Dr Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, Chairwoman of Vietjet, has been awarded the Labor Hero title, one of Vietnam’s highest national honours, in recognition of her outstanding and long-standing contributions to the country’s economic and social development.
Dr Thao, Southeast Asia’s first female self-made billionaire, is widely recognized as one of the most influential business leaders in the region, with profound impact across aviation, finance, investment, and technology over the last three decades. Her leadership has focused on innovation, technology-led growth and building businesses aligned with national priorities and social responsibility.
In aviation, she is the founder and leader of Vietjet, Vietnam’s first and largest private airline, playing a pivotal role in expanding access to air travel and accelerating the country’s integration with regional and global markets, including India. Vietjet has enabled millions of first-time flyers, carried hundreds of millions of passengers and strengthened connectivity for trade, tourism, investment and cultural exchange. Vietjet’s red-and-yellow fleet, operating across continents, has become a visible symbol of a dynamic, confident and globally connected Vietnam.
Her contributions extend beyond business growth. Dr Thao has been closely associated with initiatives addressing complex infrastructure and system challenges through technology-driven solutions. These include digital transformation in aviation operations, the application of biometric technologies in passenger processing, the rapid deployment of technology platforms during the Covid-19 pandemic, and the successful stabilisation of the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange’s trading system at a critical moment for the market.
Alongside business growth, Dr Thao has remained actively involved in community and humanitarian initiatives, with a strong focus on women, children, students and underprivileged communities. She has long emphasized that sustainable growth must go hand in hand with human development and social responsibility.
Reflecting on the honour, she said: “The past and the present come together as we move toward the future, connected by a shared will and belief in a prosperous Vietnam reaching out to the world. This honour is a meaningful source of pride and encouragement for tens of thousands of dedicated employees across our organisations.”
Dr Thao has received wide international recognition, including Bloomberg 50, Forbes’ World’s 100 Most Powerful Women, and Business Insider’s 100 People Transforming Business in Asia. She has also been awarded France’s Legion of Honour, the country’s highest civilian distinction, in recognition of her outstanding global contributions.
The awarding of the Labor Hero title recognizes a path defined by perseverance, innovation and service. It also reflects a broader national spirit — one of resilience, aspiration and confidence in a strong, humane Vietnam with an increasingly respected global presence.
