Ms Nguyen Thi Dong: From a Scientist to a Successful Entrepreneur

Previously keeping a managerial position at the Ministry of Science and Technology, Ms Dong often contacted and learned from top-notched professors and had access to major pharmacopoeia books. This advantage enabled her to strengthen the solid foundation for her scientific research career. She was the author of some successful and practical research projects like manufacturing soap from coconut oil, activated charcoal and curcuma zedoaria, manufacturing antibacterial antibiotics and viral disinfectants extracted from local herbs.

 

She retired in 2000 but she still had a strong passion for scientific research. To bring her creative ideas and outcomes in her scientific research into life, she established Lan Phuong Co., Ltd, based in Hanoi, to trade chemicals and perform small lab research. Her ardour for science inspired other female colleagues. Harbouring the dream of building the first cosmetics factory in her homeland - Hung Yen province, she set up Hoa Lan Joint Stock Company where she was the President of the Board of Directors and the Chief Executive Officer. With the knowledge and experience accumulated over 34 years of working, she created health-friendly natural cosmetic products. With positive feedback from consumers, she boldly exported her products to international markets. Many products have been accepted by demanding markets such as Japan, Cuba, and ASEAN countries.

 

Besides, she has won high-level prizes in domestic and international creative contests. Notably, at the Korea International Women's Invention Exposition (KIWIE 2013), her Gel lotion and activated charcoal-contained soap for skin disease treatment garnered the bronze and special prizes.

 

Full of energy, she is not only a talented scientist and a successful businesswoman but also a kind-hearted woman. Always thinking that giving is receiving, she and Hoa Lan Joint Stock Company have provided monthly aid worth VND53.5 million to 150 poor women, children, orphans and mothers of martyrs since 2002. In 2013 alone, the company donated nearly VND1.2 billion to build shelters for poor women, provide monthly aid and relief for disaster victims, grant free health insurances, and present blankets for kindergartens. She not only recruits people from poor families but also people with disabilities.

 

As a member of the Vietnam delegation to attend the Global Summit of Women (GSW) in many years, she shared that: "Each attendance in different countries is a different experience. But, the reception for the Vietnamese delegation is always warm. This shows that Vietnamese women are a beautiful image in the hearts of international friends". She hoped that the GSW 2014, with the theme of “Women: Redesigning Economies, Societies” will be smooth and successful. She advises other businesswomen and women as a whole to follow Uncle Ho’s teaching “Women must raise the spirit of being master; must strive to learn and get promoted; must eliminate conservatism and inferiority complex; must develop the spirit of self-empowerment and self-reliance.”