We are pleased to share an interview with Nguyen Ngoc Tu Uyen, the General Manager of our Green Carbon Japan Vietnam Co., Ltd. office. Learn about her journey, her role in driving sustainable initiatives, and her vision for the future!
Q.Could you please provide a brief self-introduction, including an overview of your career to date?
After completing my master degree in International Relations at Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto, Japan, I have spent several years working with Japanese companies investing in Vietnam. Coming back to Vietnam, I began my career at Toyota Tsusho, where I helped develop new business opportunities, including introducing Japanese domestic products to the Vietnamese market. Later, I joined the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), where I was involved in various energy projects in partnership with Japanese corporations and Vietnamese firms. In addition, I have worked as a professional consultant for almost 3 years, supporting many Japanese companies in expanding their businesses in Vietnam—particularly in exploring and entering new business sectors.
Q. What kind of work are you involved in? Could you share more about your roles?
Currently, I am responsible for overseeing the overall office operations at Green Carbon Vietnam. My duties include managing payments, accounting activities, administrative tasks, and handling legal matters related to the operation and governance of the company as a foreign direct investment (FDI) entity in Vietnam. As our company must comply strictly with Vietnamese laws and regulations, I work closely with the Project Development Team to ensure proper follow-up on contracts, accounting standards, and payment processes.
I also participate in seminars and workshops when appropriate, to support the Project Team and stay informed about relevant industry developments. In addition, I’m focused on recruiting new talents/ professions to grow and stabilize our team in Vietnam.
Attending workshop of Vietnam Government with our Project Team in Vietnam
Q. What led you to pursue your current job?
I’ve always been passionate about developing new businesses. With my background in supporting many Japanese companies entering and expanding in Vietnam, I found Green Carbon’s mission and activities especially compelling. This role allows me to apply my knowledge and experience to help introduce innovative business models and explore sectors that are still new to the Vietnamese market. I see this not only as a way to contribute to Green Carbon’s growth but also to support the broader economic and social development of Vietnam.
Q. What do you find most rewarding or fulfilling about your work?
What I find most rewarding is the opportunity to be part of something new and meaningful. Supporting the development of new businesses in Vietnam—especially in rural areas/ agricultural sectors that are still emerging—not only allows me to grow professionally, but also gives me a sense of purpose. It’s fulfilling to see our efforts contribute to sustainable growth, create job opportunities, and foster collaboration between Japan and Vietnam. Knowing that my work can make a real impact on both the company and the local community is truly motivating.
Q.What challenges have you faced so far？
One of the key challenges has been maintaining continuous and effective communication with both teammates and various external partners, especially as projects often involve multiple stakeholders across different countries. Gathering accurate and timely information for each project also requires strong coordination and persistence. Additionally, since many of our initiatives are in the agricultural sector—a field that was new to me—I’ve had to invest time in learning technical terms and understanding industry-specific knowledge. While these challenges can be demanding, they have also pushed me to grow and adapt quickly.
Q. Where do you see yourself in 10 years, and what are the challenges you’re excited to take on ?
In 10 years, I see myself continuing to contribute to impactful, forward-looking projects that bridge Japan and Vietnam—especially in areas related to sustainability, innovation, and business development. I hope to be in a leadership role where I can guide teams, shape strategies, and help bring new ideas to life. I’m particularly excited to take on the challenge of building businesses in sectors that are still new or underdeveloped in Vietnam, such as green technology and sustainable agriculture. These areas present both complexity and opportunity, and I look forward to tackling them by combining international insight with local understanding.
Meeting with School of Business and Management – Vietnam National University for MOU discussion