On a bright morning in early 2025, nearly 40 overseas Vietnamese gathered at BOSGAURUS COFFEE ROASTERS on Nguyễn Siêu Street (District 1, Ho Chi Minh City). They were there to embark on a Company Tour, a day designed for exploring career opportunities, networking, and discovering new possibilities at two prominent corporations in Vietnam.
This tour marked the kickoff of OV Summit 2025, and unlike the inaugural event in 2024, this year’s Company Tour ventured beyond Ho Chi Minh City to Binh Duong New City (TPMBD)—a 1,000-hectare urban development project spearheaded by BECAMEX TOKYU.
After a morning exploring TPMBD, participants returned to Ho Chi Minh City for a networking session with leaders from IPA Group and An Vo, a recruitment expert from Janus Executive Search & Talent Advisory.
A Case Study Of Japanese Investment In Vietnamese Urban Development
After a 90-minute drive, the group arrived at the Sales Gallery, where they were warmly welcomed by Leo Nishimura, Executive Director of BECAMEX TOKYU.
After a brief rest, Mr. Leo hosted an introductory session in the gallery’s main hall, walking participants through TPMBD’s 10-year development journey and its upcoming projects and amenities.
His relaxed, confident, and professional presentation captured the attention of the group, many of whom were deeply interested in the details of the project.
Before assuming the role of Executive Director at BECAMEX TOKYU in 2020, Mr. Leo spent 18 years with TOKYU, a leading Japanese corporation specializing in urban development and public transportation.
Confronted with Japan’s aging population and limited domestic growth, TOKYU sought investment opportunities abroad, identifying Vietnam—and specifically Bình Dương—as a promising destination, leading to their partnership with Becamex in Vietnam.
This collaboration between TOKYU and Becamex blends Japanese expertise in Transport-Oriented Development (TOD) with Becamex’s local knowledge and 30 years of experience in industrial and urban real estate. Together, they are navigating administrative hurdles to ensure the steady progress of TPMBD, which is currently 20-30% complete.
The project’s long-term goal is to transform TPMBD into a smart, sustainable, and culturally rich city over the next 30 years.
Following the presentation, Mr. Leo led the group on a guided tour of TPMBD on KAZE bus, highlighting key locations such as SORA gardens SC, MIDORI PARK The VIEW, and the Hikari area.
The Hikari area was also the last stop of Mr. Leo's tour. The area, home to popular F&B brands like Starbucks, Gong Cha, and San Fu Lou, stood out as an example of sustainable development, featuring a “Edible Landscape” concept that integrates a circular ecosystem into its design.
The tour concluded with lunch at Pizza 4P's on a ligh-hearted note. For the overseas Vietnamese participants, the tour shed light on the possibilities of contributing to Vietnam’s evolving urban landscape, leveraging both international expertise and local opportunities.
IPA Group: A Vietnamese Businesses With A Vietnamese Dream
After a hearty lunch, the group bid farewell to Mr. Leo and returned to Ho Chi Minh City for their next destination: the office of IPA Group.
Founded in 1998, IPA Group began as a private logistics company. By 2006, it successfully transformed into an investment firm. Guided by three core values—Ideas (creative thinking), Passion (professional dedication), and Attitude (positive outlook in all challenges)—IPA Group is committed to creating value not only in financial terms but also for the broader well-being of society.
Today, IPA Group employs over 4,000 people across Vietnam and operates in four key business areas: IPAM (Production and distribution of eco-friendly, natural lifestyle products), IPAS (Investment in softwares and digital transformation solutions), IPAF (Investments in finance, insurance, and capital markets), and IPAI (Investments in infrastructure and green enery).
Breaking away from the stereotype of a rigid, long-established investment firm, IPA Group’s office exuded warmth and openness, with a faint aroma of tea filling the air. The session featured heartfelt sharing from 3 IPA Group’s leaders, creating a mentor-like experience for the attendees.
Mrs. Phạm Minh Hương - Founder of VNDIRECT Securities, Founder of IPA Group, and Chairwoman of PTI Insurance - warmly welcomed the group with humility and enthusiasm.
With over 30 years of experience in banking and finance—including leadership roles at Citibank before founding IPA Group—Mrs. Hương shared her insights on the challenges facing Vietnamese businesses and workfoce.
She highlighted key areas for improvement, such as problem-solving capabilities, accountability, and ownership, noting these as opportunities where overseas Vietnamese talent could play a significant role.
Throughout the discussion, Mrs. Hương emphasized preserving ancestral wisdom and traditional values while blending them with modern innovation to create sustainable growth for Vietnam.
When asked if IPA Group intended to expand internationally, Mrs. Hương’s response was clear: her dream is rooted in Vietnam. Her mission is to serve Vietnamese consumers with sustainable, nature-friendly products. That's why others often refer to her approach as “doing business as if writing poetry.”
The visit ended with a warm gesture from IPA Group: participants were treated to traditional Vietnamese delicacies from Homefood, such as honey-soaked hawthorn apples, longan lotus seeds, and coconut honey cookies.
About Overseas Vietnamese Summit 2025: Crossing Over
Participate in our homecoming reunion, where Vietnamese professionals from around the world share their experiences and perspectives on seizing opportunities and overcoming challenges in building careers and settling down in Vietnam.
Date: January 2-4, 2025
Location: Ho Chi Minh City
Special thanks to our sponsors & partners for accompanying us in this event:
- Title Sponsor: Ninety Eight
- Major Sponsor: LEGO Manufacturing Vietnam
- Recruitment Lead Partner: Janus Executive Search & Talent Advisory
- Engagement Partner: BECAMEX TOKYU, Vietinvest.au, Gohub & Liobank by OCB
- Travel Partner: BE
- Communications Partner: British Chamber of Commerce Vietnam (BritCham), Shark Tank Vietnam & Nordcham