As of Forbes’ update on the morning of August 22, Ms. Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao’s wealth – Chairman of Vietjet Air and Vice Chairman of HDBank’s Board of Directors – has surged to $3.7 billion, the highest level ever, an increase of nearly $1 billion compared to the end of 2024.
With this wealth, she continues to hold the position of the second richest person in Vietnam, after Mr. Pham Nhat Vuong, and ranks 1049th on the list of global billionaires.
The female billionaire’s rising wealth is closely linked to the strong performance of Vietjet (VJC) and HDBank (HDB) stocks in the stock market. Since the beginning of 2025, HDBank’s HDB stock has risen more than 28%, currently hovering around VND 33,000 per share; if calculated from the April low, the increase has exceeded 50%.
Meanwhile, Vietjet Air’s VJC stock soared from about VND 90,000 to over VND 140,000, a whopping 64% increase in just two months, causing Ms. Thao’s wealth to surge.
Statistics show that Ms. Thao directly holds more than 47.4 million VJC shares and 137.7 million HDB shares.
Currently, Vietnam has five USD billionaires recognized by Forbes. In addition to Mr. Pham Nhat Vuong and Ms. Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, there are Mr. Tran Dinh Long (Hoa Phat) with $2.7 billion, Mr. Ho Hung Anh (Techcombank) with $2.7 billion, and Mr. Nguyen Dang Quang (Masan Group) with $1.2 billion.
Billionaire Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao at the inauguration of Saigon Marina IFC
On August 19, Ms. Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao attended the inauguration of Saigon Marina International Financial Centre (Saigon Marina IFC), one of 80 key projects to celebrate the 80th National Day. This is considered a significant milestone in the process of building an International Financial Center in Ho Chi Minh City.
Speaking at the event, she expressed her hope that Saigon Marina IFC would become a hub for banks, financial institutions, technology corporations, and logistics companies, serving as a workplace for more than 10,000 professionals daily.
“The Billionaire’s Vision: Saigon Marina IFC – A Hub for Financial Institutions, Tech Giants, and Logistics Experts with Over 10,000 Professionals Working Daily.”
“The inauguration of Saigon Marina IFC is a pivotal moment for Ho Chi Minh City’s aspirations to become an international financial hub. This milestone event, witnessed by government leaders, the State Bank of Vietnam, and HDBank, signifies the city’s embrace of a new era of integration, innovation, and global capital attraction.
Crafting a Better Future: Serving the People, Always.
On August 19, the Rach Mieu 2 Bridge was officially opened to traffic, connecting Vinh Long and Dong Thap provinces on National Highway 60. The main bridge is 1.97 km long and features four lanes, along with 15.15 km of approach roads. This new infrastructure serves as a “runway” for regional economic development and is expected to significantly reduce congestion on the original Rach Mieu Bridge, which often experiences heavy traffic during holidays and festive seasons.
HDBank: Among the Top 50 Listed Companies in 2025
On August 21, 2025, Forbes Vietnam unveiled its list of Vietnam’s 50 Best Listed Companies in 2025, featuring leading enterprises across key sectors, representing the dynamic and resilient listed company sector of the economy. Among them, HDBank stands out as a prominent multi-functional retail bank, solidifying its position and pioneering role in the private sector of Vietnam’s financial and banking system.
The Grand Opening and Launch of Saigon Marina International Financial Centre Tower
On the morning of August 19, 2025, the grand opening and inauguration of the Saigon Marina International Financial Centre (Saigon Marina IFC) took place at 02 Ton Duc Thang, Saigon Ward, Ho Chi Minh City. The event was graced by the presence of esteemed leaders from the Communist Party of Vietnam, the Government, and the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, along with representatives from various central ministries and sectors. The ceremony was also attended by dignitaries from foreign consulates and international organizations, as well as high-ranking executives from numerous domestic and international corporations, financial institutions, and businesses.
Capturing the Moment: A Billionaire’s Song Amidst the August Celebrations
“At the inauguration of the Saigon Marina International Financial Centre (Saigon Marina IFC) on August 19 in Ho Chi Minh City, female billionaire Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao surprised the audience with a rendition of ‘The Song of Pac Bo.’ Her powerful and unexpected performance of this iconic song left a lasting impression on the flag-waving, flower-filled space celebrating the National Day.”
