Son Kim Group Founder Nguyen Thi Son: From Fashion to Education & Her Life’s Passions
On , Dan Tri newspaper published an interview with Nguyen Thi Son, founder of Son Kim Group, a diversified Vietnamese conglomerate with interests spanning real estate, retail, fashion, and more. The interview, timed to commemorate International Women’s Day, offers a glimpse into the life and career of a woman who has played a significant role in Vietnam’s economic development over the past seven decades.
Born into a challenging era, Ms. Son’s journey began in 1957 with the Dai Thanh cooperative, a textile enterprise in Saigon. This early experience laid the foundation for a career deeply rooted in the textile and fashion industries. Following the shift to state-owned enterprises in 1975, she rose through the ranks, eventually leading the Export Leather and Garment Enterprise – later known as Legamex – becoming its General Director in 1989. Under her leadership, Legamex became a major exporter, reaching markets in the Soviet Union, Japan, Poland, and France, and was a pioneer in Vietnam’s privatization efforts.
Ms. Son’s entrepreneurial spirit extended beyond Legamex. She founded the Lega-Fashion brand, focusing on both domestic and international markets, and in 1993 established Son Kim Investment and Development Company Limited – the precursor to the modern Son Kim Group. This marked a transition from a primarily textile-focused business to a multi-industry empire, with subsequent generations of the family actively participating in its expansion.
However, Ms. Son’s contributions extend beyond the realm of business. The interview highlights her parallel involvement in education and law. She served as director of the CBAM School of Business Administration, under the Vietnam Federation of Trade and Industry, and as director of the IBLA Institute of International Business and Legal Sciences, affiliated with the Vietnam Bar Association. She also founded Duy Tan Secondary and Preparatory School, demonstrating a commitment to fostering education within Vietnam.
When asked how she preferred to be addressed, given the numerous titles bestowed upon her – businesswoman, lawyer, educator, and even “general” or “powerful woman” – Ms. Son expressed a preference for “Madam Teacher.” This reflects a shift in her focus towards education in later life, a role she finds particularly fulfilling. She noted that while she values all the titles she’s earned, the term “Madam Teacher” feels most fitting at this stage of her life.
The interview delves into Ms. Son’s early aspirations, revealing a youthful dream of becoming a singer. While she possessed a talent for singing, recognized by peers who likened her voice to that of singer Thai Thanh, the realities of wartime and a burgeoning entrepreneurial drive steered her towards a different path. She observed a natural inclination to identify opportunities for profit, a trait that would define her career.
Her foray into fashion began serendipitously, assisting her mother in a clothing factory established after relocating from Hanoi. A chance suggestion from a friend sparked an idea, leading her to design and sell her own creations, quickly gaining popularity and paving the way for a dedicated fashion branch within the family business. This early success demonstrated her innate design talent and ability to respond to market demand.
Ms. Son’s influence extended to the evolution of the fashion industry in Vietnam. During her tenure at Legamex, she spearheaded the organization of fashion shows, a novel concept at the time. These events not only showcased the company’s products but also helped to professionalize the modeling industry, advocating for its recognition as a legitimate profession. She recounts the challenges of establishing modeling as a recognized occupation, even including it in worker classifications and garnering support from the press.
Legamex’s success in the late 1980s and early 1990s was particularly noteworthy, occurring during a period of significant economic reform in Vietnam. Ms. Son navigated a complex legal landscape, boldly implementing projects despite the lack of a fully developed regulatory framework. The company grew to employ thousands, both directly and through subsidiaries, becoming a symbol of Vietnam’s economic transformation.
The interview also touches upon Ms. Son’s family life, particularly the challenges of raising five children after the loss of her husband. She emphasizes the importance of fostering independence and resilience in her children, allowing them to pursue their own paths while offering guidance and support. She describes a hands-off approach to their careers, acting as a founder and senior advisor but allowing them autonomy in their decision-making.
Currently, Ms. Son dedicates her time to personal pursuits, including gardening, poetry, and maintaining a presence on social media. She has published three collections of poetry and an autobiography, and actively shares her work online through a personal website and YouTube channel. She embraces the Dharma name Huệ Hải, meaning “wisdom as vast as the ocean,” reflecting a continued pursuit of knowledge and understanding.
Ms. Son’s story is one of resilience, adaptability, and a relentless entrepreneurial spirit. From humble beginnings in a textile cooperative to building a diversified business empire and contributing to education and legal reform, her life exemplifies a commitment to both economic progress and personal fulfillment. Her reflections offer valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by entrepreneurs in Vietnam during a period of profound change.