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Welcome to a Special Gathering

Celebrating Vinamilk's 55th Anniversary

• The event commemorates the 55th anniversary of Vinamilk, reflecting on its journey and achievements.

• It serves as an opportunity for former leaders and friends to reconnect, share memories, and express sentiments about this significant milestone.

Reflecting on Challenges and Growth

• The past 50 years have been marked by numerous ups and downs in Vinamilk's history.

• The narrative extends beyond just dairy factories and products; it encompasses the human experiences tied to the company's evolution.

• Acknowledgment of difficult periods that shaped the company into what it is today.

Sharing Personal Mementos

Importance of Keepsakes

• Attendees are encouraged to share personal keepsakes that hold emotional significance from their time at Vinamilk.

A Memorable Training Photo

• One attendee shares a photo from a management training session, highlighting its importance in professional development within the company.

• This photo symbolizes efforts made by Vinamilk to enhance employee skills through various training programs.

Insights into Employee Development

Commitment to Training

• Vinamilk has consistently organized training sessions annually since its inception, emphasizing continuous learning for employees.

Historical Context of Training Initiatives

• The speaker recalls early initiatives from 1989 when staff were sent abroad for advanced training in technology and management practices.

Memories from Logistics Division

Documenting History Through Photos

• Another attendee presents a collection of photos documenting her time with the logistics division since its establishment in 2001.

Significance of Logistics Operations

• The logistics division plays a crucial role in ensuring timely delivery of products from production facilities to customers.

Cultural Reflections within Teams

Team Spirit and Culture

• An emphasis on team spirit within the logistics unit is highlighted, showcasing a strong cultural identity focused on discipline and professionalism.

Artistic Contributions

• One participant mentions contributions through music, indicating how creative expressions foster camaraderie among employees.

Lasting Impressions from Early Experiences

Personal Journey at Vinamilk

• An attendee shares a small but meaningful photograph representing her first business trip with Vinamilk, which left an indelible mark on her career.

Learning Opportunities Abroad

• This trip provided insights into dairy production technology, enhancing understanding of industry standards and practices.

21 Years of Memories and Experiences

Reflections on Work Experience

• The speaker reflects on their 21 years of work experience, expressing uncertainty about what more to say beyond the sentiment of nostalgia.

• Upon returning to VNMT, the speaker appreciates the positive working atmosphere and strong interpersonal relationships that contributed significantly to their personal growth.

• They acknowledge the opportunities provided for better learning and working conditions during their tenure.

• The environment at VNMT is described as very conducive for professional development.

Memorable Moments

• A photograph from a trip to the U.S. is mentioned, prompting questions about who else was present in it.

• The photo dates back to October 27, 2005, marking a significant moment in their career journey.

• Along with the photo, a special outfit worn during that time has been preserved as a keepsake.

Learning Opportunities

• The speaker recalls memorable experiences from their trip to the U.S., emphasizing valuable exchanges and learning opportunities despite not remembering specific details now.

• They note that previous workplaces lacked opportunities for international training or assignments until joining VNMT.

Training Programs and Professional Development

Importance of Training

• A training class focused on risk management is highlighted as instrumental in boosting confidence and knowledge among participants.

• This particular training program stands out among many organized sessions aimed at enhancing employee skills.

Commitment to Employee Growth

• VNMT's commitment to employee development is reiterated through various training initiatives that foster camaraderie among staff members.

Challenges Faced During International Assignments

Mission to Iraq

• A photograph from a mission to Iraq in December 1998 is introduced, recalling significant challenges faced during this period.

• Contextual background reveals that Iraq was under sanctions at the time, complicating export efforts.

Navigating Difficult Situations

• Details are shared about traveling through Jordan before entering Iraq amidst military conflict initiated by U.S. forces.

• Tensions escalated at the border due to ongoing military actions; communication difficulties arose while trying to coordinate with Vietnamese officials.

Memorable Outcomes from Difficult Missions

Successful Negotiations

• Despite initial fears and challenges, successful contracts were signed during this mission which were highly regarded given the circumstances at that time.

Historical Insights into Company Origins

Early Days of VinaMilk

• Discussion shifts towards historical artifacts representing VinaMilk's origins dating back over 40 years ago when it was known as "Sĩ nghiệp Liên Hợp Sữa Cà Phê Bánh Kẹo 1."

Legacy Products

• The speaker describes early products produced by various factories under this enterprise including milk and confectionery items.

Significance of Artifacts

• An old tin box from around 1985–86 serves as a nostalgic reminder of VinaMilk’s beginnings; its preservation signifies its importance in company history.

The Early Challenges of Vietnam Hill

Introduction to the Context

• Discussion begins with the mention of currency exchange challenges during a difficult economic period in Vietnam.

• Acknowledgment of Anh Hiếu's significant contributions to Vietnam Hill, highlighting his role in overcoming early obstacles.

Economic Conditions and Production Limitations

• Reference to the scarcity of foreign currency in 1983-84, which severely limited production capabilities.

• Despite having a capacity for 200 million boxes, only 8 million were produced due to these constraints.

Support Systems and Learning Experiences

• Mention of reliance on international aid and personal experiences studying in Russia that shaped management skills.

• Return from Leningrad led to meeting Anh Hiếu, who was then managing a seafood export factory.

Building Connections for Success

Networking within the Industry

• Importance of establishing connections with C-Project as a pivotal moment for success in textile manufacturing.

• Efforts made by the speaker to connect with key individuals at C-Project through Anh Hiếu’s introductions.

Persistence Pays Off

• Emphasis on perseverance when waiting for meetings and negotiations regarding foreign currency exchanges.

Navigating Currency Exchange Dynamics

Strategies for Currency Acquisition

• Speaker discusses negotiating favorable exchange rates for foreign currency needed for operations.

• Describes competitive dynamics where acquiring foreign currency became crucial for business survival.

Initial Imports and Growth Opportunities

• First successful import included 300 tons of milk powder and butter oil, marking a turning point for Vietnam Miu (VNM).

Acknowledging Contributions

Gratitude Towards Key Figures

• Recognition of Anh Hiếu's support as instrumental in securing necessary resources; gratitude expressed towards Trương Thanh Hà as well.

Reflecting on Historical Decisions

Personal Reflections on Returning Home

• Discussion about returning to Vietnam post-war amidst uncertainty about future prospects.

Decision-Making Process

• Inquiry into the thought process behind returning home after studying abroad, revealing deep reflections on national contribution.

Journey into Dairy and Meat Industry Education

Early Education and Career Choices

• The speaker reflects on their education in the dairy and meat processing industry at a university in Moscow, which was unfamiliar to many in Vietnam.

• They note that during the war, there was little awareness of the dairy industry in Vietnam, leading to skepticism about pursuing such a field.

• Despite initial laughter from peers regarding their choice of study, they later recognized its potential for future opportunities compared to more traditional fields like mathematics.

Transitioning Through Education

• The speaker recounts studying alongside Sơn Tâm in Minsk during 1970-71, focusing on language acquisition before specializing.

• After completing their studies, graduates dispersed across various provinces and universities based on their chosen fields.

• They returned to Tức Khoa as part of their professional journey.

Decision-Making Amidst War

• The opportunity arose for the speaker to switch majors based on exam results; they considered this option seriously.

• Seeking advice from their father about changing fields led to discussions about career paths amidst post-war challenges.

Addressing Nutritional Needs Post-War

• Post-war concerns highlighted malnutrition among children as a critical issue that needed addressing through dairy solutions.

• The speaker emphasizes their commitment to staying within the dairy sector due to its importance in solving nutritional problems.

Academic Pursuits and Returning Home

Research Opportunities Abroad

• A process allowed students with high marks (referred to as "bằng đỏ") the chance to stay abroad for further research studies akin to PhD programs.

• However, after six years abroad, the speaker felt ready to return home rather than continue academic pursuits.

Family Considerations and Industry Development

• Their decision was influenced by family ties already established in Saigon and a desire to contribute directly to developing Vietnam's dairy industry.

• With family members returning from conflict zones, it became easier for them to decide against further studies abroad.

Connections Made During Studies

Class Dynamics and Friendships

• The speaker recalls interactions with classmates like cô Linh while learning Russian together in Minsk during 1970.

• Differences between classes were noted; one class was serious while another had a more relaxed atmosphere with playful interactions.

Career Paths Diverging Post-Education

• After graduation, cô Linh worked in Hanoi but faced challenges aligning her work with her educational background focused on food machinery.

Professional Collaborations

Working Together Again

• Upon returning home, former classmates reunited professionally; feelings of gratitude emerged towards those who provided job opportunities after school.

Navigating Job Market Challenges

• Many faced skepticism regarding their specialized education upon returning home; some chose broader terms like "food science" when discussing their qualifications.

Discussion on Dairy Industry Training and Personal Experiences

Transition in Dairy Education

• The speaker mentions a shift in dairy education, indicating that training in this field is concluding, particularly with no further training available from Russia.

• A character named Chú Long shows openness to accepting new developments, agreeing to take on Hòa for the dairy sector.

Learning Dynamics and Support

• The speaker reflects on their reliance on a mentor, Cô Liên, throughout their educational journey, emphasizing consistent adherence to her guidance.

• They acknowledge significant personal growth attributed to following Cô Liên's example, humorously noting their lack of initiative outside work.

Work Environment Challenges

• The speaker describes how they often depend on Cô Liên for administrative tasks while feeling out of place in social situations.

• They express gratitude towards Hòa and others for their support but also highlight the challenges faced during interviews due to communication difficulties.

Reflections on Student-to-Colleague Relationships

Transition from Classmates to Colleagues

• The speaker seeks insights from colleagues about the transition from being classmates to working together at VNMU.

• They inquire about the advantages and challenges of evolving relationships within a professional context.

Personal Growth Through Mentorship

• One colleague shares admiration for Cô Liên’s academic prowess and maturity during school years.

• Nostalgic memories are shared about school life, highlighting both stress and camaraderie among peers.

Navigating Workplace Dynamics

Adapting Leadership Styles

• The speaker discusses how they followed Cô Liên's lead at work, which facilitated efficient problem-solving within the company.

• They reflect on occasional conflicts but emphasize understanding different perspectives as part of workplace dynamics.

Communication Barriers

• During meetings, some team members hesitate to voice concerns openly due to fear of repercussions from leadership.

• This leads to tension within the workplace as issues are often redirected towards them instead of being addressed collectively.

Insights into Leadership Experiences

Learning from Role Models

• Colleagues share experiences transitioning from students under Cô Liên’s guidance to professional collaborators.

• One colleague expresses admiration for Cô Liên’s dedication and hard work during their studies together.

Leadership Philosophy

• A colleague highlights learning effective delegation skills from Cô Liên, emphasizing trust in subordinates rather than micromanagement.

• They stress the importance of fostering teamwork and commitment among employees toward collective goals at VNMU.

Early Days at VNMU: Memories and Challenges

Reflecting on Foundational Experiences

• A character named Chú Tú is asked about his memories regarding the early days of VNMU amidst significant changes over time.

• He acknowledges that despite many challenges faced initially, there was substantial growth in production scale and market responsiveness.

Insights on Vinamilk's Growth and Leadership

Transitioning to Market Needs

• The focus has shifted from centralized production management to understanding family-run businesses, emphasizing the importance of market demand.

• This transition is aimed at reducing inefficiencies in production processes.

Strategic Decisions and Expansion

• Vinamilk expanded its production scale nationwide, demonstrating a proactive approach to growth.

• Leadership played a crucial role in this expansion, particularly through innovative models that were previously unconsidered.

Self-Sufficiency in Production

• Increasing the cattle herd size was pivotal for achieving self-sufficiency in raw material production.

• This strategy allowed Vinamilk to better meet market demands with tailored products for consumers.

Historical Milestones

• Vinamilk was one of the first companies to enter the stock market around 2006-2007, marking a significant milestone in its corporate journey.

• The initial public offering (IPO), symbolized by ringing a bell in Ho Chi Minh City, marked the beginning of a new era for the company.

Team Development and Culture

• A strong emphasis on team building within Vinamilk has been essential for fostering responsibility among employees.

• The leadership's vision has guided the company's path forward, ensuring continuity despite challenges faced along the way.

The Journey of UHT Milk Production

Initial Decision and Project Involvement

• In 1991, chị Liên decided to produce UHT milk, marking a significant shift in the dairy industry.

• The project was a collective effort, with many individuals participating and feeling honored to be part of it.

• Three newly hired engineers, including the speaker, were excited about their roles and responsibilities within the project.

Team Composition and Learning Process

• The team consisted of engineers from various backgrounds: automation (anh Hấn), mechanical engineering (the speaker), and dairy technology (anh Mạnh Hùng).

• They underwent training on UHT processing equipment while receiving visits from company leaders to oversee the project's progress.

Challenges Faced During Implementation

• Implementing the project required extensive documentation for machinery installation and operation.

• Foreign experts were brought in for guidance; however, language barriers posed challenges as they primarily spoke French.

First Production Milestone

• The first batch of milk was produced amidst excitement as local farmers began supplying fresh milk to the factory.

• This marked a celebratory moment for the company as they successfully launched their initial UHT product.

Overcoming Language Barriers

• A key challenge was overcoming language barriers while learning new technologies; this experience fostered teamwork among engineers.

• Understanding complex processing diagrams became essential for effective communication and operation within the production environment.

Reflections on Early Experiences at Vietnam Milk

Significant Events in Company History

• A notable event occurred in 1993 when Vietnam Milk considered a joint venture with Dutch Lady, which raised concerns about competition.

Strategic Decisions Made by Leadership

• Under chị Liên's leadership, there was a decision against immediate collaboration with Dutch Lady to maintain independence in the market.

Implications of Business Choices

• Choosing not to partner with Dutch Lady reflected both national pride and strategic foresight regarding future business sustainability.

Personal Growth Through Professional Experience

Lessons Learned from Leadership

• The speaker expressed admiration for chị Liên’s decisive leadership style that facilitated quick problem-solving within the organization.

Importance of Team Dynamics

• There was an emphasis on teamwork and camaraderie among employees that contributed significantly to workplace morale.

Lasting Impact of Early Career Experiences

• Reflecting on past experiences revealed deep emotional connections formed during time spent at Vietnam Milk, highlighting personal growth alongside professional development.

Reflections on Leadership and Challenges at VinaMilk

Early Experiences and Leadership Transition

• The speaker reflects on their time with the dynamic leadership team at VietnamU, expressing regret about retirement while acknowledging many memorable experiences.

• Initially assigned to the technical department of VNH, the speaker transitioned to a managerial role as Deputy Director in 1999, marking a significant career shift.

• The emotional weight of taking on new responsibilities is highlighted; the speaker recalls crying upon receiving their appointment due to uncertainty about their capabilities.

Overcoming Initial Challenges

• The year 1988 marked the beginning of export activities for the company, which was fraught with difficulties as they worked to restore operations post-crisis.

• Recruitment challenges arose as many workers were unfamiliar with factory protocols, necessitating extensive training for new hires.

• Financial constraints limited wages initially since profitability was low until exports began.

Achievements in Exporting Products

• Once exports commenced, production levels improved significantly, allowing them to compete with other factories like Thu Nhất and Sữa Trần Thọ.

• Efforts included sending teams across 64 provinces to promote milk consumption among children while simultaneously advertising their products.

Team Spirit and Community Recognition

• Despite facing hardships during this period, the collective spirit within the factory remained strong; even today, community members recognize the speaker primarily by their association with Vinamilk rather than by name.

Memorable Export Experiences

• The initial days of exporting to Iraq were particularly challenging but left lasting impressions on those involved in production and logistics.

• Support from upper management played a crucial role in overcoming obstacles faced during international trade negotiations.

Commitment During Critical Times

• Workers often sacrificed personal time during peak export seasons, including spending New Year's Eve at the factory to meet deadlines without incurring penalties.

• These sacrifices fostered camaraderie among employees who shared both struggles and triumphs during demanding periods.

Lasting Impact of Export Milestones

• The first successful export shipment to Iraq remains a pivotal moment for Vinamilk's history that employees fondly recall when reminiscing about their experiences.

Reflections on the Journey of Reviving a Dairy Factory

Initial Impressions and Discoveries

• The speaker expresses initial surprise upon starting their work at the dairy factory.

• Upon visiting various departments, they discover a dedicated team of engineers working diligently to operationalize the factory.

Personal Experiences in the Laboratory

• The speaker recalls their time in the laboratory, interacting with individuals who maintained the factory post-liberation.

• They mention colleagues from other factories being assigned to assist in reviving operations at Đi Lắc.

Emotional Milestones

• Witnessing emotional moments among staff, including tears of stress and joy during significant milestones.

• A memorable moment occurs when they produce their first batch of powdered milk, leading to shared tears of happiness.

Achievements and Community Support

• The excitement peaks when they sell their first can of milk at Tam Hiệp market, marking a significant achievement for the team.

• Weekly visits from leadership provide motivation and encouragement to staff during challenging times.

Leadership Influence on Culture

• The speaker reflects on how leadership style influenced workplace culture, particularly regarding personal presentation and its impact on team morale.

• They emphasize that 35 years at VNMU shaped their youth and professional identity significantly.

Challenges in Exporting Dairy Products

Transition to Export Responsibilities

• The speaker discusses taking over export duties for products going to Iraq from a predecessor.

Unique Quality Standards for Iraq

• They highlight that Iraq had unusual quality requirements compared to European or American standards, presenting challenges for compliance.

Overcoming Difficulties with Team Support

• With encouragement from leadership, especially CEO Mai Kiều Liên, they developed processes to meet stringent demands successfully.

Building Confidence Through Successes

• Successfully meeting these tough standards instilled confidence within the team about competing globally against established brands like Nestlé and Danone.

Lessons Learned from Production Challenges

Numerous Production Hurdles

• The speaker acknowledges facing many difficulties during production aimed at fulfilling export orders but does not detail all incidents due to time constraints.

Commitment to Quality Assurance

• Emphasizes an unwavering commitment to product quality as essential for company survival; no compromises are acceptable even amidst challenges.

Learning from Adversity

• Each challenge faced led to valuable lessons learned which contributed positively towards future operations.

Innovations Beyond Traditional Dairy Products

Introduction of New Product Lines

• Discussion shifts towards innovative products like Caffe Moment and Beer Your Roast as part of VinaMilk's bold experimentation strategy.

Development Process Insights

• Speaker shares involvement in developing Caffe Moment while working in marketing; it was initiated by CEO Liên due to existing product lines being well-established.

Development of Instant Coffee Products

Product Ideation and Market Testing

• The process of creating instant coffee products began with an idea from Bắc Liên, leading to sample testing and product development by the marketing team.

• Personal connection to coffee is emphasized; the speaker has a long-standing affection for coffee, which influenced their involvement in product testing and selection.

Consumer Feedback and Market Conditions

• Initial feedback on the product was overwhelmingly positive during blind taste tests among participants.

• At that time, the coffee market in Saigon was underdeveloped, lacking diverse offerings compared to other regions.

Cultural Observations on Coffee Consumption

• The speaker notes a distinct cultural difference in coffee consumption habits in Saigon, where iced coffee predominated but lacked depth in flavor.

• Describes experiences with diluted iced coffee that did not align with traditional expectations of quality coffee.

Regional Variations and Personal Experiences

• The speaker shares personal experiences tasting different types of coffee across Vietnam, including rich flavors from Đà Lạt and Central Highlands.

• Expresses disappointment upon returning to Saigon, feeling that local offerings did not meet true coffee standards.

Emergence of Trung Nguyên Coffee

Market Positioning and Differentiation

• Trung Nguyên was positioned as a provider of authentic Vietnamese coffee amidst a backdrop of underwhelming local options.

• The excitement surrounding the completion of their unique product formula highlighted its potential appeal beyond mainstream preferences.

Target Audience Identification

• Focused on targeting office workers with a distinctive beverage experience rather than catering to popular tastes prevalent at cafes.

Launch Reception and Regional Preferences

Initial Market Response

• Upon launch, there was significant enthusiasm for the new product; it resonated particularly well with consumers in Northern Vietnam during winter months.

Supply Chain Challenges

• As demand surged, supply chain disruptions began affecting availability despite initial success.

Growth Phase for Vinamilk

Expansion Plans

• Vinamilk faced increasing consumer demand post-launch necessitating expansion plans for production facilities to maintain quality consistency.

Leadership Insights

• Trần Minh Văn reflects on strategic decisions made by leadership during this growth phase emphasizing timely investments and adherence to regulations.

Impactful Decisions Leading to Success

Key Strategic Moves

• Highlights significant decisions such as privatization efforts initiated by Liên since 2000 which were pivotal for company growth amid challenges.

Rapid Development Metrics

• Within ten years post-restructuring, Vinamilk established over ten factories meeting both domestic needs and export demands effectively positioning itself globally.

Technological Advancements in Production

Modernization Efforts

• Introduction of advanced technology at new plants aimed at enhancing production capacity significantly while ensuring safety standards were met throughout construction phases.

Vinamilk's Journey and Milestones

Successful Installation of Equipment

• Vinamilk successfully installed equipment weighing over 25 tons at a height of nearly 40 meters, showcasing significant engineering capabilities.

• The installation was carried out by Vietnamese workers and engineers in collaboration with European and American experts, highlighting international cooperation.

Emotional Reflections on Achievements

• The speaker expresses deep emotions regarding the successful installation, describing it as a moment of great significance. They emphasize the importance of safety during this process.

• Acknowledgment is made about the timely production of powdered milk to meet high export demands from Vietnam to global markets, including Iraq.

Personal Journey within Vinamilk

• The speaker reflects on their personal journey with Vinamilk over more than 30 years, indicating that they joined as a young engineer in the early 1990s. This period marked significant growth for both the individual and the company.

• They share memories from their early days at Vinamilk when the company was just beginning its investment phase in modern dairy processing technology.

Challenges Faced During Early Operations

• In earlier times, Vietnam faced economic sanctions which limited access to necessary machinery and parts; repairs often required innovative solutions due to lack of resources.

• A specific anecdote is shared about repairing a Prepack machine late into the night, illustrating dedication amidst challenging circumstances. The speaker recalls having to report directly to senior management after hours without modern communication tools like mobile phones.

Leadership Insights and Company Growth

• Discussion shifts towards leadership qualities observed in key figures like chị Liên (Ms. Liên), who played an instrumental role in guiding Vinamilk through its development phases while managing large projects effectively despite limited resources at times.

• Emphasis is placed on standardizing production processes across different regions in Vietnam to ensure product consistency, which is crucial for maintaining quality standards for exports. This includes addressing regional variations in product taste and formulation challenges encountered during production expansion efforts.

Overview of Technological Consistency in Production

Importance of Uniform Technology Across Factories

• The necessity for all factories to utilize similar technology during production is emphasized, ensuring uniformity in output.

• Selection criteria focus not just on suppliers but also on the type of equipment used to guarantee consistent product quality.

Leadership and Achievements at PNAMU

• Under the guidance of Ms. Liên, PNAMU has successfully implemented these technological standards.

• Participants share their memories and experiences with VNMU, highlighting the impact of leadership.

Reflections on Personal Experiences with Leadership

Ms. Liên's Influence

• Many responses from participants mention Ms. Liên, indicating her significant role in shaping their careers.

• The rarity of being acknowledged by others while present is noted; this event allows for shared stories that have never been told before.

Emotional Responses and Memories

• A participant asks about Ms. Liên's feelings after hearing these shared experiences.

• Như Hằng is invited to speak first, reflecting on her long tenure since 1980.

Career Journey and Development

Early Career Challenges

• Như Hằng describes starting as a soldier transitioning into an office role without formal education.

• During the subsidized economy period, she performed various tasks primarily supporting leadership.

Learning from Ms. Liên

• Close collaboration with Ms. Liên provided valuable learning opportunities throughout her career.

Vision for Dairy Revolution

Concept of "White Revolution"

• In the 1990s, Ms. Liên expressed a desire to initiate a "white revolution" in dairy production, which was initially unclear to many colleagues.

Strategic Initiatives for Self-Sufficiency

• She proposed direct sourcing through livestock farming to ensure raw material availability for production.

Professional Growth Through Training

Continuous Education Efforts

• Throughout her career, training sessions were organized by Ms. Liên to enhance knowledge among employees.

Transitioning Roles within the Company

• By 2001, she transitioned into logistics management as director despite initial challenges due to lack of experience.

Project Management and Trust Building

Taking on New Responsibilities

• Assigned as project manager for new factories despite feeling unprepared; motivated by trust from Ms. Liên.

Supportive Leadership Style

• Describes Ms. Liên as resilient and supportive towards subordinates during challenging times.

Expansion into Dairy Farming

Acquisition of Tuyên Quang Farm

• In 2006, acquisition aimed at improving milk supply chain efficiency was initiated under Ms. Liên’s direction.

Establishing Sustainable Supply Sources

• Focused efforts led to establishing farms that would provide reliable raw materials directly contributing to company growth.

Achievements in Dairy Production

Significant Growth Metrics

• From zero production levels initially supplied now accounts for approximately 60% of VNMU's raw material needs today.

Pride in Contributions

• Reflecting pride in being recognized as part of Vinamilk’s legacy after years dedicated to its development.

Celebrating Milestones

Reflection on Long-Term Commitment

• As they prepare for a milestone anniversary (50 years), reflections highlight both challenges faced and successes achieved over time.

Emotional Connections with Colleagues

• Expresses gratitude towards colleagues met along this journey emphasizing strong emotional ties formed over decades working together.

Lasting Impact of Leadership

Fond Memories from Early Days

• Remembers early days under Mr. Long’s leadership alongside Ms. Liên who fostered an open-minded approach toward opportunities even amidst economic constraints.

Investment in Employee Development

• Highlights initiatives taken by leaders like Ms. Liên focused on training engineers across various disciplines enhancing overall company capabilities despite limited resources available at that time.

Reflections on Early Challenges and Growth at VNMU

Initial Experiences in Business

• The speaker recalls a stressful moment during negotiations, highlighting the pressure of securing a low-priced chain.

• Mentions the establishment of Hanoi Milk Factory in 1995, marking a significant milestone in their journey.

Exporting to Iraq: A Turning Point

• The speaker describes an impressive experience while preparing for exports to Iraq, focusing on quality checks and label printing.

• Contracts were signed before production began, showcasing confidence from leadership despite lacking initial resources.

Rapid Adaptation and Team Efforts

• Upon returning home after signing contracts, immediate actions were taken to purchase machinery and train staff.

• The team worked tirelessly during weekends to meet production demands, illustrating dedication that contributed to VNMU's rapid growth.

Leadership Insights and Organizational Stability

• Reflecting on later years as a director when systems became more stable compared to the challenging early days.

• Emphasizes learning from experiences alongside strong leaders like chị Liên during difficult times.

Acknowledging Contributions and Leadership Qualities

Personal Reflections from Colleagues

• A colleague shares her long-standing admiration for chị Liên’s leadership over 40 years at VNMU.

• Highlights the complexities of managing human resources within a large organization amidst socio-economic challenges.

Overcoming Internal Challenges

• Discusses internal disagreements during tough periods but emphasizes chị Liên's role in encouraging perseverance among staff.

Commitment to Company Values

• The speaker reflects on efforts made during difficult times to ensure company operations ran smoothly under chị Liên’s guidance.

Gratitude Towards Team Efforts

Expressing Appreciation for Collective Achievements

• Chị Liên expresses deep gratitude towards all employees who have contributed through various stages of VNMU’s development since its inception.

Importance of Human Capital

• Stresses that success is fundamentally tied to people; both achievements and failures stem from human contributions.

Fostering Love for the Company

• Emphasizes creating an environment where employees feel love for their work, which is crucial for overcoming challenges together.

This structured summary captures key moments and insights from the transcript while providing timestamps for easy reference.

Building a Cohesive Team and Brand Legacy

Importance of Teamwork and Trust

• The speaker emphasizes that as a family, unity is essential for collaboration.

• The primary goal is to empower individuals by providing them with the necessary resources to succeed.

• Trust is fundamental; once tasks are delegated, there should be confidence in team members' abilities.

• Guidance during challenges fosters collective problem-solving and allows individuals to showcase their talents.

Respect and Development Opportunities

• The speaker notes that respect comes from performing well in one's role rather than needing personal approval.

• A culture of mutual respect leads to personal growth and development opportunities for all team members.

Inclusivity in Growth

• There should be no discrimination based on region, political affiliation, gender, or age; anyone who loves Vietnam has the opportunity to grow.

• The speaker reflects on the historical mission accomplished over 50 years, indicating a legacy that continues into future generations.

Future Aspirations for VinaMilk

• Looking ahead, the next 50 years will see new generations joining VinaMilk, contributing to its legacy.

• VinaMilk aims not only to remain prominent in Vietnam but also to gain recognition globally among major corporations.

Gratitude Towards Past Generations

• Acknowledgment is given to previous generations who contributed significantly to VinaMilk's success and continue their support post-retirement.

• The speaker expresses gratitude towards attendees for sharing memories and insights during this brief gathering.

Reflection on Achievements

• This meeting serves as both a celebration of VinaMilk's 50-year history and an emotional reflection on shared experiences.

• There’s an emphasis on pride and gratitude towards past leaders who laid the groundwork for current successes.

Overcoming Challenges

• Behind every achievement lies hard work; many faced significant hardships while building the brand we know today.

• These early struggles were crucial in establishing VinaMilk's foundation, leading up to its current status as a reputable brand.

Commitment to Legacy

• The spirit of perseverance established by past leaders will continue through future interactions with current leadership teams.

• Closing remarks encourage ongoing engagement with audiences through future discussions about VinaMilk’s journey.