Dr. Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, Chairwoman of Vietjet, has been awarded the title of Labor Hero, one of Vietnam’s highest state honours, in recognition of her long-standing contributions to Vietnam’s national development.
Dr. Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao. | Photo by Vietjet / NHA File Photo
Dr. Thao, Southeast Asia’s first self-made female billionaire, is widely recognised as one of the most influential business leaders in the region, with more than three decades of impact across aviation, finance, investment and technology. Her leadership has consistently centred on innovation, effective application of technology and growth aligned with national interests, cultural values and social responsibility. Her initiatives have created value for millions of customers, generated large-scale employment, delivered long-term returns for investors and contributed meaningfully to community development.
Dr. Thao is best known as the founder of Vietjet, Vietnam’s first and largest private airline. Under her leadership, Vietjet has played a key role in expanding access to air travel in Southeast Asia and beyond, enabling millions of first-time flyers and strengthening regional connectivity for tourism, trade and people-to-people exchange — including between Vietnam and Malaysia.
Beyond commercial success, Dr. Thao has been closely involved in technology-driven solutions to complex system and infrastructure challenges. Her work includes advancing digitalisation in aviation operations, introducing biometric technologies for passenger processing, deploying rapid technology platforms during the Covid-19 pandemic, and supporting the stabilisation of Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange trading system at a critical juncture for the financial market.
Equally central to Dr. Thao’s leadership is her commitment to women’s empowerment and community development. Over the years, she has championed initiatives supporting women, children, students and underserved communities, reinforcing her belief that economic progress must be matched by human development and social responsibility.
Reflecting on the honour, she said: “The past and the present come together as we move toward the future, connected by a shared will and belief in a prosperous Vietnam reaching out to the world. This honour is a meaningful source of pride and encouragement for tens of thousands of dedicated employees across our organisations.”
Dr. Thao has received wide international recognition, including Bloomberg 50, Forbes’ World’s 100 Most Powerful Women, and Business Insider’s 100 People Transforming Business in Asia. She has also been awarded France’s Legion of Honour, the country’s highest civilian distinction, in recognition of her outstanding global contributions.
The Labor Hero title recognises not only individual achievement, but also a broader spirit of resilience, innovation and regional collaboration — values that continue to shape Southeast Asia’s growing presence on the global stage.
Source: Vietjet (Press Release)