Who is she?

Le Thi Thu Thuy is the CEO and vice chairwoman of Vingroup Joint Stock Company, Vietnam’s largest real estate company. She joined Vingroup in 2008 and became CEO in June 2012 at the age of 39. Previously, she was vice president of U.S. financial services giant Lehman Bothers Holdings, covering markets all over Asia from the company’s Japan, Thailand, and Singapore offices.

Thuy holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Hanoi Foreign Trade University and an MBA from the International University of Japan.

Why is she in the news?

Thuy was among 199 people named to the World Economic Forum’s Young Global Leaders Class of 2013. She was honored for her exceptional management of Vingroup during the global financial crisis.

The forum selects up to 200 people for the honor each year from a pool of 5,000 nominees. Candidates must be younger than 40-years-old and must demonstrate a strong commitment to serving society. Education activist Gian Tu Trung was the only other Vietnamese chosen.

What can we expect?

Winners of the prestigious Young Global Leaders title are expected to be active participants in the Forum of Young Global Leaders, an annual meeting where top leaders, policymakers, and intellectuals discuss socio-economic issues from across the globe.

 As the CEO of one of the most successful companies in Vietnam, Thuy has the opportunity to discuss the country’s economic successes and future prospects. She also can highlight Vietnam’s efforts to restructure its state sector to boost further economic development. The Forum of Young Global Leaders will be held in Yangon from June 2 to 5.