“Ms. Kindness” - Vietnam Entrepreneur Universe Pham Thi Thu An – Managing Director of Duc Tuan Ltd. LET IT GO IF YOU KNOW ENOUGH

At first sight, it’s impossible to visualize such a slim, pretty woman does business in a male realm (contraction of civil transport, steel sheet production, construction material trading…). She even at times drove a truck to give punctual delivery of the goods to her clients…

LET GO IF YOU KNOW IT’S ENOUGH

However, talking to her, the conversation partner seems to be persuaded by her strong will at work and her sincerity, heart-felt sharing with others. Isn’t it the attractiveness of a modern businesswoman? It’s the harmony of her resolution in business, responsibility with community and the awareness of how to beautify herself.

On a new year’s day, Ms Pham Thi Thu An – Managing director of Duc Tuan Ltd., the one who just got the title “Ms. Kindness” at Ms Vietnam Entrepreneur  Universe 2016 in the U.S. lately, gave Saigon New Day an interesting talk about life and career.

Starting your construction business in 1989, looking back at past journey, what has been your success secret?

Our brand has survived nearly 30 years now thanks to the two terms: Reputation – Quality. It’s easier said than done as the business process is always impacted by customers in many ways. That’ why, to rest customers assured, I always have to be flexible in all deals to protect our reputation.

Simply put, to avoid the case of a driver unable to give prompt delivery due to his being busy, I took the driving license level C. If you see me driving a truck to give goods delivery, it’s a matter you can take for granted in my company.

Did you use to face difficulty when starting the business?

At the start, I didn’t have difficulty concerning capital or human resource; however, as I was too sympathetic with a partner once, I lost a very big value contract for the company. Hence I got a valuable moral that says “In business, you have to abide by the mutual agreement to satisfy mutual benefit”.

What do you think about the beauty of a modern businesswoman?

Nowadays, there are a lot of businesswomen very competent in business. They also have lots of facilitations to beautify themselves in terms of their looks, attire included, in front of their customers. Besides, I think, in spite of their plenty tasks, a businesswoman should maintain Vietnamese traditional principles about a woman, I mean Work – Appearance – Speech – Conduct; all four constitute the special beauty of the Vietnamese businesswoman.

Will you share with us a nice memory during the time you joined the beauty contest of Ms. Vietnam Entrepreneur Universe?

Once other contestants and I were invited to visit a nursing home in the U.S. where a majority of old Vietnamese were living. When we interacted, others sang modern songs, I sang …vong co (old time opera) because I thought old people in a foreign land always longed for the homeland’s traditional melodies. It’s spring time, the lonely old were living in far off places, not wishing for the day back.  Thinking about their lonesomeness, I couldn’t help shedding tears… that I didn’t know.

What did you think when attaining second runner-up, and particularly, “Ms. Kindness” at the contest?

In terms of being helpful to others, I learnt it from my father. He’s a normal peasant; however, after harvest, having some more money, he bought sand, stone to build the road for villagers’ transport. I was born to be the youngest in a big family; however, it’s my father’s expectation and his example that have followed me in each step of maturity. When I grew up, if ever I had the time and conditions I helped my siblings and followed my father’s path to help people in my hometown, big or small deeds.

When I was given the title “M.s Kindness”, I was very happy because it reflected part of my expectation for the community. If I father were still alive, he would be very proud of me for that, the reason is that he usually taught me: “Money comes and goes, not the heartfelt feeling for others.” I wish my business to grow more and more, so I can have more conditions to help people in need.

So far as we’ve known, though you’re very busy, you do take care of the family and educate your kids. What do you think about happiness?

It’s true to say I’m really happy because of my favorable business, successful children and a spouse that understands me so well – also a very efficient partner.

In the mid of my charitable journey, I feel my mind peaceful. Looking at the underprivileged people, I feel myself having far enough what a woman dreams of: happy life, and a career in sublimation. And when I know it’s enough, I should let go. Currently I’m no more workaholic, instead, I know how to allocate, empower my partner employees. That’s why now I have more time for studies, self-care, care for the family and for the help of others in need. I’m finding my life more meaningful.

Have you got any dreams not yet fulfilled?

I’ve been frequently joining in charitable work such as bridge building, road building, house building for the poor, donating scholarships, supporting disadvantaged lives… Our company also provides jobs to the workers in the locality.

However, that much doesn’t help with the circumstances that are in need. Charitable work helps them at tough times, but not to escape from poverty. I wish to give a hand with other sponsors in long-term projects specifically to help many people escape from poverty, with stable jobs.

I think, every province has a business people’s force. If every businessman, first, helps his family, relatives and the fellow men in his own homeland, then he or she directly contributes a lot to the community, the country.

Thanks for your sharing.

By Truc Thuy

Saigon New Day - Thanh Nien Publishing House

Từ khóa : Hoa Hậu Nhân Ái,Phạm Thị Thu An,Công Ty TNHH MTV Đức Tuấn