Nguyen Thi Tuyet Minh: Mongolian women in business are inspiring change-makers

“Women-owned businesses create jobs, stimulate local economies, and contribute significantly to GDP. Supporting women entrepreneurs means unlocking an entire engine of economic potential,” says Nguyen Thi Tuyet Minh, Founder and Chairwoman of WeLead, and a founder of ASEAN Women Entrepreneur Network. She is an entrepreneur and a woman leader with many years of experience in the business sector.

-Please briefly introduce yourself. In which sector(s) have you been active as an entrepreneur? 

-I’m Nguyen Thi Tuyet Minh, Founder and Chairwoman of WeLead, a founder of ASEAN Women Entrepreneur Network, and the Chair of Global Summit of Women in Vietnam, the former chairwoman of the Vietnam Women Entrepreneur Council under VCCI. I have nearly 42 years of working experience with the business community. I have extensive experience in various fields, including policy advocacy and consultation, trade and investment promotion, start-up & entrepreneurship support, SMEs and women-led enterprises promotion, and promoting harmonious labour relationships, gender equality, and women’s empowerment in the economy. 

In various positions, I have worked with dedication, creativity, and responsibility, making an important mark in the Vietnamese and ASEAN women’s business community with a spirit of commitment, integrity, and friendliness. With the successes achieved in Vietnam, I was chosen to be assigned by ACW Vietnam, represented by the Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA), and Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) to write a Terms of reference (TOR) to establish and operate the ASEAN Women Entrepreneurs Network (AWEN).

This is an important milestone, the starting point that brought me to the prestigious ASEAN award 2023, and I became the first Vietnamese citizen to honorably receive this award.

-Business success rarely comes easily. Could you share how you have overcome major challenges or setbacks? 

-What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs? Yes, like many entrepreneurs, I have faced numerous challenges, ranging from limited access to resources, resistance to change, to the deeply rooted gender biases that often exist in leadership of business environments. One of the most important challenges is building credibility and influence in an almost male business ecosystem while also championing women’s empowerment. 

It wasn’t just aboutrunning a business; it was about changing mindsets, policy frameworks, and cultural expectations.

We focused on building a network to support each other with the motto “If you want to go far, go together”, staying consistent with my values, and demonstrating impact through action. Over time, through persistence, transparency, and a deep commitment to community, I earned trust, not only from women entrepreneurs but also from policymakers and global partners.

My advice to aspiring entrepreneurs: Start with your purpose: Know why you’re doing what you’re doing. Purpose will carry you through the hard times. Build or join a strong support network: You cannot succeed alone. Surround yourself with people who share your vision. Be resilient and adaptable: The ability to pivot and learn from failure is just as important as the original idea. Act with integrity: Your reputation is one of your most valuable assets. Protect it through honesty and responsibility. Give back as you grow: True success is measured not only by profit, but by the positive impact you create for others. Entrepreneurship is a journey of continuous learning and giving. Embrace it with courage, humility, and the willingness to lift others as you rise. 

Nguyen Thi Tuyet Minh, Founder and Chairwoman of WeLead, and a founder of ASEAN Women Entrepreneur Network

-What is your view on women in business? In your opinion, how can women contribute to a country’s development? 

-Women are not only capable business leaders, but they are powerful agents of transformation. From my experience working across Vietnam, ASEAN, I have seen how women bring a holistic, inclusive, and sustainable approach to business. They tend to focus not only on profits but also on people and purpose, prioritizing social impact, ethical leadership, and long-term value creation. Therefore, women have an important role to contribute to a country’s development:

Economic Growth: Women-owned businesses create jobs, stimulate local economies, and contribute significantly to GDP. Supporting women entrepreneurs means unlocking an entire engine of economic potential. 

Social Stability: Women invest more of their income in their families and communities, health, education, and well-being. Their success uplifts future generations. 

Inclusive Leadership: Women bring diverse perspectives to policy, corporate governance, and innovation. Their participation leads to more balanced and ethical decision-making. 

Sustainable Development: Women are often at the forefront of climate action, social enterprises, and community-based solutions, aligning with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Empowering women in business is not just a matter of fairness; it’s a strategic imperative for any country that seeks sustainable and inclusive growth. When women succeed, we all win!

-What policies or measures do you think are most effective in supporting and advancing women entrepreneurs globally? 

-When we invest in women entrepreneurs, we are investing in inclusive, sustainable, and resilient economies.

To truly support women entrepreneurs, policies must go beyond symbolic inclusion and focus on removing the structural barriers they face as access to finance and capital, entrepreneurship education and skills training, market access and digital inclusion, work-life balance and leadership, and representation. 

Advancing women entrepreneurs requires a comprehensive and gender-responsive policy ecosystem supported by public-private partnerships, international cooperation, and, most importantly, women must change, starting within themselves, their families, and their businesses.

-Finally, we would love to hear your impressions of Mongolia and your thoughts on Mongolian women in business. 

-I have deep admiration for Mongolia – it’s the profound connection between its people and nature. Mongolia represents a unique blend of tradition and progress, and I was particularly impressed by the warmth, strength, and determination of its people, especially the women. Mongolian women in business are inspiring change-makers. They embody resilience, independence, and adaptability-qualities that are vital in today’s ever-evolving economic landscape. 

Whether leading enterprises in manufacturing, services, innovation, or sustainable development, Mongolian women are playing a crucial role in shaping the country’s economic future. I believe that with the right policies, international and stronger regional partnerships, such as within ASEAN and beyond, Mongolian women entrepreneurs have the potential to become entrepreneurs who have influence in regional and global. I look forward to seeing greater collaboration between women entrepreneurs in Mongolia and ASEAN, and I commit to supporting such meaningful exchanges through platforms like WeLead and AWEN.