CEO of GSM inspired VinUnians with a remarkable entrepreneurial story 

On September 27, 2023 – during the “Week of Welcome”, students from the College of Business and Management had the opportunity to meet Mr. Nguyen Van Thanh – CEO of GSM (Green and Smart Mobility, also known as XanhSM, the green transportation company of VinGroup) and listen to his motivational story. 

Mr. Nguyen Van Thanh is currently Chief Executive Officer of GSM, one of the youngest CEOs of VinGroup. GSM is the world’s first transportation service platform that has taxi and motorbike run 100% on electricity. Mr. Thanh has had 4 years of experience working at VinGroup, starting from the position of Deputy General Director of VinBus, then Deputy General Director of Vinfast and currently CEO of GSM. Last year, he was also honored in the 30 under 30 list in Asia by Forbes magazine. 

The CEO’s speech was delivered with a warm and motivating tone, just like an older brother encouraging his younger siblings. All first-year students were extremely surprised and excited to meet one of the youngest senior leaders at Vingroup, and they also showed great enthusiasm listening to him twhen he was twenty-something as a twenty-something and how he managed to accomplish so many achievements at such a young age. 

Mr. Nguyen Van Thanh is currently Chief Executive Officer of GSM

Overcoming hindrances to be an entrepreneur 

At the age of 14, he started his first job. By the age of 17, he had experienced many different jobs to make a living such as distributing flyers, labeling ice cream packages, typing for hire, tutoring and working in garment factories, and this was also the turning point in his career. 

When he learned that garment companies were receiving a lot of orders but could not complete them all so they needed other factories to help, he started looking for experienced partners in this field and opened a small factory and ran it for about 2 years. 

Alongside working, he continued his education and started two more startups in the logistics field. In 2019, he joined Vingroup as Deputy General Director of VinBus at only 27 years old. Then, he held the position of Deputy General Director of VinFast, in charge of electric motorbikes. In March 2023, he continued a new “start-up” journey with GSM. 

Hard work paid off & lesson learned 

GSM is considered one of the group’s most “speedy” projects when it was implemented in just 38 days (from the initial idea to the official opening date), and there were already 1 million trips only after 70 days. Currently, GSM serves 2 million customers a month in 17cities and provinces. 

“But what I am most proud of is that GSM was born with a mission to promote green mobility in Vietnam. Green Taxi itself contributes very positively to reducing net emissions every day” – he added. 

From an entrepreneurial journey full of blood, sweat and tears, Mr. Nguyen Van Thanh shared his valuable lessons to VinUnians as below: 

– Lesson one: You need to look closely into a problem. When you think something is wrong, you need to ask questions, then research thoroughly and find the answer for yourself. 

– Lesson two: Sometimes we need to take risks. When you feel confident enough, sometimes you need to take a little risk and seize the opportunity when it comes to you. 

– Lesson three: Starting a business has given him a lot of practical knowledge – from working as a salesperson, an accountant, a warehouse keeper, a shipper, a garment worker… He was willing to do anything, so he knew how to manage and operate his businesses in the most optimal way. 

Mr. Thanh’s inspirational story attracted the attention of students

Until now, after a long and hard journey of 14 years, Mr. Thanh still feels grateful for the hardships that he overcame, the times when he did not give up as well as the companions and teachers who helped him become who he is today. 

In particular, there are two lessons he realized after working relentlessly that he wanted to convey to VinUnians: 

First, “people often regret the things they didn’t do more than the things they did,” so just do it. Even if you don’t succeed, you’ll gain valuable life lessons. And through that, we will learn the lessons that no school could ever teach. 

Second, always try to maintain a positive attitude through all situations and changes. You should also beware of stability. 

And finally: Be a lifelong learner. Never stop learning, as you will be left behind immediately when you do. 

“I am always grateful for the hardships that I have overcome, the times I did not give up, my companions and teachers – all of whom have helped me become the best version of myself today! I wish the students at VinUni success in the future, and I look forward to having you guys as my talented colleagues” – Mr. Nguyen Van Thanh added.