GIVING BACK TO SOCIETY AND THE COMMUNITY
Hanoi-born, Dr. Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, hailing from a family of intellectuals, once had a modest dream of graduating from university and becoming a teacher like her mother. However, her time abroad broadened her horizons and set her on the path to becoming a prominent entrepreneur, fueled by a desire to contribute to a strong and prosperous Vietnam.
With nearly two decades of international education and experience, this Hanoi native has graduated from three universities with degrees in economics and finance, obtained a Ph.D. in Economics and Automation, and gained entrepreneurial prowess by earning her first million dollars at the young age of 21…
Armed with a solid educational foundation, coupled with her intelligence, diligence, and decisiveness, Phuong Thao has become the first and only self-made female billionaire in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. Her successful investments span aviation, banking, and energy—sectors vital to the country’s economic backbone. Her enterprises provide employment to over 40,000 people and are listed on the stock exchange.
For this female entrepreneur, the primary responsibility of a business is economic, generating profits to ensure employee well-being and stakeholder satisfaction. Equally important is creating value for the community, a tenet that reflects her profound business philosophy centered on integrity and benevolence.
This drives her relentless pursuit of business success, fueled by the belief that “more money means more means to fulfill noble dreams.”
Throughout her entrepreneurial journey, Phuong Thao has consistently dedicated herself to community initiatives and projects. She has supported chess and futsal, paralympic sports, and the “Chắp Cánh Yêu Thương” program for children at SOS Children’s Villages. Her “Áo Ấm Cho Em” campaign has provided warmth to underprivileged families and children in mountainous regions. Her philanthropic endeavors also include operating charity kitchens that have served millions of meals and organizing free flights during the COVID-19 pandemic…
Additionally, she has undertaken special projects of great significance to the Vietnamese people, such as developing a technology platform for direct contributions to the Vietnam Vaccine Fund and spearheading fundraising efforts.
Deeply rooted in traditional values, this billionaire places a high premium on education and culture, believing they are the foundations for cultivating good citizens who love their work, possess strong morals, and are dedicated to societal progress.
Recently, at the UNESCO headquarters in France, Dr. Phuong Thao furthered the Strategic Cooperation Framework Agreement for 2025-2035, contributing to the realization of the Cooperation Agreement between Vietnam and UNESCO.
As per the agreement, she will support artistic creation projects in the cultural field, promote the Creative Capital Hanoi project and a network of creative cities nationwide, and advance the Happy School project in education. Additionally, she will foster youth initiatives in economic development within the realms of natural, social, and human sciences, all underpinned by cultural and historical values.
ADVANCING WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT
Dr. Phuong Thao, a staunch advocate of traditional values, is also a formidable force in advancing women’s empowerment.
Her businesses play a pivotal role in encouraging women’s participation in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), offering optimal working conditions and support for their female employees. Recognizing the challenges women face in balancing career and personal life, she ensures that her companies provide an environment conducive to their growth and well-being.
According to this female billionaire, a woman at the helm of a company must not only excel in her professional role but also embrace her role as a leader within the organization and in her family life. Dr. Phuong Thao prefers to be addressed as “Chi” (elder sister), conveying a sense of closeness, naturalness, and compassion. Her partners relish working with her because she consistently strives to bring value and prosperity to them, embodying the spirit of giving inherent in womanhood.
Thanks to advancements in science and technology, Dr. Phuong Thao and many other female entrepreneurs have been able to turn their dreams into reality within the digital economy and the context of sustainable development. Thus, she emphasizes the critical role of businesses, alongside the education sector, in integrating STEM across all educational levels. By stimulating early interest and providing opportunities for girls to pursue their strengths, we can increase women’s representation in these fields.
Dr. Phuong Thao remains steadfast in her commitment to increasing the percentage of women in computer science, fostering female-led startups, narrowing the gender gap in income and promotion prospects, and promoting female representation in STEM. She tirelessly works towards a brighter future for women, especially in the realm of information technology and digital transformation.
To her employees and the community, she is an inspiration to millions of women in Vietnam and internationally. Her grace and humility embody the essence of the modern Asian woman. Beyond her economic achievements and contributions to integration, she is a beacon of hope for children’s well-being and a champion of gender equality.
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At the seminar “Personal Financial Management and Job Opportunities in the Finance and Banking Industry” held on October 4 at the National University of Economics, renowned experts in the field of finance and banking shared their insights, guidance, and tips to help students create a “passport to success” when applying for jobs in the banking industry.
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With grand ambitions and unwavering determination, Alpha Books founder, Nguyen Canh Binh, understands that success comes at a price. He acknowledges that amidst his pursuit of greatness, failure is an inevitable obstacle that must be confronted head-on.
“A Visionary Proposal: Elevating Social Housing Standards and Investing in Education”
At the Standing Government Committee’s Conference with Enterprises on solutions to contribute to the country’s socio-economic development on September 21, private enterprises actively shared their insights and initiatives to foster Vietnam’s economic and social growth. Notably, Mr. Pham Nhat Vuong, Chairman of Vingroup (HOSE: VIC), put forward proposals across three key areas.
