Happiness and Fear of Entrepreneurs: Insights from Dr. Pham Ha
From Creating New Values to Connecting Heritage through LuxGroup
Someone once asked me: What is the greatest happiness of an entrepreneur? And what scares them the most?
Dr. Pham Ha, Founder and CEO of LuxGroup, shared that the happiness of an entrepreneur lies in creating new things, unprecedented in the past, to meet societal needs, generate wealth, and provide jobs for many. As Bạch Thái Bưởi, the Maritime King of Vietnam, once said, “The creation of material wealth cannot be underestimated.”
Dr. Pham Ha emphasized that the happiness of an entrepreneur also comes from customer satisfaction. When 100% of customers are delighted with the company’s products and services, it brings immense joy. Furthermore, a business must develop sustainably, with culture at its core, fostering economic growth while remaining deeply rooted in cultural values. This is the guiding principle LuxGroup follows.
LuxGroup, one of the “small giants,” focuses not only on visible success but also on operating with transparency and responsibility. This is demonstrated through LuxGroup’s lack of outstanding debts in taxes, insurance, salaries, or bonuses for its employees, affectionately known as “Luxers.”
However, alongside happiness, entrepreneurs carry fears. Their fear is not competition but the concern that they may not be good enough, lacking the ability, resources, or creativity to lead and inspire their teams. The fear of not having new products or business models to continue conquering the market keeps entrepreneurs like Dr. Pham Ha restless. This is why LuxGroup continuously seeks new directions to maintain creativity and motivation at every stage of business.
LuxGroup has consistently innovated and expanded into various fields. One of the group’s ambitious new projects is the Amiral Cruises for Presidents, a journey through time on the Saigon River, aiming to conquer Vietnam’s majestic rivers and seas while providing luxurious and unique experiences. Furthermore, ventures into gastronomy, such as the restaurant chains Vị Hà Nội, Vị Sài Gòn, and Vị Sông – Croisiere Des Arts, showcase that LuxGroup is not merely a business conglomerate but a cultural bridge connecting local cuisine with stories told through distinct flavors.
Additionally, the connection to cultural heritage is reinforced through the LuxArts Collection, where artworks are not merely paintings but narratives of Vietnam’s cultural legacy. Each piece opens up a story, and every 100-year-old artifact embodies memories of cultural values, both lost and preserved. This differentiation creates unique tourism experiences—transforming tours into profound journeys of cultural exploration.
A significant milestone in LuxGroup’s development was the launch of the new slogan “Inspiring Journeys” for the Lux Travel DMC brand, marking 20 years of evolution from zero to becoming a leader in luxury travel in Asia. With prestigious awards from the World Travel Awards (WTA), Lux Travel DMC continues to solidify its position, consistently touching the hearts of customers with its mission “Touching Hearts,” while Luxury Travel targets the Vietnamese premium market—offering not just travel but a journey of cultural discovery around the globe.
Looking forward, LuxGroup has ambitious plans up to 2045, celebrating the 100th anniversary of Vietnam’s independence and the group’s 40th anniversary. LuxGroup aims to manage capital through LuxGroup Holding, with some companies going public and expanding into areas like cruises, travel, hotels, gastronomy, and the arts. The goal is not only to provide unique coastal travel experiences but also to connect heritage, with “Made-in-Vietnam” cruise ships proudly flying the Vietnamese flag as they sail to international ports. Dr. Pham Ha’s dream is to see Vietnam’s cruise ships reach global seas, fulfilling the aspirations and pride of the nation in the 21st century.
For LuxGroup, each journey is not just a trip but an emotional journey, where heritage, culture, and human values are honored and nurtured.
