Pham Tan Vuong

Nanyang Business School, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore

“ASEAN-focused investment banker, global finalists, sustainability, beach lover, and top-tier dad jokes.”

Hometown: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Fun fact about yourself: I have a black belt in Taekwondo – without ever breaking a bone (except for some fractures)!

Undergraduate School and Degree: RMIT University, Australia – Bachelor of Business (Economics and Finance), Graduated with distinction (Top 5% graduating students with a GPA of 3.6/4.0)

Where was the last place you worked before enrolling in business school?

Vietcap Securities JSC, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

01/2022 – 04/2024

Investment Banking Manager

* Led the execution of a US$100mn capital raise for IDP from Growtheum Capital Partner and a US$91mn acquisition of Ngoc Nghia Industry by Indorama Ventures. Managed the entire deal process, coordinating stakeholders across investment, legal, and compliance teams to ensure seamless execution.

* Developed a standardized financial modeling framework, improving valuation accuracy and efficiency for all transactions, reducing model errors and ensuring consistency.

* Advised on cross-border M&A deals, working with institutional investors from UK, Thailand, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Korea.

* Youngest manager at my company at the time of my promotion.

Vietcap Securities JSC, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

07/2018 – 12/2021

Investment Banking Senior Associate

* Acted as the main senior associate in document preparation (information memorandum, financial model, definitive agreements, due diligence, etc.) for i) the biggest M&A deal in F&B industry in Vietnam – the acquisition of Phuc Long Coffee and Tea by Masan Group valued at US$400mn; ii) the biggest M&A deal in Consumer finance in Vietnam – the acquisition of FE Credit by Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (SMFG) valued at US$1.4bn for 49%; and iii) Dat Xanh Services (HOSE:DXS) – the first IPO conducted under the new Securities Law, which came into effect in 2021 valued at US$100mn and iv) the acquisition of Bien Hoa Paper Packaging by SCG (Siam Cement Group) from Thailand valued at US$89mn.

* Spearheaded investor relations efforts, overseeing quarterly earnings releases and market communication strategies to enhance investor confidence and transparency.

Where did you intern during the summer of 2024? Not applicable. I was working full-time until April 2024.

Where will you be working after graduation? My MBA program will finish in June 2025, I’m currently in the last trimester.

Community Work and Leadership Roles in Business School:

• ASEAN Development scholarship recipient (Only one scholarship recipient per cohort)
• Currently with 1st class honors GPA (4.85/5.0)

Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? My proudest achievement is representing Nanyang Business School as a Global Finalist in both the Venture Capital Investment Competition (VCIC – with the global final held in North Carolina, USA) and the A4S International Case Competition (with the global final held in Toronto, Ontario, Canada). Competing against top universities worldwide required relentless preparation, strategic thinking, and resilience.

For VCIC, I dedicated countless hours to performing research, conduct mock interviews, and simulate the actual competition environment to ensure our team was fully prepared. Leveraging my investment banking experience, I led the team’s financial analysis and valuation efforts, ensuring we had a strong, data-driven approach to evaluating startups. Beyond just numbers, I focused on structuring compelling investment theses and refining our negotiation strategies, which proved instrumental in outperforming other top-tier MBA teams. In the end, it all paid off when we won the Asia regional final and got to the global final.

Meanwhile, A4S was an entirely different challenge – tackling decarbonization in the steel industry, one of the hardest-to-abate sectors. To build a compelling two-phase transition strategy using green hydrogen, we went beyond academic research, proactively engaging with industry experts to gain real-world insights. The most fulfilling moment came when we convinced a highly prestigious panel of sustainability and finance experts of our solution’s feasibility and impact.

Reaching the global finals in both competitions and overcoming other top universities wasn’t just about competing. It was about pushing my intellectual boundaries, mastering problem-solving under pressure, and demonstrating that finance and sustainability can go hand-in-hand. Looking back, the experience reinforced my passion for investment and strategic impact, making every hour of practice and preparation worthwhile.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? The proudest achievement of my professional career was earning a promotion to become the youngest Investment Banking Manager at Vietcap Securities JSC – a recognition that was built on my ability to execute two of the firm’s biggest deals at the time: the US$1.4 billion acquisition of FE Credit by Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (SMFG) and the US$400 million acquisition of Phuc Long Coffee & Tea by Masan Group.

Managing two major live deals simultaneously was an intense challenge that pushed my limits. Investor demands were relentless, requiring deep financial analysis, swift problem-solving, and seamless coordination between multiple stakeholders, including legal teams, regulators, and international investors. Despite the immense pressure, I successfully navigated both transactions from due diligence to closure, ensuring smooth execution and maximizing value for my clients. This was a testament to my hard work, adaptability, and ability to perform under pressure, and it ultimately led to my promotion.

Later, as a newly promoted manager, I proved my ability to lead independently by overseeing the US$100M capital raise for International Dairy Products (IDP) and the US$91M acquisition of Ngoc Nghia Industry by Indorama Ventures. These deals were particularly meaningful because I handled them with minimal supervision from my director, demonstrating the trust and confidence I had earned.

Looking back, these experiences were more than just deal-making; they were defining moments that shaped me as a leader, strengthening my ability to drive high-stakes transactions, build investor relationships, and deliver results under pressure. They laid the foundation for my MBA journey and continue to inspire my aspirations in investment and finance.

Why did you choose this business school? Sustainability is no longer a niche consideration; it is a fundamental driver of long-term economic and business success. As an investment banker looking to integrate ESG principles into financial decision-making, I sought an MBA program that would provide the technical knowledge, strategic thinking, and hands-on experience to align financial returns with environmental and social impact. Nanyang Technological University (NTU) stood out as the perfect fit, offering a comprehensive approach to sustainability and responsible finance.

NTU is widely recognized for its commitment to sustainability, ESG, and responsible finance, integrating these principles across its curriculum, research, and corporate partnerships. Through dedicated courses, sustainability-focused electives, and thought leadership initiatives, NTU provides MBA students with a structured approach to understanding sustainable finance, corporate responsibility, and climate risk management. Additionally, its collaborations with industry leaders, regulatory bodies, and sustainability-driven organizations allow students to bridge theoretical knowledge with real-world applications.

My background in investment banking and M&A has given me firsthand experience in high-stakes deal-making, but it has also made me increasingly aware of the need to incorporate sustainability into investment decisions. The financial sector plays a critical role in directing capital toward sustainable projects, and I want to be at the forefront of this movement. My goal is to develop investment frameworks that balance profitability with positive environmental and social impact, ensuring that finance is a tool for long-term sustainability rather than short-term gains.

NTU’s focus on sustainable business models, ESG risk assessment, and responsible leadership provides the ideal foundation for me to transition from traditional finance to impact-driven investment strategies. This program is not just about learning how to generate financial returns, it’s about understanding how to create lasting value for people and the planet.

Who was your favorite MBA professor? If I had to choose one professor who had the greatest impact on my MBA experience, it would be Prof. Vijay Sethi. His engaging teaching style, real-world approach, and ability to spark dynamic discussions made his classes some of the most thought-provoking and valuable in my MBA journey.

What sets Prof. Sethi apart is his ability to bring complex business concepts to life. His classes were never just about theory—every session was filled with insightful discussions on industry giants like Netflix, Amazon, Apple, Google, and Facebook, making the learning highly relevant and applicable. By using real-world case studies, he ensured that we weren’t just absorbing information, but actively analyzing business decisions, predicting outcomes, and debating strategies.

While the case method is not new, Prof. Sethi’s approach made it truly interactive and thought-provoking. He created an environment where everyone felt encouraged to share their perspectives, challenge assumptions, and engage in lively discussions. His ability to ask the right questions, push us to think critically, and facilitate meaningful debates made every class both intellectually stimulating and enjoyable.

Beyond his classroom impact, Prof. Sethi’s recognition as a World’s Best Teacher in a Global Competition in 2013 is a testament to his excellence in teaching and dedication to student learning. His ability to make complex business problems accessible, engaging, and actionable is what makes him an outstanding educator.

Thanks to his classes, I left each session not just with theoretical knowledge, but with practical frameworks and insights that I can apply directly to my career. His passion for teaching, coupled with his ability to bridge business theory with real-world applications, is what truly makes him my favorite MBA professor.

What was your favorite course as an MBA? Among all the courses in my MBA journey, Strategic Project at Nanyang (SPAN) stands out as my favorite. Unlike traditional courses, SPAN provided a unique opportunity to work on a real-world consulting project, allowing me to apply what I had learned in the classroom to a cutting-edge industry challenge.

What made this experience particularly exciting was the chance to collaborate with IBM Consulting on one of the most transformative topics in business today – Generative AI (Gen AI). As the field evolves rapidly, the project pushed me to go beyond textbooks and frameworks, requiring extensive independent research to stay ahead of the latest advancements.

Beyond the technical learning, what truly made this course invaluable was the direct engagement with industry experts. Having the opportunity to discuss insights, validate findings, and refine strategies with senior professionals at IBM was an enriching experience. It wasn’t just about learning theoretical AI applications – it was about understanding how Gen AI is reshaping industries, influencing decision-making, and creating new business models.

The culmination of the project – presenting our findings to IBM leaders – was both a challenge and a highlight. It pushed me to communicate complex AI-driven strategies in a way that was both data-driven and actionable. The experience mirrored real-world consulting, where recommendations need to be both innovative and implementable.

SPAN was more than just a course. It was a deep dive into the future of business and technology, equipping me with critical thinking, problem-solving, and client-facing skills that will be invaluable in my career.

What was your favorite MBA event or tradition at your business school? One of the most unique and entertaining traditions at Nanyang Business School is the MBA Olympics, an annual event where NTU welcomes MBA students from other top Singaporean universities like INSEAD, NUS, and ESSEC for a day of friendly sports competitions, networking, and camaraderie. I was a volunteer to organize the event and the mascot for the welcoming session.

What makes this event truly special isn’t just the competition – it’s the spirit of hospitality and inclusivity that NTU embodies. The irony of it all? We have never won the MBA Olympics in the 14 years since its inception. Yet, year-after-year, we put in our best effort – not just in sports, but in creating an amazing experience for our guests.

This tradition reflects two things about NTU:

1. Our incredible hospitality: we don’t just compete; we create a welcoming, memorable event where everyone feels part of the NTU community.
2. Our outstanding campus and facilities: the event showcases NTU’s beautiful, world-class campus, giving participants a chance to experience firsthand why it’s one of the best in Singapore.

Despite our questionable win-loss record, the MBA Olympics remains a highlight of the year – bringing together competition, collaboration, and fun in a way that truly represents the NTU MBA experience.

Looking back over your MBA experience, what is the one thing you’d do differently and why? The Nanyang MBA is an intense and fast-paced experience. Looking back, I wish I had spent more time deepening connections with my classmates. Between coursework, competitions, and industry projects, it was easy to get caught up in the day-to-day demands and miss out on spending more time with people outside my immediate teams. If I could do it differently, I would be more intentional about networking – not just professionally, but personally – to build friendships that extend beyond the MBA.

What is the biggest myth about your school? Before joining Nanyang MBA, I often heard that Nanyang Business School (NBS) is overshadowed by NTU’s reputation in technology and engineering. Many assume that NTU is primarily a tech-focused university and that its business school doesn’t have the same prestige as other top MBA programs. However, my experience at NTU completely disproved this myth.

Nanyang Business School is currently ranked #1 in Singapore and #22 in the world in The Financial Times 2025 MBA ranking, a recognition that reflects its excellence in academics, industry connections, and career impact. The Nanyang MBA provides a strong foundation in finance, strategy, and leadership while also embracing cutting-edge business trends like digital transformation and sustainability.

A great example of NTU’s strength is my SPAN project with IBM Consulting, where I worked on Generative AI, one of the most advanced topics in business today. Rather than being just an academic exercise, this was a hands-on experience that involved deep industry research, discussions with experts, and presenting our findings to senior executives. This type of real-world business application is what sets Nanyang MBA apart.

Additionally, Nanyang MBA provides global exposure through competitions like VCIC and A4S, where I had the opportunity to compete against the best MBA teams worldwide. These experiences reinforced that NBS is not just a regional player – it is a globally recognized business school that prepares students to lead in dynamic, high-impact industries.

The Nanyang MBA has shown me that NTU is not just a top-tier business school but one that uniquely blends finance, strategy, and technology-driven innovation. The myth that Nanyang MBA is just a tech school is outdated – today, it is a powerhouse for business education, leadership, and global impact.

What movie or television show (e.g. The Big Short, The Founder, Mad Men, House of Lies) best reflects the realities of business and what did you learn from it? The first time I watched Margin Call, I was 19 years old, and to be honest, I didn’t find it all that interesting. At the time, it felt like just another slow-paced finance drama with a lot of boardroom talk and not enough action.

Fast forward almost ten years later, after spending six years in investment banking, I decided to give it another watch. This time, it hit completely differently. Suddenly, the late-night crisis meetings, the whispered discussions about risk exposure, and the brutal cost-cutting decisions weren’t just abstract concepts. They were all too real.

What makes Margin Call so compelling is how accurately it portrays the high-pressure world of finance – the tension, the ethical dilemmas, and the fact that sometimes the smartest people in the room don’t see the iceberg until it’s too late. I could see reflections of my own industry experiences in the film: the urgency of navigating market turbulence, the weight of making high-stakes decisions, and the fine line between calculated risk-taking and reckless gambling.

The biggest lesson I took from rewatching it? Understanding risk isn’t just about numbers, it’s about accountability. The financial crisis wasn’t just caused by bad models; it was caused by a failure to challenge assumptions and think long-term. Watching Margin Call again, with my finance experience, made me realize how critical it is to ask the right questions, challenge the status quo, and always keep an eye on the bigger picture.

It’s funny how a movie can evolve with you. At 19, I dismissed it as boring. At 29, I found it gripping, intense, and eerily familiar. That’s the magic of experience, it changes the way you see the world, even when the movie stays the same.

What is one way that your business school has integrated AI into your programming? What insights did you gain from using AI? AI is deeply embedded in the Nanyang MBA, from coursework to real-world applications. One of my most impactful experiences was working with IBM Consulting on Generative AI through the SPAN project, where I researched AI trends, engaged with industry experts, and developed actionable strategies. This hands-on exposure showed me how AI enhances decision-making and business operations.

Nanyang MBA also offers AI-focused courses like Leading Digital & AI-Powered Transformation and regularly hosts expert talks on AI’s impact across industries. Additionally, students can use AI in assignments, provided we declare and cite its usage, reinforcing responsible AI adoption.

Key Takeaways:

1. AI augments, not replaces, decision-making. Its true value lies in enhancing human judgment.
2. Ethical AI use matters. Understanding bias and governance is just as crucial as its capabilities.
3. Continuous learning is key. AI evolves rapidly, making adaptability a necessary skill.

Nanyang MBA’s AI integration ensures we graduate with real-world AI fluency, equipping us for the future of business.

Which MBA classmate do you most admire? Among my many talented and inspiring classmates, Ho Wei-Ming Matthias is the one I admire the most. At 37-years-old, he is the oldest in our cohort, yet his dedication and perseverance are unmatched. Balancing an MBA while raising three kids, including a newborn, is already an incredible feat, but what makes him truly exceptional is how he does it all without ever complaining or cutting corners.

Despite his responsibilities, Matthias always delivers on assignments, contributes meaningfully to group work, and never takes the easy way out. He’s the opposite of a free rider – he carries his weight and then some. On top of that, he is consistently punctual, showing up to every class on time, even though he lives far from campus.

In a program where many of us struggle to juggle coursework and personal life, Matthias sets the gold standard for discipline, commitment, and resilience. If anyone ever needed proof that hard work and determination can overcome any challenge, Matthias is a living proof.

What are the top two items on your professional bucket list? I want to launch and lead a sustainable and healthcare-focused investment fund in Southeast Asia, channeling capital toward projects that improve both environmental sustainability and elderly care. The region faces pressing challenges, from climate change to aging populations, and I believe responsible investment can drive real solutions. By backing green infrastructure, clean energy, and senior healthcare innovations, I hope to create lasting impact – ensuring a greener planet and better quality of life for the elderly while delivering financial returns.

What made Vuong such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2025?

“Vuong stands out for his analytical thinking, ability to connect theory with practice, and willingness to challenge conventional ideas. His background in investment banking provides him with a strong financial foundation, but what truly sets him apart is his commitment to ESG-driven finance and sustainable investing. He actively contributes to classroom discussions, applying sustainability principles to financial strategy and demonstrating a deep understanding of long-term impact investing.

Vuong has been a key representative of Nanyang MBA in global competitions, reinforcing the school’s reputation in finance and sustainability. As a Global Finalist in the A4S International Case Competition, he helped develop a decarbonization strategy for the steel industry, engaging experts and presenting a compelling financial solution to a highly selective panel of judges.

His success as an Asia Champion and Global Finalist in the Venture Capital Investment Competition (VCIC) highlights his financial acumen, strategic thinking, and leadership. His disciplined preparation—conducting deep research, refining investment theses, and simulating real-world investor discussions—ensured his team was ready to compete at the highest level. He treats competitions not just as challenges, but as opportunities to apply learning, push boundaries, and bring recognition to Nanyang MBA.

Vuong is humble, eager to learn, and committed to his peers’ growth. He consistently asks insightful questions, challenges assumptions, and seeks feedback, making him a valuable presence in discussions. More than that, he is generous in sharing knowledge, whether through helping classmates refine financial models or preparing them for competitions. His drive isn’t about outperforming others – it’s about pushing himself and those around him to be better.

His vision to leverage finance for sustainability in Southeast Asia is both timely and essential, and I have no doubt that he will play a major role in shaping the future of ESG-driven investments in the region.

I strongly endorse Vuong for this recognition. His intellect, leadership, and dedication to sustainable finance set him apart, and I am confident that he will make a meaningful impact in the business world.”

Professor Geoffrey Chua
Nanyang MBA Academic Director
Associate Professor | Division of Information Technology & Operations Management
Nanyang Business School

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