VNG-the first Vietnamese tech unicorn - was included in the 10 Asian  companies to watch in 2023 list announced by Japan’s Nikkei Asia web. (Photo: VNG)

According to the web, the VNG has emerged as one of the country's most watched companies, with a possible initial public offering in 2023. The tech company has registered to trade some of its shares on a local exchange for unlisted firms, a move that is often used for companies to test the stock market before their official IPO. It is also reportedly eyeing a US listing.

Founded in 2004 by Le Hong Minh, an Australian-educated investment banker, the VNG started out as an online game publisher and developer called Vinagame. The company's cash cow business has expanded to other Asian markets, where it competes with rivals like Singapore-based Sea. With users in more than 130 countries, the VNG aims to reach 320 million customers globally in this year.