Early Life and Education
Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao was born in Hanoi, Vietnam, on June 7, 1970. She comes from a family with a strong work ethic and an entrepreneurial spirit. At the age of 17, she moved to Moscow to study at the Plekhanov Russian University of Economics. She obtained bachelor's degrees in financial credit management and labor economics, and later, a PhD in economic management from the D. Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia.
Rise to Success
Thao started her entrepreneurial journey at the age of 21, becoming a millionaire while still studying in Moscow. She began trading various commodities such as fax machines and rubber. Upon her return to Vietnam, she founded Sovico Holdings. She is best known for launching Vietjet Air in 2011, Vietnam’s first private airline, which revolutionized the aviation industry with its low-cost fares and innovative marketing.
Key Business Strategies
Thao's business strategy is characterized by bold and unorthodox approaches, particularly in a male-dominated industry. Her focus is on expanding access to aviation and developing regional aviation infrastructure. She has expanded Vietjet Air's route network and fleet, operating both domestic and international flights. Thao has also made strategic investments in real estate, banking, and green energy.
Philanthropy
Thao has been involved in philanthropy. In 2021, she signed a memorandum of understanding with the University of Oxford's Linacre College for a substantial donation of GBP£155 million.
