Great Articles on Vietnamese Entrepreneur's Day

Aside from speeches on Vietnamese Entrepreneur's Day, articles about Vietnamese Entrepreneur's Day will provide deeper insights into its significance and showcase admiration for Vietnamese entrepreneurs. Below are some articles on October 13th Entrepreneur's Day for you to enjoy.

Article on Vietnamese Entrepreneur's Day October 13th

October 13th is approaching, prepare a gift, and wishes for Vietnamese Entrepreneurs to send to your beloved ones who are entrepreneurs. Though small, these Entrepreneur's Day wishes are incredibly meaningful gifts that help the recipients have a more meaningful day, while also strengthening the bond between you and the recipient.

Compilation of articles on Vietnamese Entrepreneur's Day October 13th

Article 1: A few thoughts on Vietnamese Entrepreneur's Day

From 'peddler'...

Over 40 years ago, the childhood dreams were often of becoming doctors, engineers, teachers, or officials. Hardly any child dreamt of being an Entrepreneur. In the subsidized era with many prejudices, entrepreneurs were derogatorily referred to as peddlers, associated with the opposition, or seen as unscrupulous traders evoking countless negative sentiments. Only backward, less progressive elements engaged in this profession. Peddlers were viewed as sources of social disorder. If one's parents were listed as such in their personal profile, generations of their descendants would find it hard to raise their heads. All business activities and trading were monopolized by the state, organized into industrial systems and cooperatives. The people could only engage in small-scale trading, leading to the emergence of black markets, which were not officially recognized.

During the subsidized era, there were no private rice eateries in the entire North. Policy-privileged families were only allowed to sell a single dish: pho. The ordinary kind came with just one teaspoon of flavoring powder. The special kind had two teaspoons, and it had to be added raw to the bowl for customers to see. Reflecting on this sends shivers down my spine. All essential goods were distributed in specific quantities, from matchboxes, toothpick boxes, toothbrushes, mosquito nets (for women), to sugar, milk, cigarettes, fish, and meat... I didn't smoke, but being male, I still received distributions. Selling cigarettes or exchanging for other items had to be done covertly. Getting caught meant being reprimanded, receiving disciplinary action for having peddler ideology.

Despite that, during the resistance war, many businesspeople dedicated all their wealth and intelligence to serving the revolution. Today's achievements are the collective effort of the entire population, including capitalists and traders.

Turning into Entrepreneurs

The scholar Lê Quí Đôn (1724 - 1784) asserted, 'Without Business, No Wealth; Without Trade, No Activity; Without Agriculture, No Stability; Without Intelligence, No Prosperity'. Specifically, the saying goes, 'Without trade, no wealth'. Trade here doesn't just mean commerce but also production and services. As the country opens up, innovates, and integrates with the world, it gradually loosens the reins for businesses. On September 20, 2004, Prime Minister Phan Văn Khải signed a decision to designate October 13 of each year as 'Vietnamese Entrepreneurs' Day'. The entrepreneur community is increasingly diverse, spanning all ages and backgrounds, shaping the landscape of life. They not only create wealth but also generate jobs, pay taxes to fuel the machinery, and contribute to the nation's development.

Speaking of entrepreneurs is speaking of management, organization, and execution. Due to their diverse backgrounds, Vietnamese entrepreneurs have different styles. Some get rich quickly by navigating the legal loopholes, leveraging relationships, and spending lavishly. They always use wealth and brands to compensate for intellectual and spiritual limitations. The majority earn money legitimately, spend it wisely without extravagance, enjoy it appropriately, and share responsibility with society. Many social programs and charity initiatives are initiated, maintained, and developed by entrepreneurs.

Some start their businesses while still in university. Some start after retirement, but they all share the genuine desire for legitimate wealth. During their business journey, they face numerous obstacles and failures, yet they strive to overcome challenges and rise, affirming themselves. Genuine entrepreneurs can be recognized not just by their attire or conversation but by their stature and corporate culture, which are difficult to articulate. From being scorned as peddlers, Entrepreneurs have become a source of pride, a dream for many children. Let the children dream, and adults must help them prepare for their dreams. When the people prosper, the nation thrives.

From being adversaries and suspicious in the past, the government has now become a reliable partner, providing support and sharing with entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs participate in investment, economic development, and serve as the backbone of the state. The 'Coffee Entrepreneur' model from Đồng Tháp is spreading to many other areas. Every day, at the headquarters of the Provincial Party Committee and People's Committee, before working hours, around 6:30 - 7:30 a.m.; provincial leaders, committee members, and departments sit down for coffee with entrepreneurs to understand their thoughts, resolve issues, exchange work, and share responsibilities. The offices of the Committee and People's Committee always warmly welcome entrepreneurs as if they were family members. There is almost no gap between the government and entrepreneurs. Both are working together, contributing to the accelerated and sustainable development of the land of the Red Lotus.

The over-50 entrepreneur class, many of whom started their businesses randomly, follow a 'self-selected profession' model. Entrepreneurs under 40, on the other hand, are mostly well-trained, both domestically and internationally. Some may work in unrelated fields but have a solid knowledge foundation, language skills, and IT proficiency. The younger entrepreneur class is increasingly asserting confident integration, effective leadership, and management. My CEO, belonging to the 80s generation, is one such person. Young people aspire, innovate, always seeking ways to innovate and break through. Every Vietnamese dreams of a prosperous and strong nation.

And the desire...

Everywhere, citizens in general and entrepreneurs in particular are not afraid of difficulties, only afraid of injustice. Transparency is the top desire of entrepreneurs. From policies to specific tasks, transparency is essential. Transparency eliminates lobbying, corruption, and under-the-table deals, fostering increasingly fair development, becoming the essence of life. Transparency must come from both sides. The state must be transparent with entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs must also be transparent with the state.

The next wish is to be wholeheartedly and freely wealthy within the bounds of the law. No more fluctuating due to policy changes, no more sudden storms or abrupt changes... No more hesitation because of all the red tape, obstacles, and nameless nuisances. From incessant advertising, forced book purchases, buying titles to purchasing concert tickets, participating in charity shows... No more sleepless nights over dirty competition, being backed and protected, and defeating genuine businesses.

The third wish is to know how entrepreneurs' and businesses' tax payments are properly and effectively utilized. This money cannot be poured into sky-high projects for corrupt officials to embezzle and waste. Taxpayers have the right to know exactly how their money is used, who it's for, and what the results are. With this assurance, entrepreneurs will operate with peace of mind, happily fulfilling their tax obligations to the state, and contributing their utmost to the country's prosperity.

In the era of Industry 4.0, it can be said that 'The country's prosperity or decline is decided by entrepreneurs.'

Article number 2: Some heartfelt sharing on the Vietnamese Entrepreneur Day

Entrepreneurs Must Walk Alongside the People

Entrepreneur Tran Duc Vinh

This is the idea of Mr. Tran Duc Vinh, to innovate this idea and to reassure people about living in their real estate projects in Duc Hoa district, Long An province. Recently, Mr. Vinh has spent 50 billion VND to build a water park right on his over 50-hectare project under construction, to provide laborers with the best living conditions with parks, sports playgrounds, electricity, roads, schools, stations, and now also a water park.

'For me, entrepreneurs must walk alongside the people, understand what the people need and meet them. Being an entrepreneur is not just about making money, but also about spending money to thank those who have trusted you and been your customers. Therefore, despite investing in real estate projects thoroughly, my company always offers affordable prices, supports customers with the best living utilities,' Mr. Vinh said.

Mr. Vinh believes that the biggest challenge for businesses today is policies. The Government needs to reconsider tax policies, investment policies, and especially policies supporting businesses in land clearance for projects ranging from transportation to real estate. This is currently a bottleneck for construction companies. Although there are investment decisions and policies in place, without specific support for land clearance, it's as if the businesses have not been supported much.

The Government Needs to Liberate Entrepreneurs from Barriers

Entrepreneur Tran Quoc Viet

Entrepreneur Tran Quoc Viet believes that the Government is providing support for young entrepreneurs, but it has not yet provided clear direction for businesses to undertake new projects or support capital for startup projects.

'This is the tether that hinders the development of startup entrepreneurs today. Therefore, I wish the Government would establish a venture capital fund for young entrepreneurs to implement startup projects. Currently, Vietnam lacks innovative startup projects, whereas governments worldwide always have good policies to support entrepreneurs in developing startup projects, even though they know that 80% of these projects will fail and only 20% will succeed. And this 20% success rate will help the country develop. That's why they always accept investment for long-term benefits. At the same time, the Government needs more policies to support small and medium-sized enterprises, such as tax incentives for young startups and new projects. In addition, administrative procedures are too cumbersome, causing businesses to be confused when implementing a project or seeking investment,' Mr. Viet said.

Small + Small = Big

Entrepreneur Nguyen Van Chương

As a printing industry business, although newly established, Mr. Nguyen Van Chương has the right strategy for the development of his business. For example, his strategy of Small + Small = Big is developing effectively.

Mr. Nguyen Van Chương, Chairman of the Board of Directors and General Director of Bach Khoa Hanoi Printing Joint Stock Company, said he came up with this strategy when implementing a printing contract worth 300 billion dong/year in Ho Chi Minh City. However, his facility in Hanoi was too small to execute this contract, so he sought out companies in the same industry in the South to collaborate and implement the project using the small + small = big approach. As a result, he successfully completed large contracts and was highly appreciated by partners. Additionally, he developed new larger contracts using the same approach.

'Every year on Entrepreneur Day, October 13th, I often reflect on what I have accomplished in the past year for the development of the company and contribution to society, in order to find new paths for further development of my business. On this occasion, I hope the Government will create more open mechanisms and policies, fair and equitable, for businesses to access each other and collaborate for the best development, creating a fair and healthy competitive environment among businesses as well as between the government and businesses,' Mr. Chương said.

Article 3: Some Startup Stories of Vietnamese Billionaires

Vietnamese billionaires not only impress business circles with their business acumen but also with their entrepreneurial stories full of ups and downs.

Perhaps few know that to achieve success as they have today, Vietnamese entrepreneurs have had to endure difficult childhoods. Below are some admirable Vietnamese business figures:

Pham Nhat Vuong: billionaire rising from humble beginnings

Entrepreneur Pham Nhat Vuong

Forbes magazine (USA) recently released its list of the world's billionaires for 2014. Mr. Pham Nhat Vuong continues to be the only Vietnamese honored, ranking 1,092 out of 1,645 billionaires.

Entrepreneurs, especially the Vietnamese, marvel even more at the business acumen of this young leader when they learn about his entrepreneurial journey filled with ups and downs.

Born in 1968, originally from Ha Tinh but raised in Hanoi, Pham Nhat Vuong had a childhood unlike his peers, born during difficult times of scarcity, and living in a large family with a military father. The impoverished life led his mother to sell drinks to supplement their income and support the children's education. When he scored high on the entrance exam to the Hanoi University of Mining and Geology and was selected for a study abroad program in Russia in 1987, his only dream was to alleviate his family's hardships.

In 1992, after graduating from the Moscow Institute of Geological Exploration, Vuong married Pham Thu Huong and the young couple decided to settle in Kharkov, Ukraine.

And this is where the legendary instant noodle entrepreneurial story of the poor boy began. Vuong borrowed around 10,000 USD from friends and opened a restaurant in Kharkov named Thang Long.

Afterward, he returned to Vietnam, bought a rudimentary instant noodle production line, and started producing instant noodles under the Miniva brand, selling to locals. Simultaneously, he founded the food company LLC Technocom. Following instant noodles, Technocom produced soup powder and through innovative marketing strategies, convinced local housewives in Ukraine.

Like any other newly established startup, Vuong encountered difficulties in capital investment. Initially, he borrowed nearly 100,000 USD from some Vietnamese friends doing business in Russia with an interest rate of up to 8% per month. It took him several years to repay this capital. Fortunately, Vuong managed to secure funding for small and medium-sized enterprises from the European Reconstruction Bank, with an interest rate of 12% per year.

Subsequently, this entrepreneur decided to invest in Vietnam. In September 2009, Technocom Group was renamed Vingroup (officially: Vietnam Investment Group), relocating its headquarters from Kharkov (Ukraine) to Hanoi, Vietnam.

Since investing in Vietnam for over a decade, Vingroup's steps have somewhat reflected its investment philosophy: continuously building, selling, and then building again. Vingroup's remarkable development pace has placed it on par with leading real estate developers in the region, as recognized by international real estate investors.

With these successes, Pham Nhat Vuong rightfully deserves to be the richest billionaire in Vietnam.

Bau Duc: 'My university is the journey of life'

Entrepreneur Bau Duc

For a long time, Bau Duc has been famous not only for sensational football deals like acquiring famous player Kiatisuk, owning private jets... but also known as the richest person on the Vietnamese stock market in 2008. However, there is another side of Bau Duc that few know, the impoverished boy of decades ago, whose bitter experiences have remained deeply ingrained in his character until now.

Bau Duc was born into a poor farmer family, with many siblings. His hardworking mother cultivated the fields to feed nine siblings with meals of cassava and sweet potatoes. As a child, Doan Nguyen Duc spent his days tending cattle, plowing, and tilling the land, doing whatever it took to help his family have enough food and clothing. After ten years of tending cattle, plowing, and toiling in the sun and wind, Doan Nguyen Duc was determined to break free from poverty.

In 1982, at the age of 12, he packed his belongings and headed to Ho Chi Minh City to take the university entrance exam, carrying the hopes of his entire family and his childhood aspirations. However, it seemed that Doan Nguyen Duc was not destined for university as he failed the entrance exam four times.

With no money and no formal education, a murky path lay ahead. At that time, he didn't know where to start or what job to pursue. He only remembered that he had done all kinds of work to support himself, to accumulate experience, and to strive for creativity in finding his own path.

After working as a laborer for a while, Duc saved enough money to open a small workshop specializing in making desks and chairs for students in his hometown. In 1990, he personally crafted the first product, a desk for students. He then expanded his business activities to furniture production and various other fields. In 1993, at the age of 30, Bau Duc founded the private enterprise Hoang Anh Pleiku and grew it into the successful Hoang Anh Gia Lai conglomerate we know today.

Tuan Chau Island Lord Hong Tuyen

Entrepreneur Hong Tuyen Dao

Despite being one of the wealthiest individuals in Vietnam, few know that Tuan Chau Island Lord Hong Tuyen was once a soldier in the countless fleet during the anti-American resistance. Leaving the military in the 1980s with minimal severance pay, Dao Hong Tuyen stayed in Ho Chi Minh City to build his career. In the early years, he worked in pig pens and carried beer at beer joints. He revealed that he often wandered around Saigon, sleeping on sidewalks, in car garages, parks, and even on the doorstep of his current home in Ho Chi Minh City. That house, after achieving success, he decided to buy back as a reminder of his past struggles.

With keen eyes, he spotted the 'precious gold mine' from the days when Tuan Chau was just a deserted island. It's unimaginable that a person who had never held a card could pour his entire fortune into such a risky project like a thirsty gambler.

Mr. Tuyen recalled: A seasonal storm, a tropical depression could all create tsunamis that could sink his business into the vast, unforgiving ocean. By the end of 1998, the path had reached the island, and that was also when all sources of capital dried up, unable to borrow from anyone, houses, and businesses were all mortgaged to borrow from banks. Many things were unsold because the market had frozen. Friends distanced themselves, exhausted and discouraged, thinking they had to give up halfway. If defeated, only waiting for the bank to come to collect debts then go to jail, then it will be known nationwide as a... scam case. However, it was precisely in those moments that the determination and courage of an entrepreneur like him awakened. Encouraging brothers to endure salary debts and persistently implement the project. 'Selling off' some land lots to raise short-term funds to feed long-term goals to complete the journey across the sea to the island.

Dang Le Nguyen Vu - the king of Vietnamese coffee - childhood in cornfields, pig farming

Entrepreneur Le Nguyen Vu

As a renowned entrepreneur in Vietnam, Dang Le Nguyen Vu is the founder, chairman, and CEO of Trung Nguyen Group, a coffee conglomerate. Let's look back at the days of entrepreneurship full of difficulties and challenges of this talented businessman.

Born into difficult circumstances, with a sick father and a declining family situation, Dang Le Nguyen Vu developed a determination to become wealthy from a young age. His childhood during school days involved working in cornfields, raising pigs, and helping his mother make bricks, walking on a 15km long dirt road for nine years, rain or shine. The joy on the long journey to school and back home was when passing by the tax office, occasionally receiving ripe bananas or a few sweet potatoes from kind-hearted traders.

In 1990, he passed the entrance exam for Tay Nguyen University of Medicine and Pharmacology and worked part-time to support himself. In his third year of university, he dreamed of the 'National Coffee Cluster Model and Integrated Rural Model' at the Trung Nguyen Coffee Factory in Dak Lak.

In 1996, with the initial cooperation of three friends, he established 'Trung Nguyen Coffee Company', which was then only a few square meters of coffee roasting facility with an old manual coffee roaster, a small coffee shop in Buon Me Thuot, and the work of delivering roasted coffee to other shops. Every day, Vu diligently delivered coffee by bicycle, and later switched to a motorcycle.

In 1998, Trung Nguyen Coffee Company opened its first coffee shop in Ho Chi Minh City, becoming known as the first enterprise to operate a franchise model and began to appear franchised Trung Nguyen coffee shops. With this successful business model, from 2000, the Trung Nguyen brand and the name Dang Le Nguyen Vu became well-known to many people.

Through articles about Vietnamese entrepreneurs' day, surely you've gained a deeper insight into Vietnamese entrepreneurs.