Colonel Nguyen Van Hung: The veteran with an aspiration to pave a green Path for Vietnam's science and technology
At over 70 years old, when many choose a leisurely life with family, Colonel Nguyen Van Hung remains dedicated to algae cultivation, research projects, and the aspiration to bring Vietnam's scientific and technological products to serve public health.
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From an engineer who contributed to building the nation's key projects to the head of Vietnam Algae Science and Technology Joint Stock Company (VASTCOM), he continues his journey of dedication on a new path: science, innovation, and green development.
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| Colonel Nguyen Van Hung, CEO of Vietnam Algae Science and Technology Joint Stock Company, welcomes the delegation of Lieutenant General Truong Quang Khanh, former Central Committee Member and former Deputy Minister of National Defense, to visit the VASTCOM Spirulina cultivation plant. |
The soldier's courage on key projects
Some individuals, no matter how many paths they traverse, maintain a steadfast spirit: once they take on a task, they see it through to the end; once they choose a path, they follow it persistently. Colonel Nguyen Van Hung, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Vietnam Algae Science and Technology Joint Stock Company (VASTCOM), is one such person.
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| Colonel Nguyen Van Hung. |
Born in Tan Mai Ward (formerly Quynh Di), Nghe An, Mr. Nguyen Van Hung had the opportunity to study and grow in an international training environment. In 1969, he was sent to study at Moscow Mining University in the Soviet Union. Returning to Vietnam after 7 years of study, he joined the Engineering Corps of the Vietnam People's Army in 1976.
This was a period when the country was entering the phase of restoration, construction, and development after the war. With expertise in underground and mining projects, he and his comrades participated in many important state projects serving national defense, from the Da Mi – Ham Thuan tunnel, A Vuong Hydropower Plant, Song Tranh 2, Ho Chi Minh Road to seaport projects, Dung Quat breakwater, and technical infrastructure in many localities.
The years on the construction sites honed in him the demeanor of an engineering soldier: disciplined, decisive, cautious, and unyielding in the face of difficulties. It was also an environment that helped him accumulate management experience, organize construction, and execute tasks with high technical requirements.
In 2002, he was appointed Director of Lung Lo Construction Company under the Ministry of National Defense. In this position, he continued to be involved with important construction projects, contributing to the country's infrastructure development.
More than three decades in the military left a profound mark on his life. But what is special is that the soldier's spirit did not stop when he left the army. A new journey, with entirely different challenges, awaited him ahead.
Start-up after 60
After retiring, Colonel Nguyen Van Hung returned to his hometown. A health incident required him to undergo treatment and recovery. During this period, he had the opportunity to learn about Spirulina algae through the introduction of Doctor BV 108 and friends.
From personal experience, he began to delve deeper into this microalgae. Scientific documents on the nutritional value, biological components, and potential applications of Spirulina algae sparked a particular interest in him.
He realized that Vietnam has many conditions for developing the Spirulina algae farming industry, but mastering technology, organizing large-scale production, and deep processing still have much room for improvement. If systematically invested in and properly executed in accordance with technological processes, Spirulina algae could not only be a source of nutritional raw materials but also serve as a foundation for many products with scientific, technological, and economic value.
An opportunity arose when a Spirulina algae farming facility in his hometown faced difficulties and was on the verge of ceasing operations. In 2016, he decided to take over, invest in, and restore this facility. It was a bold decision. After many years in the construction field, he ventured into an entirely new industry that required in-depth knowledge of biology, microbiology, and production technology. There was no other way but to learn, research, and get hands-on experience.
He sought out scientists, experts, and research institutions to collaborate with, gradually building a team and refining the production process. Initial challenges continuously emerged: algae contamination, unstable strains, and changing cultivation conditions affecting yield and quality. But, just like on the construction sites of the past, he did not choose to give up. Each failure was an opportunity to adjust techniques, find causes, and test new solutions.
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| CEO Nguyen Van Hung working with a Russian expert in the algae cultivation room. |
From that determination, VASTCOM was gradually built and developed. For Mr. Hung, this was not merely a post-retirement business decision but also an opportunity to harness the biological resource potential of his hometown through science and technology.
VASTCOM and the journey to master Spirulina technology
Cultivating Spirulina is not a simple task. This microalgae, visible only under a microscope, requires a strictly controlled cultivation environment for water source, temperature, light, and nutrients. Product quality depends on the entire process, from breeding to harvesting and processing.
Therefore, from the outset, Colonel Nguyen Van Hung determined that sustainable development must be based on scientific and technological innovation, digital transformation, and quality. The enterprise cannot rely solely on manual farming experience but needs to invest in research, equipment, and a synchronized production process.
A significant milestone in the development journey was VASTCOM's participation in the FIRST Project - a program to promote innovation through scientific and technological research, with a support fund of 15 billion VND. This resource enabled the company to invest in developing Spirulina algae cultivation and processing technology on an industrial scale.
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| The scale of the algae cultivation plant in Hamlet 4, Quynh Luong, Quynh Anh, Nghe An. |
From its initial facilities, VASTCOM gradually expanded its cultivation area and invested in factories, machinery, and quality control systems. By 2025, the company had developed a cultivation area of about 5 hectares, over 30 products, and a nationwide distribution network. Besides Spirulina, the company also developed products such as fermented soybeans Natto Kinaza, Cordyceps, and deer antler. Some products received OCOP 4-star recognition, bringing scientific and technological products closer to consumers.
However, Mr. Hung's goal is not just to expand production scale or increase product quantity. His greater aspiration is to master deep-processing technology, extract valuable compounds from Spirulina microalgae, gradually enhance the scientific content of products, and create high economic value for Vietnam.
Green aspirations from microalgae compounds
In its development orientation, VASTCOM focuses on researching two notable compounds: Phycocyanin and Chlorin e6.
Phycocyanin is a blue protein pigment characteristic of Spirulina algae, researched for its biological properties, including antioxidant capabilities. Chlorin e6 is a compound derived from chlorophyll, studied in the field of photodynamics, opening potential applications in biomedicine.
This field requires serious investment in technology, equipment, and research capabilities. In particular, for a compound to become a pharmaceutical product, it must undergo safety evaluations, testing, and licensing in accordance with regulations. The company has initiated research and production of these compounds and continues to collaborate with scientists to refine the technology and expand application areas. The project to develop microalgae extract products is also reported to have an investment of 17 billion VND.
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| CEO Nguyen Van Hung and an expert at the Phycocyanin and Chlorin E6 production room. |
These research directions reflect the long-term orientation of VASTCOM's leader: not stopping at producing raw materials but advancing to master extraction technology, processing, and the commercialization of high-value-added products.
In the context of Vietnam's efforts to promote the development of science and technology, innovation, and a green economy, exploiting the potential of microalgae is a direction worth considering. However, to turn potential into competitive products, businesses need to continue investing in research, quality verification, and the development of a standardized production system. This is also the path that Colonel Nguyen Van Hung is persistently pursuing.
In addition to research and production activities, Colonel Nguyen Van Hung is interested in developing models related to his hometown. The Spirulina Villa model is designed to integrate cultivation experiences, product introductions, and leisure tourism. From locally produced algae, the company develops additional food and experience products such as drinks, cakes, and yogurt.
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| Spirulina Villa from above. |
This is a way to connect production activities with product promotion, tourism, and the local economy, while also creating opportunities to introduce the value of microalgae to the community.
The efforts in production, business, and innovation have earned him several notable recognitions, including the title: Outstanding Vietnamese Farmer of 2022, Golden Board of Exemplary Cultural Enterprises for Global Integration (2023), Honorary Doctorate in Biotechnology from the American International University; Title of Outstanding Entrepreneur and Intellectual in the 4.0 Industrial Revolution (2025), Outstanding Achievement in the Emulation Movement of Excellent Farmers in Production and Business for the 2020-2025 period awarded by the People's Committee of Quynh Anh Commune and the Farmers' Association of Quynh Anh Commune, Nghe An Province in 2026, Outstanding Manager and Entrepreneur of 2026; honored at the “Vietnam's Glory 2026” Gala for entrepreneurs, businesses, and veteran entrepreneurs who have made significant contributions to the country's socio-economic development.
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| One of the certificates and awards received by entrepreneur Nguyen Van Hung. |
Looking back at Mr. Nguyen Van Hung's journey, a common thread emerges: in any field, he chooses to face challenges with responsibility and perseverance. From key construction projects to algae cultivation tanks, from military environments to science and technology enterprises, he always aspires to create practical value.
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| Entrepreneur Nguyen Van Hung receives an honorary doctorate and notable commemorative medals. |
At over 70, he continues to learn, research, and work. For him, age is not a reason to stop when there are still ideas that can be realized, technologies that need to be perfected, and products that can serve the community.
The soldier's uniform of the past has given way to a new journey, marked by the green of algae tanks and the aspiration for sustainable development. But the soldier's spirit remains intact in Colonel Nguyen Van Hung, who dares to think, dares to do, perseveres in the face of difficulties, and always aims for goals beyond personal gain.
His journey also conveys a meaningful message: dedication is not limited by age or work environment. With knowledge, determination, and a desire to serve, anyone can embark on a new journey and continue contributing to their homeland and country with their capabilities.
