SAQUILA - ASPIRATION OF VIETNAMESE EAGLE!

Young entrepreneur Khuc Dinh Phuong, Vice President of the Quang Ninh Young Entrepreneurs Association. Photo: Quang Ninh Young Entrepreneurs Association (QNYEA)

Sir, it is my understanding that the Saquila yacht is an iconic representation of the entrepreneurial spirit of young people in Quang Ninh. Could you elaborate on the inspiration behind this project?

Entrepreneur Khuc Dinh Phuong: Saquila yacht is a symbol of young entrepreneurs in Quang Ninh because it was founded by three vice presidents of the Quang Ninh Young Entrepreneurs Association. Through years of working together at the association, we have formed a strong bond and shared many dreams and aspirations. We all shared a common desire to develop the association by combining investment, promoting cross-product usage, and allocating a portion of our profits to support the association. Saquila was born from this idea. With a unique experiential service model for cruises in Ha Long Bay, we saw an opportunity to contribute to the recovery of the tourism industry in Quang Ninh post-COVID-19. This provided the perfect environment for us to enter the international tourism market.

Young entrepreneur Khuc Dinh Phuong (4th from the left) with other young entrepreneurs from Quang Ninh. Photo: QNYEA

Could you tell me some short adjectives to describe young entrepreneurs in Quang Ninh?

Entrepreneur Khuc Dinh Phuong: Young entrepreneurs in Quang Ninh form a community of businesses and individuals primarily based in Quang Ninh province. Their goal is to connect, network, and grow their businesses while fulfilling their social responsibilities through association activities. These young entrepreneurs are known for their generosity, ideals, aspirations, daring spirit, and dedication.

Young entrepreneur Khuc Dinh Phuong (9th from the left, top row), along with other young entrepreneurs from Quang Ninh, Vietnam. Photo: QNYEA

Could you tell me what is the meaning of the word Saquila?

Entrepreneur Khuc Dinh Phuong: Saquila is a portmanteau of 'S', symbolizing the map of Vietnam, and 'Aquila,' Latin for 'eagle.' It translates to 'Vietnamese Eagle,' representing the aspirations of Quang Ninh's youth and the Vietnamese people to reach for the world, as strong and soaring as a great eagle.

Sir, is Saquila implementing a Blue Ocean Strategy to contribute to Quang Ninh's efforts in preserving and promoting Ha Long Bay, a World Natural Heritage Site, globally?

Entrepreneur Khuc Dinh Phuong: Yes, Saquila is implementing a Blue Ocean Strategy to contribute to Quang Ninh's efforts in preserving and promoting Ha Long Bay, a World Natural Heritage Site, globally with the slogan "Feel The Unknow - Feel the Magic of Ha Long Bay". Blessed with Ha Long Bay, one of the seven natural wonders of the world, we have been, are, and will continue to strive to live and work in a way that befits this honor.

What do you think is the absolute advantage that Saquila has?

Entrepreneur Khuc Dinh Phuong: Saquila's greatest asset is its people. Our team, comprised primarily of energetic and passionate millennials, shares a common vision: to preserve and promote Ha Long Bay Heritage through innovative products and services.

Saquila – Aspiration of Vietnamese Eagle. Photo : QNYEA

Sir, given your strong background in engineering, an MBA, and your experience in agricultural product research, how have these diverse skill sets contributed to your and your team's success in the tourism and hospitality industry at Saquila?

Entrepreneur Khuc Dinh Phuong: I was directly admitted to university and had the option to choose between engineering and economics. I decided to pursue engineering because I believed that I could always study economics later, which would make me a more well-rounded professional.

In 2004, after graduating from Hanoi University of Science and Technology, I worked as an engineer, researching agricultural products for over a decade at Thang Long Company. Following the successful development of Yen Tu Plum Wine, I pursued a Master's in Business Administration at the National Economics University from 2017 to 2019. Upon completing my Master's, I founded a company to distribute Yen Tu Plum Wine, a product I had successfully researched for over 10 years.

Currently, my agricultural product distribution company is thriving and has captured a significant portion of the domestic market. The knowledge and experience I've gained have equipped me with a logical, detailed, persistent, and resilient mindset, qualities honed from my engineering background. Combined with my business administration knowledge, I and my team have been able to develop well-structured business strategies, focus on providing unique customer experiences, and cultivate a happy workforce.

We will strive to be ambassadors of Ha Long Bay and our beloved Vietnam. Photo: QNYEA

Some international guests who have experienced various cruise services in Ha Long Bay, including Saquila, have shared this insightful suggestion: 'Saquila has the potential to become an ambassador of Ha Long Bay, annually gathering cultural ambassadors of natural wonders worldwide.' What are your thoughts on this idea?

Entrepreneur Khuc Dinh Phuong: I wholeheartedly agree and am very grateful for this suggestion. From the very beginning of Saquila, we have carried this aspiration and ambition. With a happy Saquila team and happy individuals, we will strive to be ambassadors of Ha Long Bay and our beloved Vietnam.

Thank you very much!

Ha Long, June 1, 2024