Zung Nguyen Email and Phone Number

I was selected from a competitive pool of over 300 applicants.During my time as Executive Director, I worked closely with a 12-member Board of Directors (from Decision Lab, Julie Sandlau, Ericsson, Equinor, Ecotek, CIP, Foodsource, IKEA, VARD, Vina Capital, Eimskip & LEGO) managed relationships with over 150 Nordic corporate members across Vietnam. I took the pride in leading a dynamic team to deliver high-level events, conducting impactful advocacy efforts, and fostering valuable business connections. We engaged with company members, government entities, and local and international businesses, introducing innovative projects and communication strategies that significantly showcased Nordic values in doing business.By the end of 2023, we achieved some remarkable growth:- 50% increase in membership- 400% rise in profits from activities- Doubling of our LinkedIn followingOn top of that, as the Executive Director and spokesperson for NordCham, I leveraged the media to promote sustainability. I organised events discussing sustainability practices, I spoke at high level events, I wrote articles that were featured in the Vietnamese government publication at COP28. My 'Greennovate' project, a new series on YouTube and Podcast became influential in educating the business community on responsible practices. (See links in Project and Publication section)

Vingroup invited me to join their conglomerate in Hanoi to manage the International Partnership Division. This opportunity opened the door for me to step into the field of sustainability, as I took on the Carbon Credit project for the group and VinFast, their electric vehicle subsidiary. Immersed in the electric vehicle sector, I collaborated with key stakeholders from all over the world to drive forward this initiative.My role in this project significantly shaped my understanding of impactful leadership. From there, my ambition drove me to seek new challenges, where I can continue to lead by example and make decisions that benefit both business and the community. Working on the sustainability project also deepened my awareness and appreciation for the Nordic countries, which are pioneers at the intersection of sustainability and innovation. And that’s how I was led to the next job.

I was headhunted for the position at Enterprise Ireland. Working with the organization for more than two years was an absolute highlight of my career, amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. During this time, I delivered and developed comprehensive trade services for Irish enterprises, thoroughly assessing their business models, products, and market potential to ensure successful entry and growth in the Vietnamese market.I managed four key sectors—Traveltech, Fintech, Agritech, and Edutech—providing in-depth market insights and conducting research to inform strategic decisions. I played a role in identifying and connecting potential partners, acting as a trusted advisor throughout the negotiation stages to secure successful outcomes.I supported clients in establishing a presence in Vietnam while organizing impactful activities like high-level meetings, conferences, and seminars to elevate the profile of Irish businesses. One notable achievement was initiating a seminar that brought together Irish fintech companies, the State Bank of Vietnam, and ALL Vietnamese banks, laying a strong foundation for Irish businesses to thrive in the country.

I joined BritCham Vietnam as the Membership and Events Manager in 2016 and was swiftly promoted to Head of Hanoi Operations in 2017, a role I held until 2020. In my initial role, I managed core office operations, led trade services, and worked closely with the British Embassy to support trade delegations from the UK, facilitating new business opportunities in Vietnam.Some key achievements:- Contributing to the establishment of the British Advocacy Committee, composed of six of the largest British enterprises in Vietnam: AstraZeneca, Dragon Capital, Jardines, HSBC, KPMG, Standard Chartered Bank. I arranged strategic meetings for these companies' CEOs with Vietnamese government Ministers, driving policy recommendations to advance the committee’s objectives.- As Head of Trade Services, I supported British companies entering the Vietnamese market, contributing to significant business successes, including a £26M deal with Vietnamese banks. - Additionally, I led BritCham’s largest community fundraising event, the Hanoi Fun Run, growing participation from 2,000 in 2016 to 8,000 in 2019, and increasing sponsorship from £15,000 to £60,000