Minh Nguyen
Major
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Graduation Year
Initiative/​Project/​Organisation
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Values
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Mr. Minh Nguyen is Assistant to the Chairman and Senior Project Specialist at VietCycle Corporation, a core member of the Vietnam Plastics Association (VPA). He leads key projects in sustainable development and EPR policy, partnering with government agencies, international organizations, and major corporations. Under his leadership, VietCycle has become a trusted partner of global firms such as Unilever, Suntory PepsiCo, ExxonMobil, SABIC, ALBA Group Asia, and the Alliance to End Plastic Waste. He has helped recycle 300,000 tons of plastic waste annually, supported over 20,000 informal workers with jobs and insurance, and currently advises the Vietnamese Government on environment-related issues.
Meaningful change is possible when driven by collective effort and shared values.
Plastic pollution has long been one of the most pressing and complex environmental challenges in Vietnam. Since joining VietCycle Corporation, my greatest motivation has been to help every Vietnamese person recognize the urgency of addressing this issue and to promote a shift in mindset toward the use of recycled plastic in daily life. The journey has not been easy. One of the biggest challenges lies in changing deep-rooted consumer behaviors and purchasing habits. Vietnamese consumers have traditionally favored products made from virgin plastic—particularly single-use plastic—which has further intensified the crisis.
Despite these difficulties, VietCycle Corporation and I have made meaningful progress and achieved notable milestones in our mission to reduce plastic waste. One of our key accomplishments has been establishing strategic partnerships with leading global corporations such as Unilever Vietnam, Suntory PepsiCo, the Alliance to End Plastic Waste, and ALBA Group Asia. These collaborations have enabled the large-scale collection, sorting, and recycling of plastic waste across the country. Personally, what I take the most pride in is our contribution to social impact. Through our efforts, we have helped create sustainable employment opportunities for over 20,000 informal waste collectors across Vietnam—most of whom are women living in vulnerable conditions, with limited income and minimal social recognition.
By supporting their livelihoods and providing them with protective equipment and healthcare benefits, we have contributed to improving gender equity and social inclusion in Vietnam’s waste management sector. Moreover, becoming a part of the RMIT and RMIT Alumni networks has opened up invaluable opportunities to connect with passionate and like-minded professionals.
Through alumni events and networking sessions, I have met representatives from banks and financial institutions who are actively seeking to support green transition initiatives and informal labor empowerment. Many RMIT alumni also share a strong interest in sustainability, the circular economy, and Net Zero goals.