KAS Holdings: 30 Years of Building Trust and Connecting Korea – Vietnam

Chairman Jang Soon Bong (Korea) – Head of the multinational KAS Holdings. (Photo: provided by the subject)

Chairman Jang Soon Bong is a Korean engineer who arrived in Vietnam in 1994, recognizing the market’s long-term potential. He founded Seogwoo Construction, which later restructured into KAS E&C and KAS Holdings in 2012, expanding into Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar. Known for his philosophy of transparency, trust, and prioritizing safety and quality, he has guided the group into becoming a major regional construction and development leader.

KAS Holdings is a multinational construction and development group offering comprehensive design-build turn-key solutions. The group focuses on high-quality projects, maintaining schedule and budget stability, fostering safe work environments, and contributing to urban development and local employment across Indochina.

Journey in Vietnam and Regional Expansion

WAJ: You were assigned to Hanoi as an engineer in 1994, which eventually led you to establish Seogwoo Construction. What motivated your entry into the Vietnamese market at that time?

Chairman Jang Soon Bong: In the early 1990s, Vietnam was undergoing rapid transformation under its reform and opening policies. Amid this momentum, I recognized tremendous long-term potential. Entering Vietnam as one of the earliest Korean companies was both a bold challenge and a meaningful commitment.

I believed that by deeply understanding the local market and building trust step by step, we could grow alongside Vietnam’s development. This conviction ultimately led me to establish Seogwoo Construction and begin our journey here.

WAJ: In 2012, the group was rebranded as KAS E&C and KAS Holdings as you expanded across the Indochina region. What were the most significant milestones in this evolution?

Chairman Jang Soon Bong: The first milestone was earning the trust of global clients by successfully completing major projects in Vietnam.

The second was the strategic restructuring in 2012 under the KAS E&C and KAS Holdings name, which enabled our expansion into Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and the wider Indochina region.

The third milestone was transforming from a traditional contractor into a comprehensive design-build and turn-key solution provider, allowing clients to rely on us throughout the entire project cycle.

WAJ: What do you see as the key opportunities and challenges in the Indochina market?

Chairman Jang Soon Bong: The opportunities are clear: A young and dynamic population of over 200 million, accelerating urbanization and strong growth in manufacturing. All of these fuel the demand for high-quality construction and infrastructure.

The challenge, however, lies in navigating the diverse systems, cultures and regulatory environments across the region. To address this, we have built specialized teams in each country, enabling us to convert challenges into opportunities.

KAS Holdings participating in the Vinh Hao Solar Power Plant project, Binh Thuan, Vietnam. (Photo: provided by the subject)

Business Philosophy and Commitment to Safety & Quality

WAJ: What is your business philosophy, and how is it reflected in the daily operations of KAS Holdings?

Chairman Jang Soon Bong: My philosophy is grounded in principled and transparent management. I firmly believe that trust is not built overnight.

Keeping even the smallest promises and maintaining honesty, even in the aspects unseen, ultimately defines a company’s value.

I also believe that “the answer is always on-site,” which is why I personally visit our regional operations frequently to lead and support them directly.

This philosophy guides every decision at KAS Holdings. We prioritize long-term trust over short-term gains and consider our relationships with clients, partners and employees who are our greatest asset.

WAJ: You emphasize the idea that “safety and quality make a difference.” What measures has KAS implemented to uphold this principle?

Chairman Jang Soon Bong: We apply international safety and quality standards across all project sites.

From pre-construction to final handover, each phase is reviewed using systematic checklists managed by our professional engineers.

For safety, our programs include: Daily morning safety briefings; Preventive risk inspections; Regular audits by certified external institutions.

Our goal is to maintain zero-incident job sites, and we invest continuously to achieve that standard.

WAJ: How does KAS Holdings differentiate itself with its design-build turn-key model?

Chairman Jang Soon Bong: Our strength lies in providing a seamless, single-window solution.

We handle the entire process including design, budget planning, construction, interior work, and permitting support under one integrated system.

This approach ensures: Shorter project timelines; Budget stability; Consistent construction quality.

It is a major reason clients place their trust in KAS for complex and fast-track developments.

WAJ: How does KAS cultivate a strong safety culture through training and organizational practices?

Chairman Jang Soon Bong: As CEO, I consider protecting our employees’ safety which is my most important responsibility.

KAS Holdings maintains a structured system that includes: Regular safety training for all staff; Comprehensive onboarding for new employees; Dedicated safety managers at each site; A strict Stop-Work Authority policy.

We continuously reinforce a culture where safety is not simply a rule but a shared mindset, where employees look out for one another and respond immediately to potential hazards.

Korea–Vietnam Connection and Sustainable Value Creation

WAJ: What is KAS Holdings’ mission in strengthening the connection between Korea and Vietnam?

Chairman Jang Soon Bong: Our mission is to contribute to the development of Vietnam and the Indochina region through Korean expertise, integrity and technical excellence.

We view ourselves not just as builders, but as a bridge linking the two countries.

Through our projects, we aim to help create: Better urban environments; Safe and high-quality buildings; Employment opportunities for local communities.

We strive to deliver value that goes beyond construction itself.

KAS Holdings participating in an urban development project. (Photo: provided by the subject)

WAJ: What enables KAS Holdings to maintain strong and long-term relationships with clients and partners?

Chairman Jang Soon Bong: I believe that relationships built over decades are a company’s most valuable legacy.

Our approach is simple and consistent: Honor our commitments; Communicate honestly, especially when challenges arise; Support our clients whenever they need us.

By upholding these principles for over 30 years, we have earned the lasting trust of many global partners.

I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to share our story with WAJ. KAS Holdings will continue growing as one of Asia’s most trusted and respected construction and development groups.

WAJ: We sincerely thank you for participating in this interview.