The process of Renovation, opening up to the world, and carrying out continuous reform over nearly 40 years has helped Vietnam transform dramatically from a subsidized economy to a GDP of nearly USD 500 billion, from a once-isolated position to deep participation in the global value chain.
Enterprises and entrepreneurs have played the role of a core, pioneering force together with workers, farmers, and intellectuals ready to shoulder the mission of national economic development since the very first days of the open-door policy.
On the journey of national Renovation – Integration – Global Reach, each entrepreneur has chosen a mission aligned with the opportunities of the era and the orientation of the Party and the State. Some have devoted their lives to sugarcane, rice, and agricultural crops; others have persevered in innovating to elevate the value of key industries; and many have introduced breakthrough initiatives in trade and services, connecting Vietnamese markets to the world.
Especially in the digital era, the era of artificial intelligence, entrepreneurs in the technology sector are the pioneering soldiers paving the way for new fields of development, helping Vietnam stand shoulder to shoulder with leading technological powers worldwide.
In every front, generations of Vietnamese entrepreneurs continue to demonstrate the pioneering spirit of daring to think and act, embodying the willpower, intelligence, and resilience of the Vietnamese people, which are vital pieces painting a bright and prosperous picture of Vietnam today and in the future.
TRAN KIM CHUNG – Chairman of CT Group
Low Altitude Economy model creates opportunities and momentum for rapid, sustainable growth
Vietnam is seeking new drivers for growth and development. The continuous creativity and intelligence of Vietnamese entrepreneurs are the essential foundation for ensuring the country can swiftly adapt and seize emerging opportunities. With a profound understanding of Vietnam’s breakthrough potential, entrepreneur Tran Kim Chung has, over the years, shaped and developed CT Group into one of Vietnam’s leading science, technology, and innovation conglomerates. As a pioneer in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), CT Group is at the forefront of innovation and is helping define the future of the Low Altitude Economy (LAE).
Mr. Chung believes that these new economic models, such as the Low Altitude Economy, will open up powerful new growth engines for Vietnam’s economy.
He recognizes that Vietnam currently holds a rare and advantageous position, which is an “equal starting point” in the race for low-altitude technology. He believes that combining this advantage with rapidly developing technological infrastructure, a young and dynamic workforce, and competitive investment costs will enable Vietnam to become a pioneer in applying LAE in Southeast Asia.
TRAN NGOC SUONG – The Woman Who Turned the Swamplands of the Hau River into a Prosperous Land
Asia-Pacific’s Outstanding Woman
Hero of Labor Tran Ngoc Suong, affectionately known as Co Ba Suong, was honored as an Outstanding Woman of the Asia-Pacific Region for her talent and dedication, which created immense value for the Song Hau Farm. Not only did she transform the barren, swampy lands of the Hau River into a prosperous and fertile area, but together with her colleagues, Hero of Labor Tran Ngoc Suong also developed the Song Hau Farm – a model economic enterprise during the early Renovation years into a state-owned company and one of Vietnam’s leading rice exporters in the 1990s.
By 1998, Song Hau Farm’s export turnover reached over USD 51 million, more than 20 times higher than in 1995. In the 2000s, the farm’s high-quality agricultural products had gained a foothold in over 40 countries worldwide. Today, though she is advanced in age, this small yet tireless woman continues to work diligently, managing two enterprises, maintaining her passion for agriculture, and working directly with farmers and partners to diversify Vietnam’s agricultural export markets.
LE VAN TAM – Former Chairman of Lam Sơn Sugar Joint Stock Corporation (Lasuco)
“The Party entrusted me with reviving the factory, awakening sugarcane, and helping the people prosper.”
Hero of Labour Le Van Tam, former Chairman of Lam Son Sugar Cane Joint Stock Corporation (Lasuco), is a shining example of innovation, creativity, and lifelong dedication to Vietnam’s agricultural development.
From a provincial Department of Agriculture leader, Mr. Tam began his entrepreneurial journey with the mission of a Party member: “The Party entrusted me with reviving the factory, awakening sugarcane, and helping the people prosper.”
He transformed the once-impoverished Lam Son – Thanh Hoa region into one of the country’s most modern, efficient, and sustainable sugar production centers. With strategic vision, he created the model of “large sugarcane fields” linked to processing plants, providing stable employment for tens of thousands of farming households and forming the “Four-House Linkage”: the State, farmers, scientists, and businesses.
Beyond that, he led Lasuco to shift toward high-tech agriculture, renewable energy, bio-circular production, and deep-processing products for export. In the context of Vietnam’s push for green growth and a circular economy, the foundations he built decades ago have proven visionary and sustainable. He is not only a trailblazer for Vietnam’s sugar industry but also a symbol of the aspiration to serve one’s homeland with integrity, passion, and intellect, a businessman with the heart of a farmer.
JOHNATHAN HANH NGUYEN – Chairman of Imex Pan Pacific Group (IPPG)
“I have faith in Vietnam’s economic growth potential.”
The Renovation reform era created strong appeal for overseas Vietnamese entrepreneurs. More than a call, it was a mission, an opportunity for them to contribute to the nation’s development. In 1985, establishing the Vietnam–Philippines Air Transport Agreement was identified as a crucial, historic task, marking one of Vietnam’s first steps toward international openness.
That same year, Johnathan Hanh Nguyen returned to Vietnam, driven by the desire to help open the country’s doors to the world. He played a key role in negotiating and signing the Vietnam–Philippines Air Transport Agreement, launching the first official flight route between Ho Chi Minh City and Manila. It was not merely a route for goods and passengers, but a flight path of trust and aspiration, laying the groundwork for a new, globally connected Vietnam.
From that milestone, under the philosophy “Bringing global excellence to Vietnam – Spreading Vietnamese values to the world” he established Imex Pan Pacific Group (IPPG), a pioneer in aviation, retail, manufacturing, trade, tourism, and later education, technology, and social responsibility.
He firmly believes that entrepreneurs not only generate economic value but must also align business growth with community and national development. In the new era , the era of Vietnam’s rise, entrepreneurs will be the pioneering and leading force driving innovation, new economic models, and a stronger global position for Vietnam in the supply chain.
He remains confident that Vietnam’s stable, development-oriented policy environment provides a solid foundation for businesses to continue their pioneering role and together build a powerful and self-reliant Vietnamese economy.
NGUYEN THI PHUONG THAO – Chairwoman of Sovico Group, Chairwoman of Vietjet Air, and Vice Chairwoman of HDBank
“An aspiration to make Vietnam a regional economic hub, a strong, compassionate nation with global standing.”
After more than 30 years of investing in and developing enterprises, businesswoman Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, Chairwoman of Sovico Group, Vietjet Air, and First Vice Chairwoman of HDBank, shared that her current aspiration is even greater: to make Vietnam a regional economic hub, a strong, humane nation with global stature.
“We began our entrepreneurial journey over 30 years ago with a simple dream: to contribute to national development through genuine values. Today, that dream has grown to make Vietnam a regional economic hub, a strong and compassionate country with a global standing. Our aspiration is not only for growth but for service not only for our enterprises but also for our community and investors”, said Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao.
The Renovation and international integration process has brought about remarkable economic progress. Air travel has become increasingly popular. Before Vietjet Air’s inaugural flight in December 2011, Vietnam had no private low-cost airline even as its middle class was expanding rapidly. With strategic vision and a strong entrepreneurial spirit, Nguyen Thi Phương Thao founded and developed Vietnam’s first private airline, helping reshape the country’s aviation industry and accelerating its integration with the global economy.
NGUYEN QUOC KY – Chairman of Vietravel Group
Transforming the face of domestic tourism and pioneering Vietnam’s global tourism brand
Along with the growth of the aviation industry, tourism has been identified as a key economic sector that drives economic growth, preserves cultural values, protects the environment, and enhances people’s quality of life. Entrepreneur Nguyen Quoc Ky has made significant contributions to Vietnam’s tourism industry as the founder and leader of Vietravel Group. Starting in the early 1990s, when Vietnam’s tourism industry was still in its infancy, Mr. Nguyen Quoc Ky established Vietravel with the dream of bringing Vietnamese travelers to the world and attracting international tourists to Vietnam. Over more than 30 years, Vietravel has become one of the country’s leading travel companies, making substantial contributions to the development of the national tourism industry.
He believes that Vietnam has the potential to become a major tourism hub in Asia if it can invest properly, integrating technology and services, experience and culture.
Mr. Nguyen Quoc Ky’s journey is not only that of an entrepreneur but also a story of strategic thinking, perseverance in the face of challenges, and strong belief in Vietnamese values. From a small travel company, he has led Vietravel to become a modern, integrated tourism ecosystem expanding onto the global stage.
LE TIEN TRUONG – Chairman of Vietnam National Textile and Garment Group (Vinatex)
A visionary leader dedicated to enhancing the position and added value of Vietnam’s textile industry in the global supply chain
Exports are a crucial pillar of Vietnam’s economic growth, and the textile and garment sector is one of its leading export industries, contributing tens of billions of U.S. dollars annually to the national trade balance. As Chairman of Vinatex, entrepreneur Le Tien Truong has made major contributions to the development of Vietnam’s textile industry. From strategic vision to value chain management, market development, and production organization, he has introduced groundbreaking initiatives that have driven growth, helped Vinatex and the wider sector overcome challenges, and proactively adapted to global textile trends.
Mr. Le Tien Truong is known for his innovative management approaches, technological and product innovation, and efforts to enhance the industry’s competitiveness in line with new international trends and standards. He has also conducted extensive research and served as the chief editor of the book “Circular Economy Transition Trends and Impacts on Vietnam’s Textile Industry”, the first book in Vietnam addressing the circular economy in this sector. This work lays the theoretical and practical foundation for shifting the industry from a linear to a circular model.
NGUYEN TRUNG CHINH – Chairman of CMC Technology Group
Realizing the aspiration to place Vietnam on the global technology map
Entrepreneur Nguyen Trung Chinh has made significant contributions to the development of Vietnam’s information technology, artificial intelligence, and digital economy sectors. Over 32 years ago, with the dream of “putting Vietnam on the global technology map”, he founded CMC Group, driven by a strong vision and determination to realize long-term goals for both the company and the national IT industry. Today, CMC has become an international digital technology corporation, pioneering the development of new technologies and playing an important role in global tech value chains.
He is the initiator of the “Digital Nation” concept and remains steadfast in his philosophy of creating “Make in Vietnam” technology products – developed by Vietnamese people to serve domestic needs and reach out globally. His continuous contributions have laid a solid technological foundation for a smart, self-reliant, and deeply integrated Vietnam, helping to realize the national aspiration for prosperity in the digital era.
TRAN TRI MANH – Chairman of the Board of VNPAY
Changing the payment behavior of millions of Vietnamese people
Entrepreneur Tran Tri Manh founded and developed VNPAY into one of Vietnam’s first four technology unicorns. He has steered VNPAY toward building a comprehensive digital payment ecosystem, transforming the payment habits of millions of Vietnamese consumers.
His strategic vision and pioneering spirit have not only driven VNPAY’s success over the past 18 years but have also inspired a new generation of young tech entrepreneurs in Vietnam.
According to Mr. Tran Tri Manh, the spirit of pioneering and continuous innovation is the guiding principle that has helped VNPAY affirm its leading position in the digital payment sector. 18 years mark a proud journey but also a new beginning. With strong internal capacity, a constant drive for innovation, and a capable leadership team, VNPAY is ready to conquer new heights and continue leading future fintech trends.
NGO CHI DUNG – Chairman of VNVC Vaccination System, VNVC Vaccine & Biologicals Factory, and Tam Anh General Hospital
Relentless efforts to ensure national health security and affirm Vietnam’s position on the global vaccine production map
Entrepreneur Ngo Chi Dung has chosen a mission that aligns business growth with healthcare advancement, protecting community health while contributing to the progress of Vietnam’s medical science and technology, enhancing national capacity for international integration.
He is the founder and chairman of VNVC Vaccination Centers, Tam Anh General Hospital, Vietnam Vaccine Company, and the VNVC Vaccine & Biologicals Factory. After nearly a decade of development, the VNVC vaccination system, under his leadership, has become Vietnam’s largest and most premium vaccination network.
Through determination and dedication, Mr. Ngo Chi Dung and VNVC have introduced over 20 new-generation vaccines to Vietnam, protecting children and adults from various dangerous diseases. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he made a bold USD 30 million investment with AstraZeneca in vaccine research and development, securing early access to 30 million doses for Vietnam, making the country one of the first in Asia to roll out vaccination campaigns, playing a vital role in the fight against the pandemic.
Currently, VNVC is constructing an international-standard vaccine and biologicals factory and has reached technology transfer agreements with leading global partners in biotechnology. The operation of this factory will make a significant contribution to providing high-quality vaccines for Vietnam, ensuring national health security, and affirming Vietnam’s position on the global vaccine production map.
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