Discover Vietnam: A Vietnam Podcast
I’m your host, Niall Mackay. Each week I share my personal stories, my wife and I's and with guests connected to Vietnam — entrepreneurs, artists, locals, Viet Kieu, expats, and voices from across the community, including the LGBTQ+ world.
Discover Vietnam: A Vietnam Podcast takes you inside the stories shaping life in one of the world’s most dynamic countries.
The conversations are honest and unscripted. Sometimes funny, sometimes challenging — always real. Together, we discover what it means to live, work, and thrive in modern Vietnam.
If you’re curious about Vietnam beyond the headlines and guidebooks, this podcast offers the insights and perspectives you won’t hear anywhere else.
Discover Vietnam: A Vietnam Podcast
Discover How Hanh Overcame Child Labor and Poverty | S14 E7
“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.
🎙️ Start Your Podcast Today!
👉 Book a FREE Discovery Call with me and let’s bring your idea to life!
🎥 Edit Videos Like a Pro with Descript!
👉 I use Descript to create my content—try it for FREE here:
🔒 Protect Your Privacy with NordVPN!
👉 Get 70% OFF their 2-year plan and enjoy a secure, ad-free internet!
These are affiliate links, and I’ll earn a small commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you.
✅ Subscribe for More!
If you enjoy content about life in Vietnam, food adventures, and great conversations, hit that subscribe button.
📸 Follow Me on Instagram 🌐 Visit My Website 🎉 Join Our Community!