Vietnamese striker Hong Duy scored both goals for HAGLin 9th and 51st minute and Malaysia reduced the margin with a 60thminute strike by Admad Zamri.
The Vietnamese team played attacking football throughout the match while the rivals were more sedate in their approach.
Earlier on the same day, U21 Singapore drew 2-2 with U21 Thailand.
On October 23, U19 HAGL will play U21 Sydney at 3.30pm while U21 Thailand will play U21 Vietnam at 6pm.
Sixteams are competing in two groups at the 10-day (October 19-28)tournament. Group A has Vietnam, Singapore and Thailand, while Group Bhas Hoang Anh Gia Lai – Arsenal JMG, Malaysia and Sydney.
Two leading teams in each group will advance to the semifinals while the remaining two compete for fifth place.
Thetournament awards of 12,000 USD, 7,000 USD and 5,000 USD, respectively,to the winner, the runner-up and the third-placed teams.-VNA