Tiếng ViệtBorn in 1969 in Binh Duong Province, entrepreneur Mai Huu Tin has made a name for himself in the business world through the successful revival of companies once on the brink of collapse. Since 2017, driven by a deep love and passion for Vovinam, he has also left a remarkable mark in the role of President of both the Vietnam Vovinam Federation and the World Vovinam Federation.
Having just returned from a business trip to Africa, Mr. Mai Huu Tin sat down for an open and heartfelt conversation with Thanh Nien magazine, expressing his desire to inspire young entrepreneurs and those who share a deep affection for Vovinam – the traditional Vietnamese martial art.
You have just returned from a working trip to Africa, where Vovinam – the Vietnamese martial art – is experiencing a remarkable surge in popularity. Could you share your impressions from the trip? Do you believe the development model of Vovinam in Africa could be applied to other regions?
Vovinam has been present in Africa since 1977, and we are currently preparing to celebrate its 50th anniversary on the continent. From Côte d’Ivoire, the movement has now expanded to 24 out of Africa’s 54 countries. Algeria stands out as the strongest, with over 30,000 regular practitioners and the capacity to compete for medals at the highest levels. Countries such as Senegal and Burkina Faso recently celebrated 40 years of Vovinam, while others like Nigeria have only just begun in recent years – and in places like South Africa, we are still laying the groundwork.
The economies of many African nations today are at a development stage similar to that of Vietnam several decades ago. Material scarcity has, in fact, made Vovinam particularly meaningful for the youth in these regions. With minimal cost, it offers them a path to holistic development – physically, mentally, and intellectually. This is a key distinction of Vovinam from other major martial arts around the world: it is comprehensive, not limited to combat technique alone.
However, sustainable growth cannot rely solely on the goodwill and sacrifices of a few devoted individuals or masters. We are actively exploring the possibility of investing in economic projects in Africa to build long-term support for the martial art. This principle holds true not only in Africa, but everywhere: the power of culture and sports must go hand in hand with economic strength.
Many people often refer to your two major aspirations, which are also key goals of Vovinam Vietnam: to establish a Global Vovinam Academy in Ho Chi Minh City and to bring Vovinam into the official competition system of the ASIAD and the Olympics. What is the roadmap for achieving these goals?
We remain committed to pursuing the Global Vovinam Academy project in cooperation with the leadership of Ho Chi Minh City, as originally envisioned. The academy is planned as part of the city’s broader development project centered around the Phu Tho Sports Complex. This location holds deep historical and emotional significance for Vovinam, which is why it remains our top choice. While we have contingency plans for other locations, the challenge lies not only in physical infrastructure.
In parallel, we are preparing other essential conditions—some of which are arguably even more critical—such as building a strong team of personnel and meeting the standards required for a high-level educational institution. Our ultimate goal is not simply to create another martial arts academy, but to establish a world-class training center for future leaders—individuals shaped by Vietnamese identity and spirit, yet capable of operating and excelling anywhere in the world.
At the 2023 Congress of the World Vovinam Federation, the entire operational framework was restructured to align with the regulations of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). We are also taking steps to fulfill the requirements set by WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) for member federations. These are foundational conditions for Vovinam to be eligible for participation in larger sporting arenas across Asia and the world.
To offer a bit of context, Thailand recently cited our non-membership with WADA as the reason for excluding Vovinam from the competition program at the 33rd SEA Games scheduled for December this year.
We are still in a process of learning while doing, as we previously had no experience operating a sports federation at a global level. Fortunately, Vovinam now has a committed and capable human resource network operating actively across Asia, Europe, and Africa. I have great confidence in this team and their vision for the future.
You have served as President of both the Vietnam Vovinam Federation and the World Vovinam Federation for eight years. Can you share both the joys and the challenges you’ve encountered along the way, particularly with Vovinam being officially recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2023?
Vovinam is gaining broader recognition both within Vietnam and internationally. It is now practiced, studied, and embraced in 73 countries across five continents, with millions of practitioners worldwide. Naturally, we could progress even faster and more powerfully with increased support and collaboration.
Vovinam is a cultural legacy that belongs to all Vietnamese people. Our goal is to expand its reach to over 100 countries within the next decade.
Despite your extremely busy schedule as a businessman, you still manage to devote considerable time—often a great deal of it—to Vovinam. You must have a special bond with this martial art?
In addition to my role as the President of the World Vovinam Federation, I’ve also been a practitioner of Vovinam for over 40 years. So yes, having a special bond with this martial art comes quite naturally. On my maternal side, my grandparents, uncles, and my mother were all practitioners of Tan Khanh Ba Tra, a branch of the traditional Tay Son Binh Dinh martial arts. As a result, I was exposed to Vietnamese traditional martial arts almost as soon as I learned to walk.
In 1984, when I was in 10th grade, some friends invited me to join them in learning Vovinam – Viet Vo Dao. That same group of friends, all now successful in their own right, reunited last year—coming together from both within Vietnam and abroad—to celebrate our 40-year journey with Vovinam. Clearly, this martial art has played a significant role in shaping our lives.
There’s also a rather special detail: my very first Vovinam instructor, Master Doan Van Vien from Binh Duong, may well be the only teacher in the world to have students who are now serving as presidents of every level of Vovinam federation—President of the Binh Duong Vovinam Federation, President of the Ho Chi Minh City Vovinam Federation, President of the Vietnam Vovinam Federation, and President of the World Vovinam Federation—all of which, coincidentally, happen to be me.
It’s been said that even at the age of 56, you continue to pursue learning with great dedication. Could you share your perspective on lifelong learning and what education means to you personally?
Learning should be a part of daily life—because the moment you stop, you’re already falling behind. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has stated that 50% of the knowledge one acquires in school becomes outdated just two years after graduation. So, I see learning not only as a necessity to stay current, but also as a source of joy.
That’s why I’ve progressed gradually from undergraduate studies in Vietnam to a master’s degree in Belgium, then a doctorate in the United States, and have continued to update my knowledge ever since. Some programs require me to be physically present—such as at Harvard Business School (HBS)—while others I can attend online from home on a daily basis. And it’s not just me. Many of my fellow entrepreneurs are doing the same.
This type of learning is not just beneficial for ourselves, but for our colleagues, our companies, and the broader community. Whenever we come across something useful or insightful, we’re always willing to share it with others.
How does leadership in business differ from leading an organization like the Vovinam Federation—in terms of management and core values? Do you have a roadmap for retirement and settling down with your family?
Whether you are leading a business or a professional social organization like the Vovinam Federation, one thing is constant: if you are not fully committed, you won’t succeed. But there is a significant difference in terms of depth and context. In business, things are often highly specialized and structured. In contrast, leading a movement like Vovinam is about community spirit and grassroots connection.
Sitting on a roadside in Africa with barefoot Vovinam students amid a landscape still marked by conflict is a vastly different experience from boardroom meetings in well-secured offices in developed cities.
As for retirement—there won’t be one, not in the traditional sense. I will gradually step back to give younger generations the opportunity to rise and lead. But as long as I remain useful, I will continue to contribute.
If you could share one message with Vovinam practitioners around the world—and with young people passionate about business—what would it be?
I hope more people will cultivate both passions: to grow holistically and to create as much value as possible for themselves and for others.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper