The Vietnamese Professionals of Hawaii (VPH) celebrated its 10th anniversary this month with a gala event at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, honoring a decade of championing business and community opportunities for Vietnamese professionals across the islands.

Founded in January 2015 by a group of Vietnamese entrepreneurs and business leaders, VPH has grown from a small networking group of 25 members to a robust organization of over 500 professionals representing diverse industries including healthcare, technology, finance, hospitality, and real estate.

"When we started VPH, we wanted to create a platform where Vietnamese professionals could connect, support each other, and give back to our community," said Dr. Linh Nguyen, founding president of VPH. "Looking back at ten years of accomplishments, I'm incredibly proud of what we've achieved together."

A Decade of Impact

Over the past ten years, VPH has launched numerous initiatives that have significantly impacted the Vietnamese community in Hawaii:

Business Development Programs: VPH has facilitated over $50 million in business partnerships and collaborations among its members. The organization's quarterly networking events have become premier platforms for Vietnamese entrepreneurs to showcase their businesses and forge strategic alliances.

Mentorship Initiative: The VPH Mentorship Program, launched in 2017, has paired 200+ young Vietnamese professionals with established leaders in their fields. Many mentees have gone on to start successful businesses or advance to executive positions in major Hawaii companies.

Scholarship Fund: VPH's scholarship program has awarded over $250,000 to Vietnamese American students pursuing higher education. This year alone, the organization granted 15 scholarships ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 to deserving students.

Community Service: Members have volunteered over 10,000 hours in community service, including free health clinics, financial literacy workshops, and English language tutoring for new immigrants.

Notable Achievements

The anniversary celebration highlighted several milestone achievements, including VPH's role in establishing the Vietnamese American Business Alliance, which now advocates for Vietnamese-owned businesses at the state level. The organization has also been instrumental in cultural preservation, supporting Vietnamese language schools and traditional arts programs.

"VPH has been a bridge between our Vietnamese heritage and Hawaii's diverse community," shared Michael Tran, current president. "We've helped Vietnamese professionals not only succeed in their careers but also maintain strong connections to our culture and give back to the broader Hawaii community."

Looking Ahead

As VPH enters its second decade, the organization has announced ambitious plans including:

• Expanding to neighbor islands with chapters on Maui and Big Island
• Launching a Vietnamese American Leadership Academy for emerging leaders
• Creating a VPH Innovation Fund to support Vietnamese-led startups
• Establishing partnerships with universities to promote Vietnamese studies and cultural programs

The anniversary gala also recognized ten "Decade Champions," members who have made exceptional contributions to the organization and community. The event raised over $100,000 for VPH's scholarship and community programs.

For information about joining VPH or supporting their initiatives, visit their website or attend their monthly networking mixer held on the first Thursday of each month at various locations across Oahu.