On the afternoon of 31/7, news of Hoang Nam Tien's passing spread across news sites and social media, accompanied by cherished memories and profound condolences.

"Tien's departure is an immense loss," said Do Cao Bao, a member of FPT's Board of Directors, who shared joys and hardships with Tien throughout their time at FPT, where Tien dedicated his entire career.

Starting as a salesman, this Hanoi University of Science and Technology computer science graduate rose to become a top leader in various FPT subsidiaries, spanning distribution, software, real estate, and telecommunications.

His final career stop was in education, as Vice Chairman of FPT University's Board of Trustees.

After decades in the business world, this was the work he wished to pursue until retirement. From this point, the title "Giao Tien" (Teacher Tien) became familiar among the business community and young people nationwide. He devoted much of his time to educational activities, sparking creativity, inspiring, and encouraging young people to "continuously learn and step outside their comfort zones."

Hoang Nam Tien at an event with students in Hanoi. Photo: FPT University

Hoang Nam Tien at an event with students in Hanoi. Photo: FPT University

Hoang Nam Tien once identified his generation as "one-time learners," meaning those who studied once and used that knowledge successfully throughout their lives. However, he believed the current era is one of "lifelong learning."

"Giao Tien" also emphasized the importance of self-learning and lifelong learning, especially as millions of jobs, from factory workers and bank tellers to doctors, teachers, and lawyers, are at risk of being replaced by technology. He dedicated 1-2 hours to self-study daily, despite having 1,000-2,000 "flight hours" for work each year.

"At the corporation, every leader must continuously learn, but Tien was among the most active self-learners, particularly in the age of digital transformation and AI," shared Cao Bao.

In his fifties, Hoang Nam Tien remained enthusiastic and persistent in learning his own way. Just last year, he pursued a doctoral degree in generative AI at Golden Gate University (USA).

"I've never seen anyone as studious and eager as Tien. When he wanted to learn about AI, he didn't just tinker around; he sought out the best young experts to teach him," shared Nguyen Canh Binh, Chairman of AlphaBooks and a close friend.

Hoang Nam Tien discusses the philosophy of lifelong learning. Source: Youtube Hoang Nam Tien

For Tien, learning was the key to self-improvement, becoming a better version of himself each day, accumulating knowledge, and inspiring younger generations. He was known for encouraging young people to change jobs, step outside their comfort zones, and embrace discomfort for innovation and creativity.

However, he also advised them to plan for the future, envision who they want to be and what they seek in work and life, to define goals to pursue.

To offer this practical advice, he himself stepped out of his comfort zone in 2007. Thanks to FPT's listing on the stock exchange, he earned his first $1 million USD that year. He then met with FPT's Chairman, Truong Gia Binh, to request leave to study piloting in Australia. He wanted to fulfill his dream of becoming a pilot before he got too old.

Hoang Nam Tien with students. Photo: Family provided

Hoang Nam Tien with students. Photo: Family provided

Friends, colleagues, and students fondly remember "Giao Tien" for his strong personality, intelligence, humor, and dedication. He was considered a "maverick" with groundbreaking management ideas, unafraid to challenge superiors. He once spent half a day each month riding a motorbike with technicians installing internet, joining collection staff, or even distributing flyers on the streets with his team.

In the eyes of former FPT Software CEO Nguyen Thanh Lam, Hoang Nam Tien was warm and approachable, yet "skilled at everything, passionate about playing, and determined in working." Lam believed Tien's spirit of supporting youth, enthusiasm, and preference for mistakes over timidity greatly benefited FPT Software at that time.

To Nguyen Thanh Nam, former Chairman of FPT Software, Tien treated his colleagues with the same dedication his father, Major General Hoang Dan, showed his soldiers. He believed the greatest honor for a general is to stand shoulder to shoulder with their troops in the trenches.

Hoang Nam Tien preparing for the launch of his book "13 Lessons from Giao Tien." Photo: Family provided

Hoang Nam Tien preparing for the launch of his book "13 Lessons from Giao Tien." Photo: Family provided

As a math student at Hanoi - Amsterdam High School, specializing in technically dry fields like programming, Tien surprisingly had passions for flower arranging, cooking, and writing.

His book "Letters to You," published in 3/2024, recounts his parents' love story through over 400 letters written during wartime. This work was recognized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism as one of the outstanding books of 2024.

In "Applying AI in Business," released mid-this year, he viewed AI as a powerful force impacting all fields. He reminded readers, "AI may not replace you, but someone who knows how to use AI will."

Recently, he collaborated with publishers on his upcoming autobiography, "13 Lessons from Giao Tien," summarizing his life experiences, business acumen, self-learning spirit, and leadership journey.

The Chairman of AlphaBooks said Hoang Nam Tien still had many plans for books. While finishing his autobiography, he expressed his intention to write another on culinary arts – his hobby – alongside his passion for learning and books.

"He told me about this plan late last year, but I never thought it would be his last book," shared Nguyen Canh Binh.

"Giao Tien's" dreams may have been cut short, but his journey of learning, dedication, contribution, and inspiring the younger generation will continue.

Anh Tu - Thuy Truong