As the relationship between Vietnam and Australia continues to deepen, the Australian market presents numerous opportunities for trade and investment cooperation for Vietnamese enterprises. Leveraging the market expertise and professional networks of the Vietnamese business community in Australia, TTC aims to expand its partnership with the Vietnamese Business Association in Australia (VBAA) to promote practical and effective trade and investment initiatives. With a nearly five-decade-long journey closely intertwined with the development of both Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh City, TTC is also committed to contributing to a greener and more sustainable Vietnam.
In an exchange with *Doanh nhân Việt - Úc Online* (Vietnamese-Australian Entrepreneurs Online), Huynh Bich Ngoc Permanent Vice Chairwoman and CEO of TTC Group discussed the potential for cooperation within the Australian market, the role of the overseas Vietnamese business community as a connecting bridge, and TTC’s strategic direction for the future.
* REPORTER: TTC has journeyed alongside the development of the nation as a whole, and Ho Chi Minh City in particular. Looking ahead, what further contributions do you envision TTC making toward a greener and more sustainable agricultural sector in Vietnam?
- HUYNH BICH NGOC: Vietnam is entering a new era, characterized by increasingly high demands regarding competitiveness, technology, green growth, and international integration. In particular, Resolution 68-NQ/TW on the development of the private sector has strongly reaffirmed the role of private enterprise within the national economy, while simultaneously creating new expectations for the Vietnamese business community.
In my view, this presents both an opportunity and a responsibility for private enterprises to strengthen their internal capabilities, management expertise, and competitiveness, thereby contributing more significantly to the nation’s development.
For TTC, this spirit necessitates a commitment to continuous innovation and the enhancement of our own growth quality. This entails improving governance, utilizing resources more efficiently, making selective investments, and generating greater, more sustainable value.
Businesswoman Huynh Bich Ngoc - Permanent Vice Chairwoman and General Director of TTC Group
TTC began as a small operation in Ho Chi Minh City and has grown in tandem with the nation’s process of reform. Consequently, wherever TTC establishes a presence, I have always aimed for our business activities to generate tangible, positive impacts whether through job creation, the enhancement of livelihoods, or the improvement of living environments.
* From agriculture and energy to tourism, real estate, and education each of these sectors is deeply intertwined with the realities of social life. In your view, what constitutes the long-term value of a business to the community?
- In my opinion, it lies in how a business establishes a compelling reason for society to value its presence and choose its products.
While each sector has its own unique characteristics, TTC adheres to a core principle: business must address genuine, real-world needs and deliver benefits that are sustainable in the long term.
In agriculture, we focus on farmers and the entire value chain, ensuring our products are green, clean, and safe for consumers. In energy, we contribute to meeting demand while driving a sustainable transition, supporting Vietnam’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 a goal announced at COP26. In real estate, we strive to create superior living and working spaces, developing eco-industrial parks that prioritize environmental protection. In tourism, we work to enrich the identity and appeal of each destination. And in education, we invest in people the most vital resource for any nation.
For instance, in Phu Quoc, our vision for the Selavia project is to develop an urban area rich in character, cultural depth, and sustainable value embodying the spirit of a "City of Vietnamese Identity." TTC remains steadfast in its commitment to ESG criteria, striving for a balance between growth and responsibility by utilizing resources efficiently, protecting ecosystems and the marine environment, and creating livelihoods for local communities.
In doing so, the group partners with local authorities to transform Phu Quoc into a high-quality hub for eco-tourism and marine/island tourism a destination of national and international stature that aligns with the Government’s vision for green, sustainable development.
Similarly, in Hue, the TTC Imperial Hotel stands out as a unique retreat in the heart of the ancient capital, imbued with the essence of the imperial court. TTC meticulously preserves the traditional architectural motifs, design elements, and cultural hallmarks of the region. The hotel serves as a bridge between tradition and modernity, contributing to the conservation and promotion of heritage values for both domestic and international visitors. By showcasing the distinct identity of Hue, the hotel integrates sustainable tourism development with the responsibility of safeguarding and fostering local culture.
Businesswoman Huynh Bich Ngoc engages in social work
While the scale, business model, or operational approach of TTC may evolve over time, the company’s core principles how it treats people, upholds its integrity, and fulfills its social responsibilities remain constant.
* Ho Chi Minh City is entering a new phase filled with opportunities. As a business with a long-standing connection to the city, how do you envision TTC contributing to this development?
- Ho Chi Minh City is where TTC began its journey, and it is a place I have been deeply connected to for many years. In my view, the evolution of TTC has always been intertwined with the transformation and growth of the city.
At TTC, we constantly ask ourselves: where can we make the most meaningful contribution, and what specific, genuine capabilities can we bring to the table?
Moving forward, while TTC will continue to operate within sectors where we already possess a solid foundation and experience, it is crucial that every project aligns with the city’s actual needs, utilizes resources efficiently, and generates long-term benefits for its residents.
To me, true partnership isn’t about grand, sweeping goals; it’s about the ability to translate those goals into concrete results. Ho Chi Minh City has provided TTC with many opportunities to grow, and I believe it is only fitting that we give back through tangible, practical, and sustainable contributions.
* Throughout TTC’s development, have there been decisions made based not merely on business performance, but on the value they might leave behind for future generations? What drives you to make such choices?
- Certainly! Having been in business for many years, I have encountered decisions that might not appear particularly attractive if judged solely by short-term gains yet, when viewed from a long-term perspective, they are well worth pursuing.
At TTC, there are decisions whose full impact and complete picture only become clear many years later. Yet, we chose to pursue this path because we saw it as aligned with broader development trends and the long-term needs of society.
I believe that a leader must sometimes look beyond a single business cycle. For me, the key lies in finding a balance between current performance and future value. If a particular course of action fosters business growth while simultaneously creating a positive, lasting impact on people, the environment, and society, then it is a decision worth pursuing with persistence.
* As a businesswoman with many years of experience in the marketplace, what has enabled you to maintain your conviction, resilience, and passion for the work you do?
- Perhaps what has sustained my energy to this day is the sense that I am still contributing that there is still so much I wish to accomplish. For me, work has become an integral part of life; it is a responsibility, and at the same time, a source of daily joy!
Businesswoman Huynh Bich Ngoc – Permanent Vice Chairwoman and CEO of TTC Group – together with her husband, businessman Dang Van Thanh
I find joy in watching an idea evolve into a project, seeing a team grow strong, witnessing a young person make progress, or observing the values created by TTC being embraced by clients, partners, and society at large. This gives me the motivation to keep moving forward!
Through the ups and downs, I have come to realize that the more difficult the situation, the calmer one must remain. A tranquil mind leads to a clear perspective!
I also believe that continuous learning is essential. Markets shift, technology evolves, and the mindsets of the younger generation change. While experience is a valuable asset, relying solely on the past without learning or adapting can easily become a self-imposed limitation.
Perhaps this is why I remain so enthusiastic about my work I know there is always something new to learn, a task to perform even better, and further value to create for others.
* On the occasion of Vietnamese Women’s Day (October 20th), if you could share a message with the next generation of female entrepreneurs who are building their own careers while contributing, in their own way, to the development of the city and the nation what would you say?
- In business and commerce, an individual’s capability should not be measured by gender, but rather by their knowledge, fortitude, work ethic, and the value they generate. Therefore, my message to young female entrepreneurs and to women in general is: do not limit yourselves.
Women possess unique strengths, such as perseverance, subtlety, and an innate capacity for listening and understanding others. Yet, to sustain a long-term journey, these qualities must be anchored in a solid foundation: a commitment to learning, professionalism, and integrity.
Building a career and contributing to society are not two separate paths. When you approach your profession with a sense of responsibility by creating quality products, generating jobs, providing opportunities for young people, or developing a useful initiative your daily work itself becomes a contribution to the city and the country.
Businesswoman Huynh Bich Ngoc engages in social work
Everyone’s journey is unique, so there is no need to chase someone else’s definition of success. What truly matters is understanding the value you wish to create, staying committed to what you believe is right, and remaining open to learning so that you can go even further.
I believe that as more women take on leadership roles excelling in their work and building businesses that are competitive, responsible, and reputable their collective contributions will become a powerful force for the advancement of society.
On the occasion of Vietnamese Women’s Day (October 20th), I, along with all the employees at TTC, would like to extend our best wishes to all women. May you always remain radiant and confident, and may you never stop learning and growing. I hope that every woman continues to spread positive values, harness her full potential, and firmly establish her own role and unique mark as we journey toward greater integration and development!
* Thank you for sharing these meaningful insights!