What are the most significant cases or transactions that you have been involved in over the past year?

Over the past year, our legal team has been involved in several significant cases and transactions. We have advised on several large-scale capital-raising deals in the pharmaceutical sector, including advising Pharmacity on a US$6 million exchangeable short-term loan with a foreign investor, and on a US$5 million strategic stake to a foreign investor, structured as a US$2.5 million local tranche and a US$2.5 million foreign tranche. Additionally, we advised Pharmacity on the exchange and prepayment of foreign investor loans totalling US$23.5 million.

Alongside these efforts, we have also participated in negotiations for complex international contracts valued in the tens of billions of Vietnamese Dong (VND). This year, we undertook a project aimed at safeguarding personal data across the entire company system, as well as implementing digital signatures to comply with new regulations. Furthermore, we have advised on restructuring projects within the group’s company system, aimed at optimising sourcing costs and working capital. We have successfully resolved disputes through negotiation and mediation mechanisms, helping to minimise costs. Collectively, these efforts have had a significant impact on the development and stability of our organisation.

What innovations have you made to the way your legal team works in the past year?

We have concentrated on leveraging technology to optimise our workflows. We implemented task and contract management software to track progress and enhance work efficiency. Additionally, we provided training for our team in legal analysis skills, supported by AI tools, which has helped accelerate research processes and enable more accurate decision-making.

Based on your experience, what is the key to collaborating successfully with business partners?

The key to successful collaboration lies in transparency and trust. Maintaining an open partnership and ensuring that all agreements are clearly understood from the outset helps to minimise risks and conflicts. Flexibility and the ability to listen to partners are also crucial in building long-term collaborative relationships.

Which political, economic or regulatory changes have impacted your work the most in the past year?

Our legal team has actively contributed to corporate restructuring projects aimed at optimising resources and costs. Additionally, we have been involved in internal audit initiatives to identify the causes of inefficiencies in business performance and cost losses for the company.

How do you motivate and manage the other members of your legal team well?

To motivate the team, I always promote a system of trust and empowerment across all levels, including the leadership. I create an environment where team members are encouraged to take initiative in their work, proactively report, and express their individual opinions. At the same time, the leadership team places trust in their subordinates, delegating authority with the understanding that if they have a firm grasp of the details, constant reporting is unnecessary.

What is a cause, business-related or otherwise, that you are passionate about, and why?  

I am particularly passionate about sustainable development and corporate social responsibility. I believe that businesses should not only focus on generating profit but also take responsibility for the community, human health, and the environment. Balancing business objectives with social responsibility provides a solid foundation for long-term growth.

Are the effects of AI on the legal world overplayed, or underplayed?

I believe the impact of AI in the legal field is currently underestimated. AI has significant potential in managing legal data and automating processes, thereby improving efficiency and reducing errors. However, further development is needed for AI to handle complex legal situations, where human judgment and decision-making remain essential.