Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, Chairwoman of Vietjet, has been awarded the prestigious Labor Hero title, one of Vietnam’s highest national honours, recognising her exceptional and long-standing contributions to the nation’s economic and social development. The award reflects her transformative impact across multiple sectors over the past three decades.
Dr. Thao is widely regarded as one of Southeast Asia’s most influential business leaders and is the region’s first female self-made billionaire. Her leadership philosophy centres on innovation, technology-driven growth and building enterprises aligned with national priorities and social responsibility.
In aviation, she is best known as the founder and driving force behind Vietjet, Vietnam’s first and largest private airline. Under her leadership, the airline democratised air travel, enabled millions of first-time flyers and significantly strengthened Vietnam’s connectivity with global markets, including India, boosting trade, tourism and cultural exchange.
Beyond aviation, Dr. Thao has played a critical role in addressing complex infrastructure and system challenges through technology-led solutions. Her initiatives include digital transformation in aviation operations, biometric passenger processing, technology deployment during the Covid-19 pandemic and stabilisation of the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange’s trading system during a crucial period.
Equally significant is her commitment to social development. Dr. Thao has actively supported humanitarian and community initiatives focused on women, children, students and underprivileged groups, consistently emphasising that sustainable business growth must go hand in hand with human development.
The Labor Hero title recognises a journey marked by perseverance, innovation and service. It also mirrors Vietnam’s broader national spirit of resilience and global aspiration, with Dr. Thao’s achievements symbolising a confident nation reaching out to the world.
