Overseas entrepreneurs in sync with the Homeland
WVR - Establishing a career in a foreign land has never been easy. Entrepreneurs must learn the language, understand the laws, adapt to the culture, and persistently build trust. Behind a stable business lies immense effort, numerous setbacks, and decisive choices determining success or failure.
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When they leverage their reputation, experience, and connections to support their homeland, overseas entrepreneurs bring tangible values: an introduction that opens up collaboration opportunities, an experience that helps domestic businesses avoid losses, a project that creates jobs for the youth. The achievements accumulated abroad thus become resources contributing to the homeland's development.
Paving the way for Vietnamese talent
In the field of technology, Dr. Nguyen Huu Le, a Vietnamese expatriate in Australia, is a prominent figure. From his hometown Phu My, Binh Dinh, he went to study at the University of Adelaide in 1967, accumulating years of experience in the international telecommunications industry. Returning with faith in Vietnamese intellect, he helped bring software outsourcing contracts to domestic engineers, developed TMA Solutions, and promoted the establishment of TMA Innovation Park in Quy Nhon. His dedication opened up opportunities for young people to research, master technology, and affirm their capabilities right in their homeland.
In the United States, Dr. Tran Viet Hung, founder of the technology company Got It in Silicon Valley, dedicates his efforts to the educational opportunities of Vietnamese children.
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| Dr. Tran Viet Hung, founder of the technology company Got It in Silicon Valley. |
He is the founder of STEAM for Vietnam, a non-profit organization aiming to bring international-quality STEAM education to Vietnamese children completely free of charge, regardless of economic circumstances or place of residence. From his experience as a technology professional, he hopes the next generation can access knowledge and nurture creativity early on, with every child inspired to learn today potentially achieving new things in the future.
Connecting partners, expanding opportunities
In France, Mr. Nguyen Hai Nam, with over 30 years of experience in the banking sector, has dedicated much effort to founding the Association of Vietnamese Entrepreneurs in France (ABVietFrance). Before the association was established, he spent months connecting and exchanging with about 400 Vietnamese and French individuals to find like-minded people. By pooling the expertise, experience, and networks of its members, the association helps connect businesses from both countries, assisting business plans in finding information, partners, and opportunities to become a reality.
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| Delegation leaders attending the “Second Overseas Vietnamese Economic Forum - Connecting Localities, Vietnamese Enterprises - Kyushu: Substantial - Effective - Sustainable”, October 2023. |
In the Republic of Korea, Dr. Tran Hai Linh, President of the Vietnam-Korea Business and Investment Association (VKBIA), along with his associates, connects Korean businesses with localities in Vietnam. With an understanding of both markets, they help parties find common ground, identify suitable cooperation opportunities, and gradually turn local potential into specific projects.
Investing in the younger generation
For Canadian Vietnamese entrepreneur Nguyen Hoai Bac, his attachment to his homeland is demonstrated through over 25 years of direct investment in Vietnam. A notable achievement is the Vietnam-Canada Vocational School, invested by Dai Son Joint Stock Company, where he serves as Chairman of the Board, established in Hai Duong in 2009, with the desire to help young people acquire solid skills, secure jobs, and build their own lives.
In the face of difficulties, he and his associates adjusted the model, maintaining part of the vocational school and converting part of the facility into Tri Duc Inter-level School, meeting the educational needs of the locality. From practical investment experience, he has also contributed many recommendations to resolve procedural obstacles, build a transparent and stable business environment for overseas Vietnamese to easily contribute to their homeland.
Building careers, connecting communities
In the Czech Republic, the journey of Mr. Hoang Dinh Thang is linked to both business and community activities. As President of the Union of Vietnamese Associations in Europe, he and the association organizations promote solidarity, connecting overseas Vietnamese with their homeland. Recommendations on facilitating investment, attracting intellectuals, and entrepreneurs show the desire for the community to have conditions for long-term contributions.
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| Entrepreneur Ho Van Lam, President of the Association of Vietnamese People in Thailand. |
In Udon Thani, Thailand, entrepreneur Ho Van Lam inherited his family's grilled pork sausage business, developing the VT Namnueng brand, bringing Vietnamese flavours to the local people. The commercial centre he built not only promotes Vietnamese goods but also serves as a familiar meeting place for the overseas Vietnamese community. As President of the Association of Vietnamese People in Thailand, he contributes to community cohesion, promoting the teaching and learning of the Vietnamese language, and preserving national identity. From traditional dishes to community activities, he has turned business success into a resource for preserving roots and fostering Vietnam-Thailand friendship.
A stable, united, and reputable community in the host country provides a foundation for individual development. Successful entrepreneurs support those who follow, share experiences, and together maintain the image of Vietnamese people. Success gains additional meaning when it brings opportunities to those who follow.
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| Dr. Phan Bich Thien, President of the Vietnamese Women's Forum in Europe, President of the Vietnamese Women's Association in Hungary. |
In Hungary, Dr. Phan Bich Thien, owner of the Fried Castle Hotel, has made her mark in business and dedicated much effort to the community. As President of the Vietnamese Women's Association in Hungary and President of the Vietnamese Women's Forum in Europe, she contributes to connecting Vietnamese women abroad, expanding learning opportunities, sharing experiences, and introducing the image of confident, dynamic Vietnamese women to international friends. In 2024, she was the only foreign woman featured in a book about 21 women with special contributions in Hungary, recognizing her role in connecting and promoting Vietnamese culture. Her success transcends her personal career, adding pride and respect for Vietnamese people in the host country.
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| Prof. Tran Dang Xuan currently works at Hiroshima University, President of the Vietnam-Japan Experts Association. |
In Japan, Prof. Tran Dang Xuan, Hiroshima University, President of the Vietnam-Japan Experts Association, dedicates much effort to connecting universities, research institutes, and businesses from both countries, promoting technology transfer and workforce training for Vietnam. For Vietnamese students and researchers, he directly guides research, shares experiences in finding scholarships, and building academic paths. These contributions not only open up opportunities for young people but also enrich the knowledge base serving the homeland.
In Japan, many young Vietnamese are starting small businesses. Amid challenges regarding capital, customers, and markets, they still focus on conducting business seriously, complying with the law, and maintaining credibility, contributing to building a positive image of Vietnamese people. They assist fellow countrymen, create jobs, introduce Vietnamese products, and seek cooperation opportunities with their homeland. These contributions, though modest, are commendable, as the effort to establish a career abroad always carries a responsibility to the homeland.
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| Businesswoman Vu Thu Ha - CEO of HSC Japan, specializing in trade development and two-way import-export between Japan and Vietnam. (Photo: Huu Luan) |
Bringing achievements back home
On the occasion of Vietnamese Entrepreneurs' Day, we extend our congratulations to those entrepreneurs building careers abroad while still dedicating their efforts to their homeland. Their names may not all be mentioned, but through each project, each bridge of cooperation, each opportunity given to the younger generation, they collectively contribute to the country's development, providing a better life for its people.
Some return, some remain far from the homeland, but their love for their country is evident in their practical actions: Creating jobs, supporting the younger generation, and bringing Vietnamese products to the global market. Success thus carries a deeper meaning, as each individual's achievements are dedicated to honoring the homeland.
| Data released at the 2024 Overseas Vietnamese Conference indicates that by the end of 2023, overseas Vietnamese had invested in 421 foreign direct investment projects in Vietnam, with a total registered capital of 1.72 billion USD; along with thousands of businesses with investment capital from Vietnamese residing abroad. |
