When asked what to do to avoid risks in the chemical composting incident, what did Mr. Nguyen Duc Tai say?

Choose people to play with, choose people who are gentle and kind.

This afternoon (April 26), Mobile World Investment Corporation (stock code: MWG) held its 2025 annual general meeting of shareholders.

During the meeting, shareholders raised the issue of how to control the quality of goods entering the Bach Hoa Xanh chain to avoid incidents like the chemically treated bean sprouts that occurred earlier this year.

Responding to shareholders, Mr. Pham Van Trong, General Director of the Bach Hoa Xanh chain, said that the dream of achieving $10 billion in revenue before 2030 includes ensuring fresh, safe products for customers. Internally, the company is increasing supervision and conducting continuous inspections. In the long term, the company is selecting its partners carefully, choosing those with integrity, and shifting towards large, reputable suppliers to fulfill its $10 billion mission.

To elaborate, Mr. Nguyen Duc Tai - Chairman of the Board of Directors - said that only industrial production models, meaning those with strict control processes like large pangasius and shrimp export companies, can offer a relatively high level of security. Bach Hoa Xanh will shift its product procurement to such companies.

According to Mr. Tai, not all products follow such a process. Many small-scale products like leafy vegetables have to be purchased directly from farmers. But if a farmer suddenly acts up and buys pesticides to spray, Bach Hoa Xanh cannot stay up all night monitoring them. That's an undesirable risk. Therefore, the important point Mr. Tai emphasized is to choose your friends wisely, selecting those who are kind and decent.

When asked what to do to avoid risks in the chemical composting incident, what did Mr. Nguyen Duc Tai say? - 1

Mr. Nguyen Duc Tai - Chairman of Mobile World (Screenshot).

Mr. Tai also mentioned ensuring regular sampling or testing at any frequency to check goods entering the supermarket. This ensures that customers shopping at Bach Hoa Xanh supermarkets receive products with controlled quality, making them safer than those purchased at traditional markets.

At the same time, he emphasized how to minimize risks by coordinating with state agencies, using various control measures, and making concerted efforts. However, risks can still occur, but he believes that the frequency will be lower, and decent people will be willing to abandon their profession rather than harm others, so choosing your friends wisely is very important.

Willing to spend several billion dong to hire a "real-life" consultant

Within the Board of Directors of Mobile World Group, Robert Willett – an independent member – has consistently been the highest-paid member. For many years, his remuneration has exceeded 2 billion VND. In 2023, Robert Willett received ten times more than Nguyen Duc Tai. In 2024, this figure increased to over 2.35 billion VND, while Nguyen Duc Tai received 0 VND.

At the meeting, shareholders questioned Robert's compensation and role in the company. Mr. Tai responded that Robert had been with Mobile World for 15 years and contributed many valuable suggestions to change the company's operating model.

The chairman recalled having considered investing in a virtual network when mobile carriers were launching them, thinking the company had a large customer base. However, Robert discouraged him, saying that many entrepreneurs around the world had tried it but failed. That one piece of advice was invaluable, because if Mobile World had jumped in, it would have "died".

According to Mr. Tai, Mr. Robert is a "practical expert" who has traveled extensively and offers valuable advice. He believes that a consulting fee of 2-3 billion VND per year for a company with a market capitalization of several hundred trillion VND is well worth it.

Mr. Tai also said he wanted to find more independent members, but it was difficult. Because talented and capable people who can contribute are usually unavailable. People with "practical skills" like Mr. Robert are rare, so the challenge of choosing someone who is both dedicated and competent is not simple at all.

Mr. Tai acknowledged holding the position of Chairman of the Board of Directors but as a non-executive member. This is because the company already has three executives leading three strategic areas. He remains in the board to maintain the team's fighting spirit and contribute as an advisor to help the executives improve their skills.

Mr. Tài was one of the founding shareholders of Mobile World Group and has remained with the company to this day. Speaking to shareholders, he acknowledged that he had considered a transition roadmap but did not want it to happen abruptly, so that the current leadership could guide the group towards the future.

This year, Mobile World Group aims for net revenue of VND 150,000 billion and after-tax profit of VND 4,850 billion, representing increases of 12% and 30% respectively compared to the previous year. This revenue figure is a record high, and the profit is only slightly lower than the record level set in 2021.

The company plans to pay a dividend of up to 10% in cash for 2024 (1,000 VND per share). With over 1.46 billion shares outstanding, the estimated maximum payout would be 1,460 billion VND.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/kinh-doanh/duoc-hoi-lam-gi-tranh-rui-ro-vu-gia-u-hoa-chat-ong-nguyen-duc-tai-noi-gi-20250426171738415.htm