Mai Kieu Lien

In 1976, fresh from earning a degree in dairy processing, Mai Kieu Lien returned to Vietnam and began her career as an engineer in the Production Department of the Southern Coffee-Milk Company—the forerunner of Vinamilk. After holding a succession of key positions, she was appointed General Director in December 1992.

For nearly five decades, she has led Vinamilk to become one of Vietnam’s most prominent enterprises, playing a pivotal role in shaping the country’s dairy industry. With a formidable foundation of professional expertise, outstanding management acumen and a forward-thinking approach, she has been recognised with numerous accolades, including the title of Hero of Labour in the Renovation Period in 2005. She is also widely regarded as one of Asia’s most influential businesswomen.

By her side throughout the years is her husband and former high school classmate, Nguyen Hiep, who is currently based at the Vietnam Institute of Science and Technology. Their two daughters maintain a low profile and rarely appear in the media.