Mr. Johnathan Hanh Nguyen: “Success only comes to those who are persistent, quick-witted, and know how to seize opportunities to realize their dreams”

“A lot of people know how to dream, but success only comes to those who are persistent, quick-witted, and know how to seize opportunities to realize their dreams.” As a special guest at the Opening Ceremony of Course 48 of UEH Regular University, Mr. Johnathan Hanh Nguyen, Chairman of the Imex Pan Pacific Group (IPPG), an influential Vietnamese with the young generation in the country and abroad has brought inspirational stories to the digital age students with the theme "Always Ready For Next". Let's listen to the sharing of Mr. Johnathan Hanh Nguyen here!

Dear UEH Freshmen,

Today marks an important turning point in your lives - in the future, you will definitely be excellent economists, talented managers, new generation entrepreneurs serving the development and prosperity of the country. And only you yourselves can "determine" for the "future" of your life. Therefore, you must constantly learn and nurture yourselves in a new environment to enrich your knowledge and experience. Today's era is the century of the knowledge economy, learning to assert ourselves, learning in life is the work of our whole life.

Success only comes to those who are persistent, quick-witted and know how to seize opportunities to realize their dreams

Many people know me as a successful businessman, but perhaps few people know that, to reach this position, I had to go through difficult and arduous days as a student, car washer, and work in the middle of the snow in the US to earn money to study and to fulfill the dream of finishing postgraduate studies in the US.

When I graduated from college, I had to compete fiercely with hundreds of local and international bachelor, master and doctoral candidates, with the same determination to capture an attractive job - that is the position of financial inspector Boeing subcontractor of the US. In order to pass the extremely difficult interview and compete with hundreds of candidates, I had to carefully study "How do Americans choose candidates?". In addition to the required professional criteria, most will receive additional points when there are letters of recommendation from companies or famous people. Through communication and acquaintance, I asked them to get recommendations, confirming my enthusiasm, as well as my ability to attach these documents to the interview application. With high concentration and sharp financial skills, I pointed out the flaw in the tax reporting system, made a strong impression on the Board of Directors and I was immediately hired. I want to share with you: “A lot of people know how to dream, but success only comes to those who are persistent, quick, thinking, planning and preparing to seize the opportunity to realize that dream."

Mr. Johnathan Hanh Nguyen emphasizing that the young generation needs to know how to actively seize opportunities to realize their dreams

Don't ask what the country has done for us; ask what we have done for the country

In 1985, when I was living a stable life with a very high salary in the US. When I recognized that the country was still too difficult and so many Vietnamese crossing the border were robbered and killed at sea, I cannot stay still. My deep patriotism and the spirit of dedication to help Vietnam get out of the "economic embargo" prompted me to decide to bring my family back to Vietnam, and boldly step into the Presidential Palace, Philippines to ask President Marcos for approval to open a flight route from Vietnam to Manila.

On September 9, 1985, the first flight of the national airline of Vietnam officially landed at Manila airport, this is a big turning point and the premise of the development history of Vietnamese aviation industry, connecting Vietnam to the world, contributing to opening up and developing Vietnam's economy. For me, this is the duty of a patriotic son with the mission of "The one who opens the way" and a great personal pride, because I have devoted myself to my beloved compatriots and country. I always love the saying: "Don't ask what the country has done for us, but ask what we have done for the country".

Living and working as a kind person

After successfully connecting the historic route between Vietnam and the Philippines, I was invited by Mr. Pham Van Dong, who was the Chairman of the Council of Ministers at that time, to Hanoi. At that time, Uncle Tran Quynh - Vice Chairman of the Council of Ministers (Deputy Prime Minister) grasped my hand and advised: "Firstly, when doing business in Vietnam, you must be patient and persistent. Second, you have to follow the law and the regulations, then the Party, State, Government and People will protect you."

I always follow the instructions of Mr. Tran Quynh. At the beginning, the business environment in Vietnam was still risky, with no clear legal framework; therefore it was not easy to invest or convince foreign investors to enter Vietnam. However, despite times of failure, with perseverance and without fear of difficulties, I always have the orientation: long-term investment with ‘no speculation’ chasing short-term profits, doing business transparently, complying with the law. With this determination, I have built an IPP Group like today, gaining the trust of leaders and creating a reputation and brand in the domestic and international markets.

I am 72 years old this year, experienced many ups and downs in my life, 6 years of student life (04 years studying at the School of Business Administration - Da Lat University, 2 years studying a Master Degree in the US) and 45 years as a decent businessman. I prefer to using the word ‘kind’ to ‘successful’, you can be a successful businessman; the point is if you are not kind, without having a heart and follow business ethics, obeying the law, success will only be for a period of time and unsustainable.

Through my own experience, I would like to tell you that:

- If you have determination and passion, ignore objections, believe in yourself, break all outdated rules and don't be afraid to fail.

- Don't waste time waiting for the perfect opportunity and miss the right opportunity, let's embark on "small things" and focus with all your heart and mind to turn it into big things.

- Don't settle down and easily surrender to difficult things, think of the best way to improve the situation, and don't let the current realities drown your aspirations.

Billionaire Jack Ma said: "Today is difficult, tomorrow is even harder, but the day after tomorrow will be great." In my opinion, if you are discouraged before difficulties, sit with your arms crossed and wait for the next day, there will definitely not be a bright day after tomorrow!

The spirit of entrepreneurship - Preparing for the future

To prepare for the future, students must have an entrepreneurial spirit. Don't think that when we graduate, or when we have the conditions, we will start a business; but right from the time you are at university, as a student, think positively. In the current conditions, you have to realize your dream of starting a business to experience the preciousness of rubbing against reality, the creativity of your dreams and ambitions; Even if you fail, it is also a good lesson for you to firmly step back and continue with your own hands and minds to achieve success in the future.

I have 2 tips on how to start a business for young people. In the first case, if your family has good conditions and has a company, you can study and practice at the same time from the smallest positions and gradually rise up. From my business experience of more than 40 years, I think that family is a good environment to teach you. In the second case, if your family does not have these good "conditions", it is necessary to work hard to find a job while trying to focus on studying well. I have to do something small when I graduate from university so that I can have a little practical experience to easily apply for a job, and do it wholeheartedly with whatever position I am "predestined" to receive for any position. Any position, any job will give you experience and knowledge later. Do not waste your time on "entertainment without intellectual value", gradually develop yourself, prove your ability in the organization to advance in your career. Once you have solid knowledge and experience, you can choose to "continue to work" or "build your own path for yourself and your family."

Besides, they are studying in the context that the Vietnamese economy has many advantages in deep integration with the world besides facing many challenges in competing at the home country. However, the fierce and difficult competition will create pressure to change for us to think globally to improve and develop more. With this situation, do not waste your time, learn to update knowledge and news on the Internet - a huge store of free knowledge; you need to select reliable and valuable information.

The students were lucky enough to be admitted to the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City which is one of the top economic and business management training universities in Vietnam in general and the Southern region in particular. This is a pillar of Vietnamese higher education system and a research center for economic and management policies for the government and large enterprises.

Therefore, you should do your best in every role assigned by society and the country: In the family, be filial to your parents, get along with your brothers and sisters; At university, respect your lecturers, be friendly with your friends; At work, always know how to learn, has a spirit of readiness to take responsibility for society and the nation to become a useful citizen for society.

And finally, a message I want to share with all of you is: "If you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far, go together". Winning doesn't mean finishing first. The most important thing in life is not to win the race, but to help others rise together. There are many ways to win and there are many people who have won even though they are not the first to finish. In order for the economy to develop and the country to be strong, it is necessary not only to rely on a few excellent businesses to make it, but also to have a spirit of mutual support between large and small businesses. In Vietnam, we need a strategy to elevate a whole generation of strong, elite businesses and the young generation will be a generation of golden entrepreneurs that we are looking forward to.

Wishing all students good health and success!

The inspirational sharing of Mr. Johnathan Hanh Nguyengiving the generation of UEH students useful tips to prepare for their future knowledge and career.

News, photos: Department of Marketing and Communication