“If I don’t speak, I cannot share what I’m thinking.” – Hanh, Haga SmartTech
This quote from Hanh really hit me. Her story isn’t just about fixing phones—it’s about finding your voice, building a life from scratch, and helping others do the same.
I had the pleasure of speaking with Hanh, founder of Haga SmartTech in Ho Chi Minh City. I’ve been a customer for years, but this was the first time I got to really sit down with her and hear her full story—and wow, what a journey. From working in a garment factory at 14 to running one of the most trusted tech repair shops in Saigon, her story is raw, real, and seriously inspiring.
What struck me most is how Hanh leads with heart. She’s built her business with a mix of resilience, hospitality, and social responsibility—something rare and beautiful. Whether you're an expat, a business owner, or just someone who loves a great human story, this episode will move you.
Key Talking Points
- Hanh’s early life in Quảng Nam and working in a factory at age 14
- How she went from minimum-wage labor to CEO of Haga SmartTech
- Her passion for learning English and overcoming dialect barriers
- The truth about tech myths—like putting your phone in rice!
- Giving back: COVID food relief, small business loans for women, and community work
- Language, accents, and the power of communication
Timestamps & Chapters
- 02:30 – Turning it off and on again: tech tips & myths
- 06:45 – Growing up in Quảng Nam: hard work at 14
- 13:00 – Language barriers and regional accents in Vietnam
- 19:00 – Learning English and building confidence
- 25:00 – From hotel jobs to founding Haga SmartTech
- 32:00 – Creating a repair shop that expats can trust
- 35:00 – Giving back: charity, women’s empowerment, and education
- 43:00 – Miscommunication, pronunciation, and body language
- 49:00 – Final thoughts: success, kindness, and staying inspired
This Season is sponsored by Premier Dental.
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