Pharmacist - Entrepreneur Pham Thi Kim Hoa: "... maintaining balance and enthusiasm to contribute to family and society"

In this era of integration, Pharmacist and Entrepreneur Pham Thi Kim Hoa stands as a model of the modern, intelligent, and compassionate woman, distinguished by her significant contributions not only in the pharmaceutical industry but also within the business community and society. From achievements like the "Powerful Rose 2019" award and being named among the Top 50 "Powerful Women 2017," she has tirelessly built the Hoa Diep Children's Pharmacy and Clinic and contributed to the development of the Netviet Entrepreneur Associations in Hai Phong and Northern Vietnam.

1. Can you share your feelings on being honored among the Top 50 Powerful Women in 2017 and receiving the Powerful Rose award in 2019?

Mrs. Pham Thi Kim Hoa: Receiving these two awards is a great honor for me. Being named among the Top 50 Powerful Women in 2017 and later receiving the Powerful Rose award in 2019 is not only a recognition of my efforts and accomplishments at work but also a motivation for me to continue contributing and growing. To me, each title is not merely a personal milestone but a responsibility to the community, to share success and knowledge with those around me. Seeing strong, independent, and successful women at the awards ceremony, I believe that Vietnamese women can achieve anything if we keep striving and developing ourselves.

2. As both a pharmacist and an entrepreneur, what challenges have you faced in managing the Hoa Diep Children's Pharmacy and Clinic?

Mrs. Pham Thi Kim Hoa: Balancing the roles of a pharmacist and an entrepreneur truly requires great effort. One of the biggest challenges is ensuring service quality and reputation. In the healthcare field, every decision directly affects the health and peace of mind of patients, which demands that I continuously update my professional knowledge while also applying effective management methods to optimize work processes, remaining dedicated and professional.

3. What motivation has driven you to build and expand the Hoa Diep pharmacy chain, especially in such a challenging industry as pharmaceuticals?

Mrs. Pham Thi Kim Hoa: My greatest motivation is the desire to provide high-quality healthcare services to the community. The pharmaceutical industry directly impacts people's health and quality of life. When I began establishing the Hoa Diep Children's Pharmacy and Clinic, my aim was to create a trustworthy, reliable place for medical treatment. Every time I see patients recover and become healthier through our advice and treatment, I feel that the work I do is meaningful!

4. As President of the Netviet Entrepreneurs Association in Northern Vietnam, what activities have you carried out to support Vietnamese businesses in expanding internationally?

Mrs. Pham Thi Kim Hoa: As President of the Netviet Entrepreneurs Association in Hai Phong and Northern Vietnam, I have focused on building an effective business networking platform. These activities not only help member businesses gain a better understanding of international markets but also enable them to seek business partners, explore investment opportunities, and learn about business cultures in other countries. Additionally, we support Vietnamese businesses in enhancing their competitiveness by providing information on market trends, helping them prepare more effectively for entering foreign markets.

5. Could you share some notable achievements that Netviet has attained in connecting and supporting the business community?

Mrs. Pham Thi Kim Hoa: One of Netviet’s proudest achievements is expanding our entrepreneur network and establishing branches in Singapore and Australia, alongside domestic branches in major cities like Hai Phong, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City. This not only reinforces Netviet’s reputation but also helps expand the reach of our member businesses beyond Vietnam’s borders. Moreover, Netviet has successfully organized numerous business networking programs, creating opportunities for domestic businesses to connect with international partners. Our network has supported hundreds of small and medium-sized enterprises to grow, optimize production, and expand their markets, contributing to Vietnam’s economic development in the context of global integration.

6. In your role as Vice President of External Affairs for the Pham Family Business Club in Hai Phong, what initiatives have you introduced to develop the business community?

Mrs. Pham Thi Kim Hoa: As Vice President of External Affairs for the Pham Family Business Club in Hai Phong, I, along with the executive board, aim to create a supportive, tightly-knit environment for entrepreneurs within our family community. One key initiative has been the establishment of regular forums where members can share management experiences, update on the latest business knowledge, and discuss challenges and opportunities within each industry. We also actively promote charitable activities to support those in need within the Pham family community. Additionally, with the Club's support, we encourage young entrepreneurs in the family to engage in business activities, providing motivation and development opportunities for the next generation. Through these efforts, I hope that the Pham family business community will not only achieve economic growth but also make significant contributions to society and the broader community.

7. What has inspired you to carry out charitable activities and promote the spirit of mutual support within the community?

Mrs. Pham Thi Kim Hoa: My inspiration for charitable work comes from a deep belief that we each have a responsibility to society and that happiness lies not only in receiving but in giving. Especially through my years in the pharmaceutical industry, I've seen many difficult situations - patients in need who lacked the means for assistance. This drives me to do something to support the community and help those less fortunate. Mutual support and compassion are core values I continually pursue, not only in charitable work but also as guiding principles for the Netviet Entrepreneurs Association. I hope to spread this spirit to my fellow entrepreneurs, partners, and the surrounding community, working together to build a better society.

8. What advice would you give to young female entrepreneurs looking to start a business in the pharmaceutical industry?

Mrs. Pham Thi Kim Hoa: My advice for young female entrepreneurs is to be persistent and set the right goals in the pharmaceutical field. This is a specialized industry that requires dedication, deep expertise, and, above all, integrity in every action. First, equip yourself with a solid foundation of knowledge, as skills and expertise are crucial in this field. Next, don’t be afraid to learn from those who have come before you and to build professional relationships—a strong network can greatly support your growth. Lastly, prioritize community values over profit, as trust from patients and clients is the most valuable asset in this industry. If you work with heart and passion, success will come.

9. Can you share the life and work philosophy that you live by to maintain success in both career and life?

Mrs. Pham Thi Kim Hoa: My life philosophy is simple yet essential: "Live with sincerity and gratitude." I believe that in both life and work, if we live genuinely and treat others well, we will receive good things in return. Gratitude helps me appreciate both my achievements and challenges, allowing me to grow and improve every day. I also hold the belief that a woman's true strength lies not in rigidity but in her capacity for love and compassion. This spirit has helped me overcome many difficulties in life and serves as a motivating force for me to continue working, living positively, and inspiring those around me.

10. How do you view the importance of building international relationships and a global community in today’s era of integration?

Mrs. Pham Thi Kim Hoa: In today’s globalized era, establishing international relationships and a global community is a key factor for sustainable growth and adapting to the constant changes in the market. I see that connecting with the international community not only allows us to expand markets and business opportunities but also enables us to absorb knowledge, technology, and new trends from other countries. For Vietnamese businesses, building and maintaining international relationships is an opportunity to learn, develop, and enhance competitiveness on the global stage. Additionally, international collaboration is a foundation for us to spread Vietnamese culture and values to global friends, which contributes not only to economic growth but also to strengthening the national image worldwide.

11. What does the Powerful Rose Award mean to you, and how do you plan to continue contributing to the community in the future?

Mrs. Pham Thi Kim Hoa: The Powerful Rose Award is a milestone for me because it represents recognition not only of my professional achievements but also of the humanitarian values I always strive for. To me, this award is more than just a title; it is a reminder to keep working hard for the community, to spread positive and humanitarian values, and to promote charitable activities and programs that support entrepreneurs, especially young ones trying to establish themselves. I will continue to work with the Netviet Entrepreneurs Association to connect and expand support for entrepreneurs through business networking programs, contributing to a sustainable and compassionate business community.

12. How do you manage and balance your personal life with your various roles as a pharmacist, entrepreneur, and community leader?

Mrs. Pham Thi Kim Hoa: Balancing personal life, family, and work is always a big challenge, especially when taking on multiple roles. For me, this balance starts with time management and setting priorities. I always strive to make time for my family and myself, as they are my motivation to work more effectively. I’ve learned to delegate work reasonably to maintain productivity without feeling overwhelmed. I also focus on maintaining physical and mental health by engaging in age-appropriate exercises, eating well, and sustaining relationships outside of work. This helps me stay balanced and enthusiastic. Flexibility and persistence in managing my life allow me to fulfill my various roles while keeping a necessary equilibrium.