FPT Corporation is a Vietnam-based global technology giant that specializes in digital transformation, IT services, telecommunications, and education, with a strategic focus on AI, semiconductor, MedTech and automotive software solutions. Pulse 2.0 interviewed Senior Executive Vice President of FPT Software Phuong Dang Tran to learn more.
Phuong Dang’s Background
Could you tell me more about your background? Phuong said:
“I grew up in the Hanoi Metro area and, from an early age, dreamed of joining the military and becoming a soldier. While life ultimately took a different path, that early sense of discipline and purpose has stayed with me throughout my career. I studied business and finance at the National Economics University. I was among the first students in the FPT Aptech joint training program–a collaboration between FPT and India’s leading IT training institute, Aptech.”
“I spent a decade working in Vietnam before relocating to the United States, where I have continued my professional journey primarily in Atlanta, Georgia, and Denver, Colorado. Since joining FPT Software in 2004, I’ve held progressively larger leadership roles, particularly within our U.S. and international divisions. From 2017 to 2025, I was appointed CEO of FPT Americas. Today, I serve as Senior Executive Vice President of FPT Software, leading market expansion across Europe and the Middle East.”
“Outside of work, I am a lifelong soccer fan. As a boy, I once dreamed of playing professionally. That passion still lives on today, even if only on the weekends.”
Formation Of The Company
How did the idea for the company come together? Phuong shared:
“In the late 1980s, Vietnam was on the brink of economic collapse. Hunger was a way of life, and the future was very bleak. However, Dr. Troung Gia Binh, along with a group of 13 scientists who had been studying in Russia, saw a path to prosperity through technology. Their vision was both audacious and straightforward: to elevate Vietnam’s economy through technology. So, they formed FPT, initially as a food-processing technology company, and later expanded into other software solutions. We achieved our first global success in Japan in the early 2000s and began operations in North America in 2008. Today, we’re a $2 billion global company operating across 30 countries and territories. Currently, my primary responsibility is to continue growing and expanding FPT. For example, we are doubling down on our commitment to expand across Latin America as an economically and technologically favorable destination for software development and solutions as well as across Europe and the Middle East.”
Favorite Memory
What has been your favorite memory working for the company so far? Phuong reflected:
“Some of my favorite memories at FPT are tied to moments when our work tangibly improved people’s lives—especially when we had the chance to build something meaningful for our clients and for our country.”
“One notable milestone is our collaboration with one of the world’s largest aerospace and defense companies. We helped create their first-ever app store for customers, working side by side to build mobile applications for both internal processes and external engagement. That project took a whole year and was the reason I moved to the United States in 2015. It remains one of the most rewarding chapters of my career—not just for its technical challenges, but also because it demonstrated how Vietnamese engineers could support one of the world’s largest and most sophisticated companies. That company had evaluated FPT for nearly a decade before selecting us. Earning that trust and delivering on it was a defining moment.”
“Another memory I cherish is the launch of Vietnam Airlines’ first independent booking system in 2013. Before that, there hadn’t been a nationally owned digital platform that could handle that level of traffic and service complexity. Building something at that scale for our own people—something millions of Vietnamese citizens would use—was deeply meaningful. It showed me the power of technology to drive national progress and the pride that comes with creating solutions in the service of your country.”
Core Products
What are the company’s core products and features? Phuong explained:
“Our core business revolves around three pillars: Technology, Telecommunications, and Education. Within those pillars, we have five strategic focus areas: AI, Automotive, Semiconductor, Digital Transformation, and Green Transformation. Within these core pillars and areas of focus, we’ve done some fantastic work and developed solutions that improve the quality of lives and the bottom lines of businesses.”
“For example, we just released FleziPT, an AI-powered platform that embeds agents across the software lifecycle, reducing workflows that once took months or weeks in agile development to just days. This speeds innovation for companies and allows them to get solutions to market sooner.”
Challenges Faced
Have you faced any challenges in your sector of work recently? Phuong acknowledged:
“Challenges are a constant in this industry—and over the years, I’ve come to view them as essential moments for growth. Since first entering the U.S. market in 2008, we’ve weathered many economic cycles. Each one has been a chance for FPT to step up, mature, and transform. Much like an eagle sharpening its talons or a snake shedding its skin, we’ve learned to evolve with purpose—letting go of what no longer serves us and embracing the change required to better serve our clients.”
“This mindset continues to guide us today. We’ve grown stronger by staying closer to our clients, sharing the risks, and being more flexible in how we support their goals. Our expansion in Latin America is one example—by tapping into emerging talent and favorable time zones, we’re able to deliver high-quality work at scale that aligns with what our clients need most right now. But more than any strategy, it’s our willingness to adapt, listen, and grow that has allowed us to thrive through uncertainty.”
Evolution Of The Company’s Technology
How has the company’s technology evolved since its launch? Phuong noted:
“Today, we are doubling down on our deep expertise in AI with a commitment to integrating AI into all services and solutions. We are doing this by establishing AI Factors in Vietnam and Japan, leveraging NVIDIA’s advanced GPU technology to accelerate AI development and support local businesses with cutting-edge AI solutions. We recognize that AI is a people-first approach to business. We currently have 1,200 employees working in AI, an AI residency program in collaboration with Mila Institute in Montreal, immersive AI work environments, AI labs, and more, to support the growth of AI across all business sectors.”
Significant Milestones
What have been some of the company’s most significant milestones? Phuong cited:
“We are a large global company with strong regional and local footprints. So, our milestones are numerous and easily accessible on our website and other sources. However, the most significant one of late is our partnership with NVIDIA and others, which focuses on AI. I say this because AI and ML are becoming swiftly intertwined and integrated into every facet of business. Our work with them is setting the stage for transformative solutions that will improve the quality of our lives. For example, the FPT AI Factory—Vietnam’s first large-scale artificial intelligence infrastructure—is powered by thousands of NVIDIA H100 and H200 GPUs. This solution provides a full-stack AI platform and serves as a one-stop shop for enterprises needing advanced AI and cloud services.”
Customer Success Stories
Can you share any specific customer success stories? Phuong highlighted:
“At FPT, our successes are numerous, and it’s easy to list them. However, for me, the real achievements are those that improve the lives of everyday people. For example, our partnership with Cox Automotive led to the creation of new jobs. We scaled from 1 to 1,300 employees across six countries in just 14 months. Our work with Airbus Skywise improved operational efficiencies while reducing operating costs. This was a win-win for travelers and airlines.”
Funding/Revenue
Are you able to discuss funding and/or revenue metrics? Phuong revealed:
“FPT Corporation is reaching $2.5 billion in revenue, up 19.4% year-over-year. Suppose we remain true to our principles of putting the customer first, delivering strong value, and investing in superior project management methodologies. In that case, we hope to see continued growth as we expand.”
Differentiation From The Competition
What differentiates the company from its competition? Phuong affirmed:
“FPT stands out for its agile approach, delivering speed and flexibility that surpasses larger competitors. The company emphasizes exceptional customer service, offering direct access to leadership and prompt support, and focuses on high-quality results rather than empty promises. With a robust ecosystem, a sizable and stable workforce, and significantly lower attrition rates than similar IT destinations, FPT ensures reliability for its clients.”
“Vietnam is quickly emerging as a global hub for innovation and investment, especially with the deepening comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and the Americas. This relationship unlocks new opportunities for collaboration in areas such as AI, semiconductors, MedTech, automotive, and workforce development. FPT’s best-shore delivery model—including nearshore centers in LATAM—allows clients to benefit from competitive costs and time zone advantages, elevating project efficiency and value.”
Future Company Goals
What are some of the company’s future goals? Phuong concluded:
“Everything we build is rooted in our commitment to helping clients achieve their goals—faster, smarter, and more sustainably. By 2030, we aim to increase our headcount globally, broadening and deepening our already vast talent pool. We’ll also continue to scale strategically through M&A activities that strengthen both our capabilities and global reach.”
“At the same time, we are rapidly evolving into an AI-first company—applying advanced technologies to drive meaningful business outcomes for our clients. Our vision for the future is bold, and we’re confident in our ability to bring it to life.”
