The heir of the King of Cruise Ships, Bạch Thái Bưởi, receives an honorary doctorate from the United States.
The founding chairman of LuxGroup received an Honorary Doctorate from Apollos University in the United States at the Global Science and Economics Forum in New Delhi, India.
New Delhi, December 21, 2023 – Marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Vietnam, the Global Science and Economics Forum took place in the capital, New Delhi, on December 21, 2023. The event, organized by the Global Trade and Technology Council of India (GTTCI India), aimed to promote economic cooperation, exchange ideas, and foster interactions between organizations and businesses from both countries.
Within the forum’s framework, the promotion of technological advancements, enhancing product quality, and establishing new management systems were deemed significant steps to strengthen Vietnam’s business credibility in the Indian market.
As a luxury travel service provider, LuxGroup (www.luxgroup.vn) currently has a representative office in New Delhi, India, with the goal of developing a B2B model targeting the luxury travel segment for affluent Indians, offering high-end customized tours, organizing weddings, golfing experiences, yacht cruises, beach vacations, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) between the two nations.
Particularly on this occasion, Mr. Phạm Hà (1975) – the founding chairman and CEO representative of LuxGroup – was honored by receiving an Honorary Doctorate from Apollos University (USA).
This honor recognizes his influential international leadership role, the aspiration to elevate and introduce Vietnam’s Cultural Heritage and Tourism to the world through tailored luxury travel services, island and beach tourism via yachting inspired by heritage, diverse experiences, and emotionally enriching services. Business owner Phạm Hà is fluent in both English and French, holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration (BBA) from the National Economics University of Vietnam.
According to Dr. Paul Eidson, president of Apollos University, the annual recognition of outstanding individuals by conferring honorary degrees acknowledges their contributions to the social community and emphasizes dedication, intellectual excellence in their respective fields.
Travel experts evaluate LuxGroup, founded by Chairman Phạm Hà, for its significant contribution in elevating the image of luxury travel, island tourism, and enhancing Vietnam’s heritage. Lux Cruises, with its two renowned brands Emperor Cruises and Heritage Cruises, has provided unique experiences for tourists in Vietnam’s top tourist destinations such as Nha Trang Bay, Ha Long Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay, Cat Ba Archipelago… and notably, the anticipated coastal cruise from Ha Long to Da Nang in 2025.
Representative of GTTCI India’s Organizing Committee, assessing the founding chairman and CEO of LuxGroup, stated, “Global influence, pioneering vision, and relentless innovation over nearly 20 years. LuxGroup, founded by CEO Phạm Hà, is a conglomerate of great achievements, a typical example of effective solutions to cope with and adapt to the challenges of Covid. They remain steadfast, determined, resilient, and contribute to the sustainable recovery of tourism.”
Throughout nearly 20 years of operation, LuxGroup has received 20 tourism awards, contributing to enhancing the image of luxurious, sustainable tourism and inspiring heritage tourism in Vietnam. Particularly, Mr. Phạm Hà’s leadership led Lux Travel DMC to become the leading private travel enterprise in Vietnam and Asia at the 2023 World Travel Awards, winning the award for the leading luxury travel company in the Asia region, the ‘World Tourism Oscar.’ This marks a significant achievement not only for LuxGroup but also for Vietnam’s tourism industry.
Apollos University, with the Honorary Doctorate in Tourism, not only acknowledges the individual success but also recognizes the significant contributions of Mr. Phạm Hà and LuxGroup to the tourism industry, yachting, and the social community. Receiving this title affirms practical contributions and the strategic vision of the honored entrepreneur, Phạm Hà.
In addition to honoring Mr. Phạm Hà, Apollos University also bestowed Honorary Doctorate and Professor titles to 30 other outstanding individuals from Vietnam in various fields, with only 3 in the field of Tourism, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the contributions of leaders and entrepreneurs in today’s society.
Mr. Phạm Hà stated, “I am deeply honored to receive the Honorary Doctorate in Tourism from Apollos University, a prestigious acknowledgment of my knowledge and expertise in the field of Tourism, particularly Yachting. Alongside my contributions in luxury tourism and yachting, I commit to continuously aiming for higher tourism quality, revitalizing heritage, implementing a blue ocean strategy, and proudly introducing Made-In-Vietnam yachts to the vast sea.
Leadership is in service, and I dedicate my life to leading LuxGroup in pioneering the luxury field, fueling my passion for yachting, realizing big dreams, large yachts cruising along Vietnam’s coastal areas. This honorary title in tourism not only affirms and honors me personally but also the entire ecosystem of 300 Luxers.
We have shared aspirations, pioneering visions, worked in a sustainable international environment, provided heartfelt services, conducted ethical business, with people at the center, persistently leading in the luxury field, always fostering innovation.”
Apollos University of the United States nominated and awarded the Honorary Doctorate based on criteria: “Significant contributions to the field of Education and Science; International credibility; Substantial contributions to friendship and economic-social development; Contribution recognition at various levels and natures.
Compliance with the set standards as per regulations. Bringing significant meanings in recognizing the subject of the bestowed title. And bringing prideful values by establishing a connection between two countries in promoting cooperative and friendly relationships. International credibility, contributing to building shared values in international economic development. Substantial contributions to friendship, promoting Vietnam’s participation in the world’s common market.”
Ranked 23rd in the United States, Apollos University, a private university headquartered in Montana, offers Doctoral, Master’s, Bachelor’s, and Associate’s degrees in fields such as Business Administration, Business Management, and Information Technology. Certified by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) and participating in SARA, the university can teach in every state of the USA and Washington DC.
Apollos University provides global programs through online and distance learning, attracting students from various regions such as the USA, Canada, Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. The programs focus on transferring knowledge, applying it to real-world scenarios, fostering critical thinking, and research skills.”
