Xin chào! Tên tôi là An.
Today marked our very first day of classes at UEF. After yet another life-altering breakfast, we headed to our morning lecture where we learned all about Vietnam’s key industries. From electronics to textiles, rice, fruit, and fish, Vietnam’s economy is incredibly diverse and globally integrated. One part of the lecture that stood out to me was learning about the Mekong Delta and how infrastructure limitations are holding back its full economic potential. The connection between geography and development was something I hadn’t fully considered before.
After the lecture, we grabbed a very strong (and very needed) Vietnamese coffee and jumped right into our first language class. I had so much fun learning the unique sounds and tones of the Vietnamese language, and with help from the UEF students, I even got my Vietnamese name, An, which means beauty! The students were so supportive and patient with us, which made the experience all the more enjoyable.
We then headed to another delicious family-style lunch filled with spring rolls, beef, rice, and lots of singing. With full stomachs and curious minds, we made our way to our first site visit of the trip: GreenViet.
GreenViet blew me away. It’s amazing to think that just over a decade ago, this company was entering a market that hardly existed in Vietnam. One of the biggest takeaways for me was how the company grew by taking on every opportunity, even tiny projects with little to no revenue. That dedication allowed them to build a strong client base, which eventually led to bigger, more impactful work. It was a reminder that staying consistent and humble in the beginning stages of any venture can really pay off.
Another thing that struck me was how locally focused GreenViet remains. They’re not overly reliant on the international market, they mostly work within Vietnam unless previously established clients bring them abroad. That level of self-sufficiency, paired with their strong reputation, makes them a standout leader in the field of green building consulting.
Meeting Mr. Quang, the co-founder, was also inspiring. His background in both engineering and business allowed him to create a career that merges both of his passions. It’s not every day that you meet someone who’s been able to blend two l different fields so seamlessly.
Leaving GreenViet, I felt energized and inspired. If this is how we’re starting off our site visits, I can’t wait to see what comes next.
