Story on ‘Weird’ CEO

He used to teach at Haiphong Industry School before being promoted to the deputy director of Personnel Division of the school. He is now the chairman of the Board of Directors of VLC Group. Looking back on his career, his extraordinary talent, enthusiasm and bravery are admired by many people. Any of his changes affects VLC Group. It is little known that the today’s VLC success is mainly resulted from “gold and weird” investments by this CEO since the very beginning.

 

As a strategically visionary CEO with far-reaching aspirations, he enterprisingly advocated creativity and service - a competitive tool used in developed nations - when he took office. In 1989, his approach was a breakthrough and was dubbed “weird” in the country. Inspired by his passion, he motivated all employees to unite together and build up VLC Group into a multi-business corporation. He outlined steps, actions and objectives in a systematic and intensive way for each stage of development. He boldly stepped up cooperation in technology transfer, trained high-quality human resources, and completed professional technology. With his superior thinking and effort, he gradually brought VLC to pass through difficulties to survive and grow. From a small unit, VLC now has 9 member companies with over 1,100 employees, more than half of which are well qualified.

 

To date, Haiphong Paint Joint Stock Company has occupied broader markets. The company’s paint has been supplied to many key national projects like Vietsovpetro oilrigs, oceangoing ships, Dragonam

 Bridge (Danang), Nhat Tan (Hanoi), Cau Binh (Hai Phong), and North-south Railway. These successes are the clear evidence to the way we have chosen, he noted.

 

While promoting investment, he always focused on finding partners for the Group. He carefully chose partners and gave priority to Japanese companies. Once asked why he preferred Japanese companies, Mr Vien said “Japan has technology superior to ours. They value reputation and always accompany partners in any circumstances. VLC’s strengthened relationships with Japanese partners such as Chugoku Marine Paint Company and DPI has brought in the today success of the Group.” Indeed. His smart choice of partners is a right direction as it enables the company to respond to price and technological competition. VLC always reaps surrounding successes and confidently builds up brand reputation in domestic and international markets.

 

The effective cooperation between VLC with Japanese partners is evidenced by the four-star condominium and hotel project at 12 Lach Tray Road, Le Chan District, Haiphong City. The hotel cost over VND440 billion, of which the partners contributed 15 percent and Japanese banks financed 35 percent. When the project is put into operation, the partners will run it, making it a place of interest in Haiphong City. The firm also injected VND576 billion to build a condominium and office building project, of which Japanese lenders funded 50 percent. This ongoing project is expected to start operation in late 2015. He usually contacts, meets and treats the partners. CEO of Chugoku Singapore and President of Chugoku Marine Paint are closed guests of Nguyen Van Vien.

 

Following efforts is success. The company is deserved with its achievements. And, once again, CEO Nguyen Van Vien proves his talent and vision.

 

The responsible, benevolent CEO urged employees to unite together and regarded VLC as the second home and colleagues as colleagues. While taking deep care of living conditions of its employees, he also actively takes part in social activities.

 

In recent years, VLC brand has always been on the limelight, not only because of impressive business results and trusted quality but also its nice acts to the society. Mr Vien said he always thought of how to bring better life for workers and help the people to lead to better life. He motivated his subordinates to do corporate responsibility with meaningful acts. This is also the way VLC goes to build corporate culture. Not only taking care of employees and their families, he always tries his best to help ill-fated persons in the society.

 

At VLC, he strives to maintain stable incomes and employments for workers who are paid VND8 million a month each on average. For society, he surged his company to pay visits to heroic Vietnamese mothers and wounded soldiers. Every year, the group spares nearly VND1 billion to charitable funds.

 

What comes from the heart, it will be rewarded with the heart. As a kind-hearted business leader, Nguyen Van Vien is certain to lead his company to greater successes and build a nicer society.