Cover Ms Huynh Bich Ngoc – Permanent Vice President and General Director of TTC Group.
Ms Huynh Bich Ngoc – Permanent Vice President and General Director of TTC Group.
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From a modest CO₂ alcohol production facility with a charter capital of 100 million VND, TTC has, over the past 45 years, grown into one of Vietnam’s leading multi-industry investment groups, with a core focus on sustainability.
Born and raised in the Mekong Delta, Ms Huynh Bich Ngoc has long been immersed in the rhythms of agricultural life. Choosing to dedicate herself to the sugarcane industry, she has played a pivotal role in its development, earning the title of Vietnam’s “Sugar Queen” for her significant contributions.
What began in 1979 as a small facility producing alcohol and CO₂ with just 20 employees has since evolved into a multi-industry investment group operating across Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Singapore, and Australia. TTC’s core sectors include agriculture, energy, real estate, industrial real estate, tourism, and education, with a network of more than 120 affiliated units. Guided by the philosophy that “to live is to be passionate and to dream big,” Ms Huynh Bich Ngoc leads with a combination of decisiveness and grace, standing as an inspiration to generations of entrepreneurs—particularly modern women.
Under her stewardship, TTC Group prioritises not only business growth but also employee welfare and stakeholder interests, with sustainable development at its core. Together with her husband, businessman Dang Van Thanh, she established the Thanh Ngoc Charity Fund, which has for years fostered humanitarian values, extending support to communities through meaningful charitable initiatives, rooted in the belief that “what comes from the heart will reach the heart.”
TTC is a multi-industry investment group with a presence across Vietnam and the wider region. As an executive leader, what principles have you applied to optimise efficiency across TTC’s diverse business sectors?
TTC is a corporation that my husband, businessman Dang Van Thanh, and I built from the ground up. Over the past 45 years (28 July 1979–28 July 2024), it has grown from a small production facility into a multi-industry investment corporation spanning Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Singapore, and Australia. Our key sectors—agriculture, energy, real estate, industrial real estate, tourism, and education—now encompass more than 120 affiliated units.
Having experienced many challenges along the way, I have come to understand that with scale comes great responsibility. As a business leader, I see contributing to the country’s economic growth as both an obligation and a privilege. Every project I take on is approached with the utmost passion and dedication. At TTC, we adhere to the principle of “centralised management – decentralised operation – responsible control.” Clear roles and responsibilities are assigned throughout the organisation, ensuring accountability while minimising excessive intervention. This structure prevents decision-making based on subjective assumptions and helps us maintain a well-balanced, market-responsive approach.
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Above Ms Huynh Bich Ngoc – Permanent Vice President and General Director of TTC Group
Ms Huynh Bich Ngoc – Permanent Vice President and General Director of TTC Group
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At a time when technology is advancing rapidly and reshaping every aspect of life, what are your thoughts on entrepreneurial creativity?
In today’s era of innovation, I believe creativity is the driving force that enables entrepreneurs to lead change and generate sustainable value. No matter one’s experience, continuous learning is essential. Even at this stage in my career, I remain committed to reading, studying, and drawing insights from colleagues, partners, and younger generations.
With more than 45 years in business, I have always seen creativity as fundamental to entrepreneurial success. It is not merely about generating new ideas but also about adapting and transforming existing concepts to align with market dynamics, integrating technology, and embracing flexibility in leadership.
Compared to previous years, how do you view the role and status of female entrepreneurs in today’s society?
Having navigated multiple economic cycles and the inevitable highs and lows of an entrepreneur’s journey, I have witnessed firsthand the evolving role of business leaders in society—and have had the privilege of contributing to this transformation. Over time, the position of entrepreneurs has gained greater recognition, evolving in tandem with economic recovery and growth. Notably, this progress has been supported by the Party, State, and Government, which have actively guided and encouraged the development of the business community.
Today’s entrepreneurs are no longer solely focused on profit or wealth accumulation. Instead, they place increasing emphasis on sustainable business models, stakeholder engagement—including partners, customers, and investors—and environmental considerations. They serve as architects of long-term value for both society and the economy. Social responsibility has become an integral part of business development. At TTC, we do more than operate a business; we create jobs, improve livelihoods, engage in philanthropy, and contribute to socio-economic progress.
As a businesswoman, the most significant change I have observed is the growing respect and recognition women receive in the corporate world. This shift not only promotes gender equality but also creates opportunities for younger generations of female entrepreneurs. Moreover, as Vietnam has opened up to global markets, women have had greater access to education and professional development, equipping them to lead Vietnamese enterprises toward even greater success.
With more than 45 years of experience in business, what do you believe Vietnamese companies should prioritise to enhance their competitiveness and reach international standards?
Deeper integration into the global economy brings not only opportunities but also challenges. To strengthen their competitive edge, I believe Vietnamese private enterprises should focus on five key areas. First, they must enhance product and service quality while improving management capabilities. Second, they should accelerate digital transformation, leveraging technology and capitalising on the opportunities presented by the digital economy. Third, developing a highly skilled workforce is essential. Fourth, building strong, recognisable brands that meet international standards and fostering global partnerships will be crucial. Finally, companies must commit to corporate social responsibility and sustainable development, implementing these principles with diligence. These five factors must be pursued in a balanced and consistent manner, all underpinned by a foundation of sustainable growth.
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Above Ms Huynh Bich Ngoc – Permanent Vice President and General Director of TTC Group
Ms Huynh Bich Ngoc – Permanent Vice President and General Director of TTC Group
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TTC Group is deeply committed to sustainable development. Can you share the company’s strategy for the coming years?
Sustainability is at the heart of TTC Group’s mission, particularly through our adherence to ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards. We have been at the forefront of integrating ESG principles into our core industries, particularly in agriculture and renewable energy, and we are now extending these efforts to tourism, industrial real estate, and beyond. Our commitment has been recognised by international financial institutions, reflected in the successful mobilisation of green loans, green bonds, and dual capital investments.
With a strategic investment roadmap extending to 2030 and a vision through to 2035, TTC remains dedicated to its core industries while expanding into circular and sustainable business models. Our focus includes circular agriculture, green energy, and eco-friendly industrial real estate, alongside tourism, education, and healthcare. In alignment with the Government’s sustainability efforts, we are committed to contributing to a greener planet and working towards Vietnam’s Net Zero target by 2050. This is not merely a business strategy—it is TTC’s promise to future generations.
Known as the “Sugar Queen” for elevating Vietnamese brands on the global stage, you are also a wife and mother. How do you balance these roles?
I feel truly honoured and grateful to be recognised as the “Sugar Queen.” This title reflects not only the trust and appreciation of those around me but also acknowledges the achievements my husband and I have worked so hard to build—contributing to the national economy and, in particular, the growth of Vietnam’s sugar industry.
For us, success holds true meaning only when it is built on a fulfilling and happy journey. Looking back over the years, I have always stood by my husband’s side through the challenges and milestones of our business journey. From high-stakes negotiations and strategic partnerships to intense work schedules, all while raising a family, I have embraced every role. No matter how demanding my professional responsibilities are, I always remind myself that family must be nurtured. I prioritise balance, ensuring that when I return home, I fully embrace my role as a wife and mother.
You have encountered many challenges along the way. How do you navigate difficult times?
TTC Group has been on its journey of growth for more than 45 years—an era marked by triumphs and breakthroughs but also by hardships and uncertainty. My husband and I always teach our children, as well as our employees at every level, that losing money is not the end of everything, but losing trust is.
In business, “trust” is not simply about keeping promises; it is a steadfast commitment to customers, partners, shareholders, investors, and employees. At TTC, trust is at the heart of every decision and action—from honouring agreements and upholding quality standards to ensuring transparency in governance and operations. This approach has allowed us to maintain strong relationships with our stakeholders, even in turbulent times.
I view every challenge as an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment and responsibility. By doing so, we reinforce the trust and confidence our partners and customers place in us. Ultimately, trust is what enables us to weather difficulties, emerging stronger and more resilient, with dedicated allies who believe in our vision and continue to grow alongside us.
Your schedule is unrelenting—you seem to be constantly working. What drives you to persist in your business career, even after all these years?
Business is not only my passion but also my responsibility, which is why I devote myself wholeheartedly to every endeavour. I deeply understand the sacrifices required for success, but I also know that the true source of my strength is my family. Family provides the foundation that enables me to persevere through all obstacles.
There is a saying: “Business is a battlefield.” There will be moments of ease and moments of hardship. The key is to never allow adversity to break one’s spirit. Beyond my personal ambition, my husband and I always remind ourselves that we carry the livelihoods of more than 7,000 employees and their families. It is their dedication—and the support of my own family—that fuels my determination, pushing me to find solutions to every challenge.
Creativity is the core element that helps entrepreneurs lead change and create sustainable value
Beyond business, if you had the opportunity to dedicate yourself to a different lifelong pursuit, which field would you choose, and why?
Business is in my blood—it is an inseparable part of who I am. However, if I were to choose another lifelong endeavour, I would not hesitate to dedicate myself to philanthropy.
Having grown up in a rural area, I have witnessed first-hand the hardships faced by those in less fortunate circumstances. These experiences have instilled in me a deep sense of empathy and responsibility. As soon as our business became stable, my husband and I knew we wanted to give back. That was how many of our charitable initiatives were born, such as the TTC—Stepping Up to Success scholarship programme, which has been running in Ben Tre since 1985. Each year, we award more than 550 scholarships, hoping to empower young students with the motivation and resources they need to overcome challenges and build a brighter future. What is most rewarding is seeing former TTC scholarship recipients return as professionals who now contribute to the Group. This fuels my desire to do even more.
To formalise our charitable efforts and expand their reach, my husband and I established the Thanh Ngọc Charity Fund. This non-profit organisation is committed to providing scholarships to underprivileged students, funding medical treatment for those in need, and constructing housing for disadvantaged families. Most meaningfully, the fund has become a platform through which thousands of TTC employees can unite in service to their communities, reinforcing a culture of generosity and gratitude.
For me, philanthropy is both a joy and a responsibility. It gives life deeper meaning and fulfilment, reminding me that true success lies in the ability to uplift others.
Above Tatler Asia’s Most Influential is a list of the people who have shaped our world today
Tatler Asia’s Most Influential is a list of the people who have shaped our world today
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Tatler Asia’s Most Influential is a definitive list of the trailblazers shaping our world today. It brings together the region’s most innovative minds, industry giants, and visionary leaders who are making a meaningful impact across Asia and beyond. See the full list here.
Tatler Vietnam – Nhà Tập Tinh Hoa will officially honour the individuals recognised in Asia’s Most Influential: Vietnam 2024 at the Tatler Vietnam Launch – Enter a New Kingdom on 4 December 2024.
Managing Director: Hami Tran
Editor-in-Chief: Nikita Chu
Art Director: Andy Tran
Managing Editor: Sade Ho
Photographer: Viet Thanh
Make-up Artist: AMA Academy
Producer: nakhoi
