Businesswoman Nguyen Thi Minh Thu: The successful journey to create and spread sustainable values

Lacquer painting by Dong Phuong Art on Vietnamese Ao Dai.

As the founder and CEO of three prestigious companies in the fields of handicrafts, pearls and jewellery, concurrently holding the position of Deputy Director of the APEC Institute for Entrepreneurship Research and Training. Ms. Minh Thu has made substantial contributions to promoting Vietnamese culture worldwide.

The Beauty of Labor - Businesswoman Master Minh Thu.

The journey of start-up and development

Nguyen Thi Minh Thu revealed early a passion for traditional art and culture. She resolved to embark on an entrepreneurial path within the handicrafts sector, aspiring to preserve and promote the unique national cultural values. In 2009, she founded Thu Huong Lacquer Center (later known as Dong Phuong Handicrafts Company - Dong Phuong Art), specializing in producing and trading high-end lacquerware. With a refined design and exceptional quality, Dong Phuong Art's products quickly captivated domestic and international customers. Not resting on her laurels, realizing the growing potential of the tourism industry and the burgeoning demand for cultural experiences, she continued to establish the Legend Ha Long Tourism Investment and Development Joint Stock Company. International tourists can have chances to discover the pristine beauty of saltwater pearls. Furthermore, she expanded her business horizon by founding An Phu Pearl and Jewelry Company. To bring customers high-quality pearl jewellery products, An Phu Pearl has attracted gifted artisans and skilled craftsmen to create distinctive collections, combining tradition and modernity to get the "Vietnamese soul" to the world.

Businesswoman Minh Thu at the ground-breaking ceremony of the Vinh Lan Bridge (Vinh Trinh - Vinh Thanh - Can Tho City).

Aspiration for the community

Not only focusing on business, Nguyen Thi Minh Thu also spares no effort to social and charity activities. She firmly believes that the development of a company must be associated with social responsibility. Therefore, she has initiated many community projects, especially in education and supporting disadvantaged people. One of the outstanding projects is the successful construction of the Vang Luong Bridge at Bo Duot, Thuan Hoa, Trung Son, Vi Xuyen, Ha Giang; and the Vinh Lan Bridge, Vinh Lan, Vinh Trinh, Vinh Thanh, Can Tho. The projects improve traffic infrastructure and local people's convenience movement and promote local socio-economic development. She shared: "Building bridges not only helps improve the living standard of local people but also serves as our contribution to the sustainable development of the community”.

Moreover, she sponsors 24 orphans in Hanoi, ensuring they have the opportunity to attend school. She has collaborated with other philanthropists to build Hoa Mi schools in Mu Cang Chai - Yen Bai and Lao Chai in Vi Xuyen, Ha Giang. She actively participated in educational support programs such as donating to libraries and granting scholarships to poor students who overcame difficulties. She believes that investing in education and culture is investing in the country's future.

Businesswoman Minh Thu took a souvenir photo at the Student Creative Startup Ideas Competition – APEC INNOVATION.

Ms. Minh Thu is currently the Deputy Director of the APEC Entrepreneurship Research and Training Institute. This is a science and technology organization under the Central Council of the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations, a political and social organization of Vietnamese intellectuals, scientists and technologists under the direct leadership of The Central Secretariat of the Communist Party. The Institute was established to improve the competitiveness of Vietnamese enterprises, contributing to promoting the country's socio-economic development. With a team of experienced experts, the Institute focuses on research, training and consultancy for businesses, providing practical solutions to management, business, market access, human resource development and technology application issues. Ms. Minh Thu was assigned by the APEC Institute for Entrepreneurship Research and Training to be the Head of the Organizing Committee of the Student Creative Startup Ideas Competition – APEC INNOVATION.

Along with dedicated entrepreneurs and businesses, she is committed to accompanying Vietnamese students, aiming to contribute to building a team of intellectual entrepreneurs who are creative, dynamic, ambitious and committed to sustainable development. The competition's goal is to promote the intellectual potential, creative and innovative thinking, dynamism, and aspirations of student generations - the future owners of the country in building and defending the Fatherland. Through the competition, the Organizing Committee hopes to nurture, develop, refine and actualize creative and unique startup ideas into successful projects, contributing to socio-economic development, simultaneously equipping students with knowledge and skills about startups; promoting confidence, initiative and creativity in students; creating connections between universities, students and domestic and international businesses and entrepreneurs.

Entrepreneur Master Nguyen Thi Minh Thu (middle) at the final round of the "6th National Startup Festival for Students" in Can Tho.

With the successes achieved, businesswoman Minh Thu constantly sets new goals for herself and her business. She plans to expand the market for handicraft products and pearl jewellery. She also prioritizes applying technology in business to enhance management efficiency and customer outreach. Building online sales channels and using digital technology in management will enable the business to adapt quickly to market trends and better meet customer needs. With her dedication, leadership and strategic vision, Ms. Minh Thu has gradually expanded her business internationally while positively contributing to the community and society. Her journey is the story of a successful entrepreneur and a source of inspiration for many young generations, especially Vietnamese women who aspire to affirm their position in the business field. Ms. Minh Thu shared: “I always believe that success is not only measured by profit but also by the value we bring to society. I hope that my present endeavours will make a modest contribution to the country's development so that each handcrafted product, each Vietnamese pearl, can tell a story about creativity, perseverance and the spirit of constant improvement."

Looking back at the past journey and the goals ahead, it can be seen that Master Nguyen Thi Minh Thu is a successful businesswoman with great aspirations, constantly striving for sustainable development and long-term value for the community.

Click here for the full special edition featuring a bilingual article on entrepreneur Minh Thu.

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