Hanoi (VNA) – In the inspiring atmosphere of the 11th National Patriotic Emulation Congress, the Communist Party of Vietnam and the State solemnly conferred the title of Hero of Labour in the renewal period upon Dr. Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao - a pioneering female entrepreneur of the renewal period, distinguished by her sustained and dynamic contributions across multiple sectors.
This honour pays tribute to a new generation of Vietnamese entrepreneurs - those who embody global integration, technological thinking, a spirit of service, and a strong aspiration to elevate the nation’s standing in an era of national rise.
Over more than three decades of dedication and contribution, Dr. Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao has left a profound mark on key pillars of the economy, including aviation, finance and banking, investment, and technology. Across all these fields, she has consistently pursued a clear philosophy: innovation to unlock resources, technology to lead trends, and growth that must go hand in hand with national interests, culture, and people.
Her initiatives and contributions have created new value for millions of customers, delivered efficient growth value for investors, generated hundreds of thousands of new jobs, and driven growth wherever she is present. Her community activities have had a positive impact, inspiring and motivating millions of people, especially young people, women, children, and vulnerable groups.
In the aviation, she is the founder and leader of Vietnam’s first private airline, helping usher in a new era of socialised aviation services and deep international integration. Vietjet has not only enabled millions of Vietnamese to fly for the first time, transported hundreds of millions of passengers, but has also become a vital bridge for trade, tourism, investment and cultural exchange between Vietnam and the region and the world. Aircraft bearing Vietnam’s red and yellow colours soaring across continents have become a vivid symbol of a dynamic, confident, and an attractive destination for investment and global integration.
Dr. Thao’s impact extends beyond growth. It is reflected in her ability to address some of the most complex infrastructure challenges through a technological mindset. From initiatives to optimise airport operations and drive comprehensive digital transformation across aviation systems, to pioneering the application of biometric technologies in check-in procedures, technology - based testing solutions during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the rapid rescue of the HOSE trading system, she has consistently chosen the more difficult path - one that delivers enduring value for the economy and society.
Her title of Labour Hero was further forged through difficult and challenging periods. At a time when the Vietnamese stock market faced the risk of paralysis due to system congestion, she pioneered initiatives with technology experts to swiftly resolve the issue, ensuring the continuous and stable operation of the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange, protecting the confidence of millions of investors and the development of the national capital market. During the COVID - 19 pandemic, technology platforms serving testing management and disease control were deployed promptly, clearly demonstrating the spirit of technology for the community.
On the international stage, 2025 marks the strategic global steps taken by Dr. Thao. Large - scale cooperation agreements and trade contracts with leading global corporations not only create growth momentum but also contribute to balancing trade, strengthening partner trust, attracting investment and affirming the financial and management capabilities of the enterprise. The successful operations of Vietnamese airlines abroad have opened a new chapter in the aspiration to "export the Vietnamese model," bringing Vietnamese businesses deeper into the global value chain.
Alongside her business endeavors, she has consistently pursued a humanitarian mission. From social welfare programs supporting women, children, and vulnerable groups, to educational initiatives and international scholarships, Dr. Thao has consistently upheld the principle that growth is only truly sustainable when linked to human development. She particularly emphasises the role of women – whom she calls "silent warriors" – in building a prosperous and inclusive economy.
Speaking after the awards ceremony, Ms. Thao shared: “Regarding the profound significance of the patriotic emulation movement, President Ho Chi Minh said during his lifetime: ‘The patriotic emulation movement has led our country to unprecedented strides in the history of the nation, bringing about renewal in the country, society, and people. President Ho Chi Minh’s spirit has guided me on my journey of building my businesses. This title of hero is a meaningful spiritual gift for my over 40,000 hardworking officials and employees.”
The enterprises under her leadership have consistently built strong Party organisations, creating favourable conditions for launching and effectively implementing patriotic emulation movements, as well as responding to initiatives of higher-level Party committees. Employees have shown persistent dedication to these movements over several decades. The Party organisation has hundreds of Party members; the Youth Union has tens of thousands of youth members and trade union members.
At the enterprises led by the female Labour Hero, the patriotic emulation movement has been implemented widely, with continuous innovation in content and methods, closely aligned with practical realities, associated with the “Study and following of Ho Chi Minh’s ideology, ethics, and lifestyle”, and with the fulfillment of political and economic tasks at each unit across provinces and cities nationwide. These efforts have motivated employees to work diligently and consistently fulfill assigned goals and responsibilities.
“Willpower and faith in a prosperous Vietnam”
She emotionally shared at the ceremony: “At this moment, the past and the present are holding hands as they step into the future… All are connected by a common current: willpower and faith in a prosperous Vietnam reaching out to the world.”
At the 11th National Patriotic Emulation Congress, Dr. Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao was conferred the title of Labour Hero, in recognition of a journey marked by tireless dedication, creativity, and service to national aspirations. Her work embodies the shared spirit of the nation - resilience, determination, and an enduring belief in a strong, humane Vietnam with a respected global standing./.
