Entrepreneur Trần Bằng Việt shares the secret to building sustainable Value at NEXT Awards

In a society that continues to evolve amidst challenges and opportunities, recognising individuals and organisations with positive influence has become increasingly essential. The NEXT Awards not only celebrate achievements but also highlight sustainability, dedication, and the power of positive impact within the community. As a member of the Advisory Board, entrepreneur Trần Bằng Việt offers profound insights and expectations regarding the role of the NEXT Awards in advancing Vietnam’s socio-economic development.

Original Vietnamese version available here: Đọc bài viết tiếng Việt

NEXT Awards, he says, is not merely a prize. It is a journey to discover and honour those who are making a tangible difference in society. From the perspective of a young entrepreneur and leader, Việt sees the programme as genuine, progressive, and deeply human-centred. He values the Organising Committee’s seriousness and commitment to creating criteria that go beyond performance indicators to also recognise perseverance, social responsibility, and sustainable influence. This, he believes, is what makes NEXT Awards truly distinctive and worthy of respect among today’s landscape of accolades.

As an advisor, what do you see as the special qualities of NEXT Awards that made you willing to accompany the programme?

The NEXT Awards is both meaningful and inspiring. It seeks to honour exemplary individuals who are making a positive impact on the community and society, an effort that resonates deeply with me as a businessman and also as an active member of the Junior Chamber International (JCI).

I greatly appreciate the vision and approach taken by Nữ Doanh Nhân Magazine in shaping the Awards. This is a progressive, practical, and much-needed initiative. For that reason, I am keen to contribute – whether through sharing inspiring stories, refining the selection criteria, or supporting elements of the implementation process.

I believe the shortlisted faces from the programme will help spread positive values. When each of us contributes a little more positivity, the collective quality of society will be elevated, leading towards a future that is more sustainable, humane, and balanced.

In your view, what makes NEXT Awards different from other awards today?

What stands out to me is the seriousness and sincerity with which the programme is organised. In 2024, I attended as a guest and my observations were overwhelmingly positive. The criteria are thoughtful and progressive: they do not merely focus on outcomes, financial results, or positions of influence, but also recognise the journey of effort, dedication, and the ripple effect of positivity created by each individual.

This is extremely valuable. If we only look at financial figures or social media metrics, we risk overlooking the essential and sustainable values society truly needs. What matters is not simply achievement, but the ability to generate and spread positive energy.

Some individuals or organisations may not yet have reached the peak of prominence, but they are making meaningful contributions every day. Recognising and encouraging them in a timely manner, in my opinion, is deeply significant. I hope the Awards will preserve this ethos and, if possible, broaden its reach, so that its impact becomes even more powerful.

In a society saturated with information and embellished “success stories,” how can we ensure we identify and celebrate authentic values?

We live in a world overflowing with information, awards, achievements, products, and services. Amidst this abundance, determining what is truly valuable and trustworthy is not easy. Personally, I believe society should move towards celebrating what is genuine and humane – things that touch the heart rather than simply being “loud” or “plentiful”.

To achieve this, entrepreneurs and businesses must embrace integrity, sustainability, and meaningful impact. Society only improves when individuals strive to be better every day. And for that improvement to spread, we must acknowledge and promote those who conduct business responsibly, ethically, and with vision.

Of course, every business must deliver financial results that is survival. But the more important question is: in creating products and services, are we choosing sustainable, conscientious approaches?

At present, we often hear of counterfeit goods, poor-quality products, unverified endorsements, or individuals celebrated one day only to be disgraced the next. This fuels scepticism in society. That is why identifying and celebrating authentic role models, based on sustainability, transparency, and integrity, is urgently needed.

If Vietnam had more ethical businesses recognised, consumers and society would also become more discerning, choosing responsibly. I believe people will naturally opt for “success with integrity” when they see it is possible to have both achievement and meaning, both reputation and financial strength.

Globally, we see two trends: one chases volume and low cost for quick profit, while the other chooses to be smaller but stronger — with sustainable impact, ESG focus, social responsibility, transparency, and trust. The latter is expanding because governments, investors, and international communities are prioritising it. Vietnam is also transitioning in this direction, and the media is playing a vital role in shaping new standards.

If you were to send a short message to NEXT Awards nominees, what would it be?

Those nominated have already made positive contributions to business, community, and society. I hope their presence at the Awards, which comes from trust and recognition, will not only be a validation of their achievements but also a starting point for a new journey, one with greater ambition, deeper investment, and stronger social impact.

When they grow, it is not only their businesses that benefit, but also society, families, communities, and the media. This is a collective victory, where we all share in the positive value created by sustainable, ethical growth.

Having met many young leaders globally, what do you see as the strengths and the gaps of Vietnamese youth?

Globally, young entrepreneurs are often decisive and outspoken, partly because they operate in relatively straightforward environments. In contrast, Vietnamese entrepreneurs demonstrate remarkable perseverance and adaptability.

Vietnam’s business environment is diverse, complex, and constantly changing. This requires entrepreneurs to be resourceful, flexible, and resilient, qualities that often surpass their international peers.

However, this strength can also be a challenge. Flexibility and persistence help them endure, but can also make them risk-averse or hesitant to acknowledge failure, which may lead to missed opportunities.

How do you see the balance between financial performance and social responsibility, especially in applying DEI and ESG?

DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) reflects inclusivity and acceptance of imperfection in corporate policies. For example, hiring someone from a disadvantaged background, even if not the “best” candidate, can be a conscious choice, slightly compromising efficiency but creating positive value.

DEI is only one part of the “S” in ESG, but it contributes meaningfully to social impact. As for ESG more broadly, while compliance does not guarantee sustainability, companies with strong ESG performance tend to be more resilient. Businesses need not pursue every ESG indicator equally; instead, they should focus on the areas most relevant to their operations.

What is your perspective on the role of women entrepreneurs and leaders in today’s socio-economic context?

The role of women entrepreneurs in Vietnam is increasingly visible, making profound contributions to both economy and society. This is evident in the growing proportion of women-led businesses, many of which helm leading brands in industries from dairy to aviation to jewellery.

Women’s influence stems not only from their resilience, adaptability, and finesse, but also from the broader societal shifts that now offer greater opportunities for them to lead. Their impact is no longer a question of proving themselves; they are already doing so, with capability and determination.

What do you see as the greatest barriers women face today in their leadership journeys?

Beyond the many success stories, I believe many women could achieve even more if they overcame internal barriers. External constraints have diminished considerably; in some areas, women even enjoy more opportunities. The real challenge often lies in choosing safety.

While prudence is a strength in certain contexts, excessive caution can cause missed opportunities. This also appears in human resource decisions, where loyalty may sometimes be prioritised over merit. While this fosters stability, it can limit growth.

In short, men often embrace conquest and risk, while women may lean towards stability and safety. Both are valuable, but to go further, women need the courage to step beyond their comfort zones when necessary.

What are your expectations for this year’s nominations compared to the first edition?

The criteria are suitable for all genders. However, I think women may have particular strengths in sustainability. Their preference for balance and harmony often translates into long-term resilience.

For 2025, I hope to see more new faces in the nominations. Last year, most honourees were already well-established leaders. While that was understandable, expanding the pool to include fresh, lesser-known candidates would make the Awards even more inspiring. Ideally, I would like at least 30% of the shortlist to be people I have not yet heard of – which would signal that the Awards are truly unearthing hidden gems in the community.

What is your view on the Awards’ message, “The Next, not The Best”?

I fully agree. It is not only a powerful message but also a wise mindset. We do not need to strive to be “the best,” but rather to be “the next”, the better version of ourselves, continually moving forward without resting on past laurels.

Recognition should not be the final destination but a launchpad for broader influence, connection, and value creation. Self-satisfaction is the enemy of progress. With the spirit of “The Next,” we can truly go further.

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The thoughtful perspectives shared by Trần Bằng Việt highlight NEXT Awards as a prestigious recognition platform with transparent and meaningful criteria. More than a stage for celebration, it is a movement to spread sustainable and humane values across Vietnam’s business community and society at large.

As the 2025 Gala approaches, NEXT Awards is expected to grow further, becoming a source of inspiration for generations of Vietnamese entrepreneurs and contributing to a prosperous, sustainable future.

Are you ready to write the next chapter of your journey? Nominate yourself or others for NEXT Awards 2025 today, where individuals shaping a brighter tomorrow are recognised and celebrated.

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