Logo
SubscribeSign In
LeaderPortfolio
Billionaire Profile
N
Global Rank
#1118

Image: Minh Trong Nguyen. | CC BY 4.0 | via Wikimedia Commons

Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao

CEO, Airlines
VIETNAM
Real-Time Net Worth
$3.799B
Estimated based on Airlines stock value as of March 6, 2026
-0.05% (24h)
Age
55
Source
Airlines
Industry
Diversified
Citizenship
VIETNAM

Biography

Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao is a prominent Vietnamese businesswoman, celebrated as the first self-made female billionaire in Southeast Asia. Born in Hanoi in 1970, she is the President and CEO of Vietjet Air, President of Sovico Group, and Vice President of HDBank. Her early career involved trading goods in the Soviet Union, where she became a millionaire at 21. Thao's visionary leadership propelled Vietjet Air to become a major player in the aviation industry, challenging traditional norms with innovative strategies and a focus on customer satisfaction. She is also a key player in real estate, technology, and banking, with a current net worth of $4.1 billion. She is a recognized leader, and philanthropist.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 3/6/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao was born in Hanoi, Vietnam, on June 7, 1970. Her family instilled in her a strong work ethic and a sense of discipline. At the age of 17, she left Hanoi to study in Moscow.

Rise to Success

Thao began her entrepreneurial journey at a young age. While studying in Moscow, she started importing goods that were in demand, such as electronics and agricultural products, becoming a millionaire at 21. After returning to Vietnam, she co-founded Sovico Holdings, which expanded into various sectors, including aviation, banking, and real estate. In 2011, Thao founded Vietjet Air, a low-cost carrier that revolutionized the aviation industry in Vietnam.

Key Business Strategies

Thao is known for her bold strategies and willingness to take calculated risks. Vietjet Air gained popularity by offering low fares and innovative services. By 2019, Vietjet had become the market leader in Vietnam's aviation sector. She has also been adept at securing favorable deals and expanding into new markets. Her success with Vietjet made her the first self-made woman billionaire in Southeast Asia.

Philanthropy

Thao is involved in philanthropy, including donating to education and charitable causes. She is also known for her support of women's rights and gender equality.

Career Milestones

1991

Became a Millionaire

Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao became a millionaire at the age of 21, importing goods into the Soviet Union.

1993

Founded Sovico Holdings

Co-founded Sovico Holdings, a multi-sector company, with her husband.

1996

Co-founded and invested in banks

Founded VIB and invested in Techcombank.

2011

Founded Vietjet Air

Launched Vietjet Air, a low-cost airline, and became its CEO.

2017

Vietjet Air IPO

Took Vietjet Air public, becoming Vietnam's first self-made female billionaire.

2024

Hero of Labor

Awarded the title of Hero of Labor.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education

Oxford University Donation

$211M

Made a significant donation to Oxford University's Linacre College.

Community

HDBank Charity Work

Undisclosed

Regularly runs charity work with her company HDBank to give back to children.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"I have always aimed big and done big deals. I have never done anything on a small scale. When people were trading one container [of goods], I was already trading hundreds of containers."

Leadership Principles

Visionary Leadership

Embracing innovation and challenging traditional business models to drive growth and success.

Strategic Risk-Taking

Willingness to take calculated risks to achieve ambitious goals and enter new markets.

Customer-Centric Approach

Focus on meeting the needs of customers and providing them with quality services.

Community Engagement

Giving back to the community through charitable initiatives and promoting women's rights.

Controversies & Challenges

2012

Bikini Campaign

Vietjet Air received criticism for a bikini-clad flight attendant promotion.

Compare Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao

Net Worth Face-off
Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao vs Elon Musk
Compare Wealth →
Net Worth Face-off
Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao vs Jeff Bezos
Compare Wealth →
Net Worth Face-off
Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao vs Mark Zuckerberg
Compare Wealth →