Inside an unprecedented APEC Convention Center in Phu Quoc, built by Sun Group

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum 2027 is officially set to take place in Phu Quoc Special Zone, marking the third time Vietnam has hosted the event and underscoring the country’s rising stature on the global stage. Each architectural work, particularly the “heart” of the event - the APEC Convention and Exhibition Center serves as a medium through which Vietnam conveys a story of scale, resilience, and aspiration.

Against this backdrop, the scale and level of investment in the APEC Convention Center in Phu Quoc go beyond merely meeting standards, positioning the complex among the world’s leading venues. With a total floor area of 152,166 square meters, comprising four above-ground levels and one basement, the facility is designed to host high-level events with the most stringent requirements, spanning diplomacy, economics, and culture. Compared with previous APEC host nations, this approach reflects a comprehensive and above-benchmark level of preparation by Phu Quoc and Vietnam.

From the outset, Sun Group partnered with SOM, the world-renowned architecture firm behind numerous global icons, to craft a design narrative rooted in modern principles. The concept tells the story of Phu Quoc as a place where land and sea converge. Accordingly, the structure draws its primary inspiration from the image of ever-moving waves. The sweeping rooflines, with their soft curves, are carefully articulated through light and elevation, creating a seamless and fluid sense of movement throughout the space.

The main lobby opens into a lofty, expansive space, defined by generous voids and abundant natural light, creating an immediate sense of awe from the very first steps. Materiality is deliberately restrained, with only essential elements such as stone, metal and terrazzo retained. This minimalism accentuates spatial proportions and light, resulting in a refined elegance that feels natural and understated rather than ostentatious.

At the heart of the complex is a multi-function exhibition and convention hall spanning 11,050 square meters, set to become one of the largest of its kind in the world. The space is designed to accommodate a wide range of events, from exhibitions and trade fairs to concerts and large-scale gatherings, enabling flexible reconfiguration without compromising experience.

The conference hall is designed with a minimalist approach, directing attention to the proceedings, including speeches, the exchange of ideas and decisions that shape outcomes. Accordingly, it features a neutral palette, consistent lighting and a restrained use of materials with minimal detailing.

If the conference area is defined by restraint, the ballroom is where emotion is elevated. The expansive, column-free space, combined with sophisticated lighting and premium materials, comes together to create an event-driven setting where diplomacy, culture and performance intersect.

The VIP area is set apart from the main flow, offering a sense of privacy and balance. Wood, metal, warm lighting and handcrafted details are used to create a space that feels intimate yet refined. Here, luxury is defined not by scale or form, but by subtlety and restraint.

The journey concludes with a 2,000-seat dinner show venue, a rare feature among convention centers worldwide. Notably, the space is developed under the creative direction of Dragone, the company behind numerous globally renowned productions. More than a stage, it delivers an immersive experience where the boundary between audience and performance gradually dissolves. Each production blends performing arts, stage technology and emotional storytelling, transforming the convention center from a venue into a destination for world-class experiences.

According to APEC experts, the complex is expected to rank among the largest and most advanced APEC convention centers across the 33 editions of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting. Once operational, it is set to redefine the profile not only of Phu Quoc Island but of Vietnam as a whole, positioning the country to regularly host major MICE events at both regional and global levels.