Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao

$3.85 B

Ranked #1084 in World

About Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao

Nguyễn Thị Phương Thảo, a trailblazing Vietnamese entrepreneur, stands as the President of VietJet Air and Sovico Group, and Vice President of HDBank. Recognized by Forbes as the first Southeast Asian woman billionaire, Thảo blossomed into a millionaire in her early twenties through diligent trade in the former Soviet Union. Commanding a diversified portfolio with predominant stakes in significant ventures, she is a paragon of financial acumen, amassing a net worth of $2.1 billion by 2021. Among her accolades, Thảo has been honored as a Knight of the Legion of Honour and is poised to leave a philanthropic footprint at Oxford with Thao College.

Born

June 05, 1970 in Hanoi, North Vietnam

Age

55 years

Source Of Wealth

Airlines

Industries

Diversified

Citizenship

Vietnam

Residence

Ho Chi Minh City

Spouse

Nguyen Thanh Hung

Children

Nguyễn Thị Phương Thảo, a prominent Vietnamese businesswoman, was born in Hanoi, Vietnam, on May 12, 1970. Her early years and childhood were marked by a strong drive and entrepreneurial spirit that would later shape her successful career.

Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao: Family

Thảo comes from a close-knit family. Her father, Nguyễn Thanh Liêm, was a military officer, while her mother, Nguyễn Thị Loan, was a teacher. Thảo's upbringing instilled in her a sense of discipline, resilience, and a deep appreciation for education.

Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao: Career Highlights

Thảo's career trajectory is nothing short of remarkable. She began her entrepreneurial journey at a young age, becoming a millionaire at just 21 while studying in Moscow. Thảo's business acumen led her to distribute fax machines, plastic, and rubber from Japan, Hong Kong, and South Korea in the Soviet Union, capitalizing on the emerging market opportunities.

Over the years, Thảo expanded her business interests, establishing VietJet Air, a low-cost carrier that revolutionized the aviation industry in Vietnam. She also serves as the President of Sovico Group, a conglomerate with diverse holdings, and as the Vice President of HDBank, a leading private bank in Vietnam.

Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao: Companies

Thảo's business empire encompasses several notable companies. VietJet Air, under her leadership, has become one of the fastest-growing airlines in the world, offering affordable air travel to millions of passengers. Sovico Group, with its extensive portfolio, includes investments in real estate, finance, and hospitality.

Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao: Major Achievements

Thảo's achievements are numerous and significant. She holds the distinction of being the second Vietnamese person and the first Southeast Asian woman to be recognized as a USD billionaire by Forbes. Her entrepreneurial success has earned her widespread recognition, including being ranked among the world's most powerful women by Forbes and the International Hospitality Institute.

Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao: Awards & Achievements

Thảo's contributions to business and society have been widely acknowledged through prestigious awards and honors.

In 2021, she was bestowed with the Knight of the Legion of Honour, one of France's highest civilian awards, for her exceptional achievements in the aviation industry.

Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao: Personal Life & Legacy

Thảo maintains a private personal life while continuing to inspire countless individuals with her remarkable journey. She has two children, a daughter, and a son named Tommy Nguyen, who has followed in her entrepreneurial footsteps. Tommy studied at Oxford University and founded an express delivery company with investment from VietJet.

Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao: Trivia

Thảo's philanthropic endeavors extend beyond her business ventures. She made headlines in 2022 when she signed a memorandum of understanding with the University of Oxford's Linacre College for a substantial donation of GBP£155 million. This generous act could potentially lead to the college's name being changed to Thao College.

Wealth History

Timeline

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Nguyễn Thị Phương Thảo was born in Hanoi, Vietnam.

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Thảo became a millionaire at age 21 while studying in Moscow, distributing fax machines, plastic, and rubber from Japan, Hong Kong, and South Korea in the Soviet Union.

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Thảo developed a portfolio of business interests, including VietJet and Sovico Holdings, which holds a 90% stake in Ho Chi Minh City's Dragon City development.

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Thảo holds two bachelor's degrees and a doctoral degree in economic management from Russian universities.

2016

Thảo was ranked 62nd in the list of Power Women 2016 and listed in Asia's 50 Power Businesswomen 2016.

2017

Thảo became Vietnam's first self-made woman billionaire and Southeast Asia's only female billionaire after taking VietJet Air public.

2021

Thảo's net worth was estimated at US$2.1 billion, with investments in HD Bank, real estate, and three beach resorts.

2021

Thảo was awarded the Knight of the Legion of Honour by France.

2022

Thảo signed a memorandum of understanding with the University of Oxford's Linacre College for a donation of GBP£155million, leading to a potential name change to Thao College.

June 2022

Thảo was featured on the list of the Global 100 by the International Hospitality Institute as one of the 100 Most Powerful People in Global Hospitality.

Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao : FAQs

What is Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao's current net worth?

Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao's current net worth is $3.85 billion.

What is Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao's current global rank among billionaires?

Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao holds the 1084th position globally among billionaires.

What is Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao's current ranking within the Vietnam?

Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao holds the 2nd position in Vietnam.

What was the change in Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao's net worth compared to the previous year?

Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao's net worth decreased by 1.06 billion dollars compared to the previous year 2025, when her net worth was 4.91 billion dollars.

What is the recent change in Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao's net worth?

Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao's net worth decreased by 93.93 million dollars recently, a 2.44% decrease, with her net worth standing at 3.85 billion dollars.

What are Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao's main sources of wealth?

Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao's main source of income comes from Airlines.

In which industry does Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao primarily operate?

Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao is primarily involved in the Diversified industry.

How old is Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao?

Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao is 55 years old.

How many children does Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao have?

Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao has 4 children.

Who is Nguyễn Thị Phương Thảo and what companies does she lead?

Nguyễn Thị Phương Thảo is a prominent Vietnamese businesswoman serving as the President and CEO of VietJet Air, President of Sovico Group, and Vice President of HDBank. She is known for her extensive influence in Vietnam's business sector.

How did Nguyễn Thị Phương Thảo achieve her billionaire status?

Nguyễn Thị Phương Thảo became Vietnam's first self-made woman billionaire and Southeast Asia's only female billionaire in 2017 after taking her airline company, VietJet Air, public. Her net worth was estimated at US$2.1 billion in early 2021.

What academic qualifications does Nguyễn Thị Phương Thảo hold?

Nguyễn Thị Phương Thảo holds two bachelor's degrees and a doctoral degree in economic management from Russian universities, showcasing her strong academic background.

What philanthropic effort did Nguyễn Thị Phương Thảo engage with Oxford University's Linacre College?

Nguyễn Thị Phương Thảo signed a memorandum of understanding for a donation of GBP£155 million to Oxford University's Linacre College, a contribution that might lead to the college being renamed Thao College in her honor.

Has Nguyễn Thị Phương Thảo received any major international accolades for her work?

Yes, Nguyễn Thị Phương Thảo has been honored with the Knight of the Legion of Honour by France in 2021, recognizing her significant contributions and success in the international business realm.