Six snake-year entrepreneurs leading Vietnamese enterprises

Under her decades-long leadership, Vinamilk has not only cemented its position as Vietnam’s leading dairy enterprise but also expanded into the global market, exporting to 60 countries and territories.

Throughout her career, Mai Kieu Lien has received numerous prestigious accolades, most notably the title of Hero of Labour in the Renovation Period in 2005. She is also recognised as one of Asia’s most powerful and influential businesswomen.

Do Minh Phu, born in 1953 (Quy Ty), is a highly influential businessman with a presence in the gemstone, banking, and real estate sectors.

In 1994, he founded TTD Technology and Trade Development Company, the precursor to DOJI. Under his visionary leadership, DOJI Group evolved into one of Vietnam’s foremost gemstone brands. Since 2009, he has expanded his business portfolio to include real estate, tourism, hospitality, and banking.

Currently, Do Minh Phu serves as Chairman of TPBank, one of Vietnam’s fastest-growing private banks, distinguished by its agile and innovative business strategies.

Le Hong Minh, born in 1977 (Dinh Ty), is one of the most influential figures in Vietnam’s technology sector.

After earning a degree in finance and banking from Monash University, Australia, he began his career at PwC and VinaCapital. However, driven by his passion for online gaming, he co-founded Vinagame (the precursor to VNG) in 2004 alongside his colleagues. The company swiftly became a leader in Vietnam’s online gaming market following the launch of Vo Lam Truyen Ky.

In 2009, he rebranded the company as VNG Joint Stock Company. Under his leadership, VNG expanded into various sectors, including messaging applications, payment services, and music streaming platforms. It has since grown into Vietnam’s first “unicorn startup” (a tech startup valued at over USD 1 billion).

Pham Van Tai, born in 1965 (At Ty), has played a crucial role in transforming THACO into one of Vietnam’s leading multi-industry corporations.

Before his appointment as General Director, he held several key positions within the company. Having been with THACO since its inception, he has significantly contributed to solidifying its position as Vietnam’s foremost automobile manufacturer and assembler.

Beyond automobile production, THACO has expanded into real estate, agriculture, logistics, and trade. Its subsidiaries have achieved remarkable success, particularly THISCO, which focuses on developing commercial business models through self-investment, franchising, and joint ventures with prestigious brands.

With more than two decades of experience in manufacturing and business, alongside his innovative thinking and exceptional management skills, Pham Van Tai has been instrumental in THACO’s continued success and expansion.

Tran Tuc Ma, born in 1965 (At Ty), is the driving force behind TRAPHACO, one of Vietnam’s leading oriental medicine manufacturers.

Joining TRAPHACO in 1994, he held several key positions before becoming General Director. In 2004, during a particularly challenging period marked by counterfeit products and stagnant revenue growth, he implemented strategic policies that revitalised the company. By strengthening relationships with retail pharmacies, he stabilised revenues and ensured consistent pricing for consumers nationwide.

Thanks to his extensive industry expertise, Tran Tuc Ma has overseen TRAPHACO’s steady growth and rising prominence in Vietnam’s pharmaceutical sector. His contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including a Certificate of Merit from the Ministry of Health (2009), a Certificate of Merit from the Prime Minister (2010), the Third-Class Labour Medal (2012), and the Outstanding Vietnamese Entrepreneur title awarded by VCCI in 2016.

Do Duy Thai, born in 1953 (Quy Ty), is a leading figure in Vietnam’s steel industry.

Although he initially earned a degree in education, he shifted towards business during a period of economic instability. With an innate understanding of enterprise—rooted in his family’s business acumen—he explored various sectors before recognising the untapped potential of Vietnam’s steel industry. In 1999, he founded Pomina, marking the first milestone in his journey to success.

Thanks to his innovative, flexible, and forward-thinking approach, Pomina expanded rapidly, establishing large-scale production facilities and integrating cutting-edge foreign technology. The company not only secured its leading position in Vietnam but also made its mark on the global steel industry, exporting to numerous countries and territories.

Do Duy Thai exemplifies the intelligence, resilience, and ambition often attributed to those born in the Year of the Snake. His contributions to the steel sector and the broader national economy make him an inspirational figure for the next generation of entrepreneurs.

As the Year of the Snake unfolds, business leaders born under this sign are poised to continue driving growth in sectors such as technology, finance and banking, real estate, and trade. In the context of Vietnam’s ongoing development, they will play a crucial role in advancing the national economy and elevating the country’s standing on the global economic stage.

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