workshops, May 10 has accompanied the nation through two prolonged resistance wars. However, the most significant legacy May 10 has accumulated over the past 80 years is not just the Independence Medals or the First-Class Labour Medals recently awarded again in January 2026, but its adaptability.

During the subsidy period, May 10 was at the forefront of the socialist emulation movement. When the country underwent Renovation, it was the first unit to "break through" the mechanism to find a way to export. Today, May 10, has become a symbol of "Fashion Diplomacy".

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, on behalf of the Party and state leaders, awards the First-Class Labour Medal to May 10 Corporation.

The position of "soft power" in foreign affairs

For diplomatic agencies and senior leaders, May 10 is not merely a manufacturing enterprise but has quietly played a crucial logistical role in building the national image. May 10-branded suits have long been the trusted choice of many generations of Party and State leaders and Vietnamese diplomats on international missions.

The meticulousness in every stitch, the perfect fit of handcrafted tailoring combined with modern technology, has helped May 10 attire exude the dignified and confident demeanor of national representatives. This is the intangible yet invaluable value: May 10 contributes to shaping Vietnam's image – elegant, modern, yet rich in identity.

At the anniversary ceremony, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh personally awarded prestigious titles and emphasised that the role of "leading bird" is a confirmation: May 10 is a national asset, a brand representing Vietnam's prestige on the international stage.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh speaks at the 80th anniversary of the founding of the May 10 Corporation.

Entering 2026, amidst a volatile global economy and increasingly dense trade barriers, May 10 Corporation has clearly identified that past glory does not guarantee future success. To continue leading, May 10 must undergo a strategic "surgery", focusing on two spearheads: Shifting the value chain and comprehensive "Greening".

The management model revolution: From CMT to ODM

The biggest challenge for Vietnam's textile industry is the "processing trap" (CMT - Cut, Make, Trim) with thin profit margins and high risks. May 10 is determined to change this perception with a bold roadmap.

In the strategic goals for 2026–2030, May 10 focuses on increasing the proportion of FOB (Free On Board – Buying raw materials, selling finished products) and ODM (Original Design Manufacturing – Self-designing, manufacturing) products to 50-60%. This is a vital step to increase surplus value.

Instead of relying on customer-designated materials, May 10 proactively builds a domestic and regional supply chain network, minimising the risk of supply chain disruptions.

Additionally, the Corporation is heavily investing in the Development Centre and creative design team. The goal is to sell "intellect" and "aesthetics" rather than just labour. High-end office fashion collections (May 10 Expert, GrusZ, Eternity GrusZ) are gradually dominating the domestic market and aiming for export under their own brand.

The target revenue figure of over 5,500 billion VND in 2026, with a profit growth rate of 10-15%, demonstrates confidence in the effectiveness of this new business model.

May 10's high-end brands "debut" at the anniversary.

"Greening" – The Passport to the Premium Market

As a partner to the most demanding markets, including the US, Europe, and Japan, May 10 understands the "new rules": No Green, No Orders.

The EU Green Deal and mechanisms like CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism) are no longer theoretical; they are now real technical barriers. Under this pressure, May 10's "Net Zero" strategy is not a media slogan but a survival and competitive strategy.

This strategy is being implemented through urgent energy replacement projects at factories in Thai Binh, Quang Binh, Thanh Hoa, and Hanoi. The goal is for 40% of the system's total electricity consumption to come from renewable energy by the end of 2026. This is an impressive figure for an industrial manufacturing enterprise with heavy electricity consumption.

Moreover, May 10 aims to convert 100% of traditional coal-fired boilers to electric and biomass boilers. This move helps reduce thousands of tons of CO2 emissions annually, directly meeting the sustainability indices required by global fashion brands (such as Zara, H&M, Uniqlo, etc.).

May 10 is positioning itself as a sustainable fashion manufacturer. The use of natural and recycled materials (recycled polyester, bamboo fibre, lotus fibre, coffee fibre) is targeted to reach 30% of the total material structure.

This not only has environmental significance but also serves as a sharp economic diplomacy tool. When a May 10 shirt is exported to Europe, it carries the story of a responsible Vietnam that protects the environment and respects sustainable values.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh signs at the 80th anniversary of the May 10 Corporation's founding.

Digital transformation: The new "brain" of the tailor

If "Greening" is the shield, then "Digitalisation" is the spear for May 10 to break through productivity.

The 80th anniversary of May 10 has concluded, but it has sent a strong message to the international community and domestic partners. Today, May 10, is not only a source of pride for Vietnam's textile industry but also a vivid testament to the nation's spirit of advancement in the new era.

For diplomatic agencies, May 10 is a reliable partner to promote the country's image. For trade partners, May 10 is an indispensable "Green" and "Smart" link in the global supply chain.

The "dual transformation" strategy (Green and Digital) that May 10 is pursuing is the shortest path to realizing the Prime Minister's directive: To make May 10 a multinational fashion corporation. At 80, May 10 is not ageing but "reviving" more brilliantly than ever, ready for a new opportunity for the country – The era of the nation's rise.

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