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| Nguyen Anh Khoi inspecting seafood before preparing it for his customers |
Innovating to reach new heights
On a chilly late-year morning, we visited An Lagoon Seafood Master, a seafood restaurant that marks the entrepreneurial journey of Mr. Nguyen Anh Khoi, Chairman of the Members’ Council of AK5 Investment and Harvest Co., Ltd.
From afar, An Lagoon Seafood Master stands out amid the serene waters of Lap An Lagoon with its gracefully curved bamboo arches, blending harmoniously with the surrounding nature. Breezes from Lang Co carry the salty essence of the ocean. Mr. Nguyen Anh Khoi and his staff were bustling about, decorating the restaurant for Christmas and the New Year.
At the reception desk, employees were constantly taking reservations from domestic and international tourists. Mr. Khoi’s wife proudly showed us photos of a dazzling wedding reception recently held at the restaurant for a Vietnamese-Korean couple.
Before becoming a prominent young entrepreneur, Mr. Nguyen Anh Khoi was a student in Australia. At the University of Queensland, one of the world’s top 50 universities, he not only earned dual bachelor’s degrees in finance and economics but also acquired modern management thinking and deep insights into global business. Despite numerous job opportunities abroad, he chose to return to Hue to embark on his entrepreneurial journey. He later founded AK5 Investment and Harvest Co., Ltd. and devoted his efforts to establishing the An Lagoon Seafood Master project in Lang Co.
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| Nguyen Anh Khoi receiving the national “Outstanding Young Entrepreneur” award |
This project is the “brainchild” that Khoi has been nurturing for a long time. He recalled that eight years ago, upon returning to Vietnam, he saw the untapped potential of Lang Co - a pristine land with limited systematic tourism development. He embarked on his entrepreneurial journey with An Lagoon Seafood Master.
Nestled amidst the vast waters of the lagoon, An Lagoon maximises the use of materials like bamboo, rattan, and palm leaves to create a rustic yet elegant and unique ambiance. From hand-constructed bamboo columns to wooden bridges connecting different areas, every detail reflects a deep respect for nature. Mr. Khoi proudly states, “An Lagoon is part of Lap An Lagoon, and everything here is inspired by nature.”
Stopping at the crystal-clear seafood tanks where each and every shrimp, crab, and fish is meticulously cared for before appearing on the table and hearing the story of how An Lagoon was built, I realised that its uniqueness lies not only in its setting or materials but also in the passion Mr. Khoi pours into every small detail. For him, this is how An Lagoon becomes more than just a destination - it’s an unforgettable experience for diners. “Almost 100% of customers who visited the restaurant come back again,” shared Mr. Khoi.
To ensure the freshest seafood at reasonable prices, Mr. Nguyen Anh Khoi invested in pickup trucks and specialised equipment to purchase supplies directly from the source. This meticulous approach allows customers to enjoy high-quality dishes at competitive prices. He also established a dedicated research team to innovate new dishes and beverages, ensuring that the restaurant remains unique and enticing.
On average, the restaurant welcomes thousands of visitors from all over each month. As a result, An Lagoon provides stable employment for dozens of local residents, helping them increase their income and strengthen their connection to their hometown. Recently, An Lagoon was ranked among the top 9 culinary experiences in Hue, as voted by the Department of Tourism and Sai Gon Marketing Magazine.
Commitment to the community
Under Mr. Khoi’s leadership, An Lagoon is more than just a restaurant - it is a close-knit organisation where every employee feels valued. Every initiative and step Mr. Khoi takes is aimed at creating sustainable value, not only for customers but also for his team. Ms. Trinh Thi Bich Hang, the restaurant’s General Manager, said that Mr. Khoi always inspired everyone. His dedication and sense of responsibility motivate his staff to give their best.
In our conversation, Mr. Khoi consistently expressed his gratitude and respect for his team. “Improving the quality of life for my staff is what motivates me to keep innovating,” affirmed Mr. Khoi.
Mr. Khoi also leads in adopting technology to streamline restaurant operations. Digital transformation software is integrated for tasks ranging from table reservations, inventory management to customer care.
Amid the market’s waves, Mr. Khoi chooses to “steer the boat” towards the community. For him, success isn’t just measured in numbers but also in the smiles of local people and the sustainable values created from heartfelt dedication.
In 2022-2023, Mr. Khoi donated hundreds of millions of VND to charitable projects, including building docking stations for boats in Loc Vinh Commune, organising local sports events, and supporting the Housing Fund for the disadvantaged in A Luoi District.
As Vice Chairman of the Young Entrepreneurs Association of Hue City, Mr. Khoi actively connects, leads, and spreads entrepreneurial spirit within the community of businesses and young entrepreneurs.
Leaving An Lagoon, I was left with the image of a young entrepreneur who dares to think big, takes bold actions, and values sustainability. That passion will undoubtedly help Mr. Khoi write even more remarkable stories in the future.
Mr. Tran Duc Minh, Chairman of the Young Entrepreneurs Association of Hue City, affirmed that young entrepreneur Nguyen Anh Khôi not only achieves success for himself but also makes a positive contribution to the growth of the young business community in the province. Mr. Khoi’s enthusiasm and determination are a significant source of inspiration for many other young entrepreneurs.
The “Outstanding Young Entrepreneur” is awarded by the Central Youth Union, the Vietnam Youth Federation, and the Vietnam Young Entrepreneurs Association. In 2024, over 140 nominations from 43 provinces and cities nationwide were submitted. Through three rigorous rounds of evaluation, the selection committee identified 86 exemplary candidates to receive the title, including Mr. Nguyen Anh Khoi.