Trinh Ngoc Phuong Thao – Young Project Manager breaking boundaries and growing through challenges

Recently, Trinh Ngoc Phuong Thao (FMI.GDX), Project Manager at GDX FMI, became the first PgMP® expert at FPT Malaysia (FMI) and the youngest person to earn this certification at FMI. She is also among the youngest PgMP® holders in all of FSOFT. This achievement is not only a personal pride but also reflects the spirit of “daring to think, daring to act, daring to conquer” that defines the new generation of FPTers.

Beginning her PgMP® journey in Q3/2024, the young PM set herself a clear mission: to enhance her program management capabilities to meet the increasingly demanding requirements of strategic digital transformation projects for PETRONAS and other major enterprise clients in Malaysia. Achieving this global certification was also part of her personal OKR for Q4/2025, demonstrating the strong link between professional development and the organization’s strategic direction, in line with the “Grow Together” spirit that FPT always pursues.

In her role as PM, Thao leads large-scale projects, focusing on improving operational efficiency, connecting multicultural project teams, and building a “One Team” culture between Malaysia and Vietnam. Reflecting on her journey, Thao shared: “This is not just a personal milestone, but also proof that with proper guidance, commitment, and a supportive environment, young people can reach global standards. I hope my story will inspire colleagues to challenge themselves and keep learning.”

To achieve this success, Thao had to overcome many difficulties, especially balancing work and study. “There were nights when I had to study after long meetings, but the companionship of my mentor, colleagues, and FPT’s PgMP community helped me overcome those challenges,” she shared.

Not stopping at personal achievement, Thao aims to become a mentor and inspiration for the next generation of project managers at FMI, encouraging them to pursue international certifications like PMP® and PgMP®. She also hopes to continue strengthening her program management, risk management, and stakeholder engagement skills, so that the FMI team can confidently lead world-class projects with outstanding quality.

“Don’t wait until you feel ‘ready’.Stay curious, stay humble, and always align your personal goals with the company’s vision — that’s how we all grow together,” she advised her colleagues.

With her courage, passion, and progressive spirit, Phuong Thao not only asserts FPT/FMI’s position on the global map but also becomes an icon of learning and breakthrough for the young generation of FPT – those who are contributing every day to FSOFT’s journey of reaching out to the world.