The National Entrepreneur: Vietnam’s Path to Global Greatness
A Spirit of Service – Rooted in Authentic Values – Fueled by a Vietnamese Dream
Based on the vision and experience of Dr. Phạm Hà, Founder & CEO of LuxGroup
1. Entrepreneurs Don’t Just Build Wealth — They Build Nations
In Vietnam, entrepreneurs were once narrowly defined as “wealth creators.” But in the era of global integration and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, that definition must evolve. Entrepreneurs today are not just economic players—they are architects of national identity and global standing, shaping how a country is perceived through products, services, and brands.
According to Dr. Phạm Hà, Chairman of LuxGroup and the mind behind the concept of the “national entrepreneur,” Vietnamese business leaders must embrace the role of economic revolutionaries—those who:
• Do business with intelligence and integrity,
• Build Vietnamese brands that resonate globally,
• Compete through authentic value—not favoritism or gimmicks.
“A national entrepreneur dares to think big for the nation, lives with integrity toward customers, employees, shareholders, and society—and creates wealth through service and real value.”
— Dr. Phạm Hà
2. Who Is the National Entrepreneur in the Modern Era?
Look to Japan: where Toyota, Sony, and Uniqlo aren’t just brands—they’re symbols of national pride. South Korea boasts Samsung, LG, Hyundai. The U.S. has Apple and Tesla. Europe champions Airbus and BMW. These are not merely corporations, but cultural and technological ambassadors.
Vietnam must cultivate its own champions—entrepreneurs who do not just sell products but convey Vietnamese intelligence and identity to the world. They create cultural distinction, not just market disruption. They lead with ethics, innovate with heart, and pursue long-term impact, not short-term profit.
3. Bạch Thái Bưởi: A Legacy of Vietnamese Business Patriotism
Over a century ago, under French colonial rule, Bạch Thái Bưởi emerged as a pioneer of economic nationalism.
• He launched Bạch Thái Maritime Company to challenge Chinese shipping dominance,
• Mobilized the public with the rallying cry: “Support our Vietnamese ships,”
• Used business as a form of peaceful resistance and national awakening.
His famous quote—“If others can do it, so can we”—captures the essence of a first-generation national entrepreneur: independent, bold, and committed to national dignity.
Today, the 4.0 generation of national entrepreneurs inherits that spirit, elevating it through technology, user experience, and culturally grounded enterprise.
4. National Capital vs. Crony Capital: A Fundamental Divide
Dr. Phạm Hà draws a clear line:
“The difference between crony capitalism and national capitalism is national spirit.”
— Dr. Phạm Hà
• Crony capitalists thrive on connections, privileges, and backdoor deals—warping market fairness.
• National capitalists build on merit, innovation, transparency, and resilience.
Adam Smith once warned of “savage capitalism,” where money outruns morality. By contrast, national capitalism provides a moral and strategic foundation for a creative, competitive, and sustainable economy.
5. Resolution 68: A Strategic Catalyst for Private Enterprise
In 2023, Vietnam’s Resolution 68 affirmed:
• The private sector is a critical engine of national economic development,
• It accounts for over 60% of GDP and 80% of employment.
But private sector growth, without ethics and national ideals, risks descending into speculation or short-termism. Without national entrepreneurs at the helm, long-term strength cannot emerge.
Vietnam needs business leaders who operate with conscience—and grow companies that build countries.
6. The 5 Core Values of a National Entrepreneur
1. Compassion (Tâm) – Customer-centered, nation-focused.
2. Integrity (Tín) – Transparent, honest, dependable.
3. Vision (Tầm) – Long-term, sustainable thinking.
4. Excellence (Tinh) – Creative, high-quality, culturally distinct.
5. Independence (Tự) – Self-reliant, resilient, proud of identity.
Together, these values form the Vietnamese entrepreneurial DNA—a compass for competing globally with authenticity and strength.
7. LuxGroup: Doing Business Through Culture, Competing with Identity
As a living embodiment of national entrepreneurship, LuxGroup has charted a bold course:
• Drawing inspiration from Bạch Thái Bưởi to recreate the Heritage Bình Chuẩn, a luxury heritage cruise,
• Offering high-end tourism experiences infused with Vietnamese culture, cuisine, and storytelling,
• Competing not on price, but on identity-driven, immersive experiences.
LuxGroup proves that cultural service can be economically viable, and that business infused with heritage can thrive—economically and spiritually.
8. The 4.0 Era: Technology Needs Culture to Have a Soul
This century is defined by:
• AI, Big Data, and automation,
• Green economies and personalized experiences,
• Digital transformation and global interconnectivity.
Yet in a world where technology can be copied, culture and integrity remain irreplaceable advantages.
“Modernize operations, but preserve the soul. Apply innovation, but don’t lose identity.”
— Dr. Phạm Hà
The Vietnamese entrepreneur of the future must harness technology, but lead with values.
9. National Entrepreneurs: The Soft Power Behind a Global Vietnamese Brand
A country’s global reputation is shaped not only by its diplomacy or resources, but by:
• Respectable businesses,
• World-class products,
• Culturally rich and emotionally resonant services.
National entrepreneurs are the torchbearers of Vietnam’s soft power. They:
• Pioneer ethical business culture,
• Elevate the credibility of Vietnamese-made products,
• Inspire the next generation with purpose-driven leadership.
“A strong nation needs millions of national entrepreneurs—free to create, honest in conduct, and committed to service.”
— Dr. Phạm Hà
10. Conclusion: The Century of Service Is Here—And So Is Vietnam’s Entrepreneurial Vanguard
Vietnam will not rise through cheap labor or raw resources alone. It must rise through:
• Democratic governance,
• Progressive institutions,
• A mature, civic-minded private sector.
The path forward calls for entrepreneurs who act on ideals, build real value, and serve the nation before themselves.
The national entrepreneur is the vanguard of a new Vietnam:
Building enterprise to build the country.
Creating wealth to enlighten society.
Innovating not for profit alone, but for purpose.
