The remarkable and impactful journey of Mr. Ogawa Takeo with FPT
Mr. Ogawa Takeo played a pivotal role in one of the most significant turning points in FPT’s global journey, successfully steering the FPT ship in Japan through extraordinary milestones. He served as a special “ambassador” of FPT, cultivating and expanding deep, lasting relationships for the Group. Above all, Mr. Ogawa was a great friend and respected mentor to generations of FPT people.
A Golden Generation of Japan
Mr. Ogawa Takeo was an outstanding representative of Japan’s golden generation—those who worked tirelessly to rebuild and strengthen the nation into the economic power it is today.
“I turned down an offer from a prestigious company to pursue graduate studies in software engineering, despite my professor’s advice. He warned me that software required grueling dedication and was a field easy to be eliminated from. But I believed difficulties wouldn’t last forever—just like a mountain slope, no matter how steep, it has an end.”
Mr. Ogawa shared this story with FPT University students, reflecting his enduring optimism and unwavering commitment. Overcoming countless challenges at Hitachi Software, he rose to become its General Director and Honorary Chairman. Throughout, he maintained one ideal:
“The struggles of youth are worth experiencing—even worth paying for. Never lose spirit in the face of failure. Everything you go through is valuable.”
A Fortunate Bond with FPT
Mr. Ogawa’s connection with FPT began in 2003 when he was the General Director of Hitachi Software. The first fundamental agreement between the two companies was signed during this time. In 2005, the OSDC (Offshore Software Development Center) between Hitachi Software and FPT was officially established—laying a stable, growing foundation for FPT’s journey in Japan.
This OSDC became both a powerful marketing tool and a springboard into the famously demanding Japanese market. At the time, FPT was a small team of just over 100 developers. “Too small to be considered a real partner,” recalled Mr. Tran Dang Hoa, now Chairman of FPT IS and former Chairman of FPT Japan. But Mr. Ogawa chose FPT, simply because he believed in Ms. Bui Thi Hong Lien—then CEO of FPT Japan—and the bright, smiling faces of the FPT team.
In 2006, after retiring from Hitachi Software, Mr. Ogawa became a Senior Advisor to FPT University, later serving on the Board of Directors of FPT Software.
On January 1, 2010, at the invitation of Chairman Truong Gia Binh, Mr. Ogawa was officially appointed as CEO of FPT Japan. His reason for accepting? His deep affection for FPT, for Mr. Binh, for Ms. Lien, and the young, passionate team. To him, FPT represented a youthful Vietnam, hungry to reach the world—just like his own generation once was.
“Taking on a role at FPT was a great sacrifice for him,” shared Mr. Tran Dang Hoa. “Many of his old colleagues couldn’t accept that he was joining a company of ‘lower stature.’ But for FPT, it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
Steering FPT Japan to New Heights
As CEO, Mr. Ogawa helped FPT Japan deeply understand Japanese laws, markets, and customers. This enabled the company to define the right strategy, meet customer expectations, and gain their trust—securing large projects and access to clients’ core business areas.
At the same time, he built FPT Japan to operate as a true Japanese company—with high discipline and professionalism. Under his leadership, FPT Japan gradually established its position, secured long-term contracts, and significantly elevated the Group’s reputation. In 2011, the Japanese market recorded a dramatic 30% growth.
In recognition of these exceptional contributions, in early 2012, Chairman Truong Gia Binh awarded Mr. Ogawa the FPT Morning Star—the Group’s highest honor. He was the first foreign recipient of this prestigious award.
From January 1, 2012, Mr. Ogawa stepped down as CEO of FPT Japan to assume the role of Senior Advisor to the Chairman of the FPT Board. “I was truly touched that he accepted this role,” said Chairman Binh. “It was a great gesture of affection and dedication from him to FPT and Vietnam.”
Mr. Ogawa responded: “I will draw strength from all of you to continue elevating FPT’s position in the Japanese market.” And he did. Mr. Ogawa became a bridge and a special ambassador, opening new doors for FPT.
“Without Mr. Ogawa, FPT Japan would not be what it is today,” said FPT CEO Nguyen Van Khoa.
Memories That Endure
In March 2011, Japan was devastated by a massive earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear crisis. Fear swept across the country, especially among FPT Japan employees and their families. In the chaos, Mr. Ogawa remained astonishingly calm. He reassured everyone and advised them to trust the Japanese government’s instructions.
At first, many thought he didn’t fully grasp the urgency. But it became clear—he understood the situation better than anyone. He called radiation authorities, tracked every development, and issued timely, precise guidance.
Under his leadership, FPT quickly organized a crisis response team, detailed evacuation plans, distributed protective gear, and safely arranged for families to return to Vietnam. Encouraged by Mr. Ogawa and FPT’s leadership, employees remained in Japan to fulfill client commitments. He stood by them, resilient and devoted, leading them through the storm. Shortly after, Chairman Truong Gia Binh personally visited Japan to support both clients and the FPT team.
“Fight to the very end. Even when everyone else has given up, be ‘The Last One,'” Mr. Ogawa told FPT Japan staff during those dark days.
Tough and principled in leadership, he was like a caring father in daily life—worrying about staff comfort down to the smallest things, from new blankets to air conditioners and TVs for on-site workers. FPTers in Japan will always remember Mr. Ogawa’s silver hair, gentle smile, and humble figure, quietly visiting clients to apologize for delays or quality issues.
Mr. Ogawa’s commitment extended beyond business. He joined FPT in charitable work around the world. On that journey, he humbly said he learned from FPT: patience, innovation, and most of all, unity in a multicultural environment.
Memorial and Funeral Services for Mr. Ogawa Takeo – Senior Advisor to the Chairman of FPT:
Private Family Funeral – April 7: Held at his home in Japan, in a solemn and warm atmosphere following traditional rites.
Memorial Service in Japan – April 7: FPT Japan is holding memorials at all nine of its offices. The official ceremony will take place at the Mita Office at 3:00 PM (JST), led by Mr. Pham Minh Tuan, Deputy CEO of FPT Corporation and CEO of FPT Software, along with FPT Japan’s leadership.
Memorial Service in Vietnam – April 8: Two locations: FPT Headquarters (10 Pham Van Bach, Hanoi) and F-Ville 2 (Hoa Lac, Hanoi). The main ceremony will be held at FPT Tower at 8:30 AM (Vietnam time), led by Chairman Truong Gia Binh, with senior Group leaders and subsidiaries in attendance.
