What are the most significant cases and transactions that your legal team has recently been involved in?

We have been involved in the development, construction, and operation of the first BOT coal-fired power plant in Vietnam. We successfully refinanced the first BOT coal-fired power plant project in Vietnam with the successful issuance of international bonds, the first and the biggest in the industry. We have also been involved in transferring the majority equity in connection with a big PPP power project. Furthermore, we are involved in the development of the first FDI LNG terminal project in the country, as well as in the development of the only BOT gas combined cycle power project in the country.

Could you share an example of a time when you came up with an innovation that improved how your legal team works and did not come at a large expense?

I believe that the most significant innovation I have made to our legal department is the empowerment of our people. I have been able to promote their development by providing them with opportunities to directly engage with business leaders, making their presence visible to the business. This approach has not only expanded their expertise, experience, and knowledge into the relevant business sectors beyond the legal boundary but also broadened the scope of work for every member of the legal team.

Additionally, I have identified the strengths of each subordinate, creating an internal scheme that enables them to support one another effectively and put their individual strengths in the right context. This has encouraged creativity at work and valuable contributions to the business.

How do you see the general counsel role evolving in Vietnam over the next five-ten years?

I believe that for significant businesses, the role of in-house counsel, in general, and general counsel, in particular, will be undeniable in the coming years, regardless of the abundance of professional law firms in the legal community. General counsel are in the best position to understand business operations and can articulate business matters in legal language most efficiently. They are also expected to react quickly to business contingencies before external support can be mobilised.

What are some of the main trends impacting your industry in Vietnam?

Green energy will be an exciting journey for the power industry in Vietnam. There will be many lessons, innovations, social debates, controversies, legislative changes, transitional challenges, liabilities, and more, which many of us are eager to follow.