Great Concordian: Thanh My Nguyen, scientist, inventor and entrepreneur

Thanh My Nguyen, BSc 86, MSc 88, LLD 24, has made an indelible mark as a scientist, inventor and entrepreneur who has founded more than a dozen successful enterprises.

The chairman of Singapore-based RYNAN Technologies arrived in Montreal in 1979 as a refugee from Vietnam. He worked as a dishwasher to support himself while pursuing bachelor’s and master’s degrees in chemistry at Concordia, followed by a doctorate in energy and materials science from l’Institut national de la recherche scientifique — achieving all this within a remarkable seven years.

In 1997, Nguyen launched American Dye Source, Inc. in the Montreal suburb of Baie-D’Urfé. The company became a pioneer by producing near-infrared absorbing polymers for thermal offset printing plates, revolutionizing the industry.

After a successful stint in North America, Nguyen returned to his native Trà Vinh, Vietnam, in 2004. He promptly built up a new company, Mylan Group, a provider of innovative chemical products for use in biomedical research, digital printing and other industries.

A decade later, Nguyen co-founded RYNAN with his son, Brian Nguyen, BComm 10, a graduate of the John Molson School of Business. The company focuses on artificial intelligence and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions for agriculture, aquaculture and smart cities.

Over his career, Thanh My Nguyen has created or co-created more than 600 patented inventions and has authored 68 peer-reviewed scientific papers and five book chapters.

He is also the founder of the Co-operative Education Program and co-founder of the Applied Chemistry Department at Trà Vinh University, where he served as dean from 2007 to 2017. Through the Nguyen Thanh My Foundation, he has committed to improving health, education and housing for impoverished rural Vietnamese communities.

Despite a lifetime of accomplishments — including being named Vietnam’s Influential Business Person of the Year and a Concordia honorary doctorate in 2024 — the Great Concordian shows no signs of slowing down.

“I would die if I quit working,” says Nguyen. “I enjoy being surrounded by young scientists and engineers who are committed to innovation — that inspires and motivates me every day.”

When you reflect on your time as a Concordia student, what stands out?

Thanh My Nguyen: I remember the small and close-knit community, particularly in the building where most of my chemistry classes were held. Despite my demanding schedule of working long hours at a restaurant and attending classes, I found the professors and staff to be incredibly helpful and supportive. The personal interactions with my teachers, and the strong academic foundation provided by them, left a lasting impact on me. The environment at Concordia was nurturing, which was crucial for someone like me who had to balance work and study.

What are some of the factors that have enabled your success?

TMN: My success can be attributed to a combination of hard work, strong motivation and the quality education I received at Concordia. Working full-time while studying, I had to maximize the time I spent in class, making the most out of each lecture due to my lack of time for outside study. My motivation to succeed, driven partly by personal goals and the need to improve my circumstances, played a significant role.

Additionally, the excellent professors and the practical knowledge I gained from their teachings were crucial in shaping my career and enabling me to apply science and technology effectively in business.

What advice do you have for students who may want to follow in your footsteps?

TMN: Attend all of your classes and engage fully with the material presented. The professors at Concordia provide invaluable knowledge that can be directly applied to your career.

For those interested in combining science with business, focus on applying scientific and technological advancements to real-world problems. Embrace opportunities to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical application. The more you can leverage what you learn in a practical setting, the better prepared you’ll be for entrepreneurial ventures.

How does it feel to be a Great Concordian?

TMN: It fills me with immense pride to be recognized as part of the Concordia community, and it reinforces the value of the education and experiences I had there.

I cherish the connections I have made with other graduates and feel a deep appreciation for the role Concordia has played in my life. The growth of the university has been tremendous, and when I meet fellow alumni around the world it reminds me of the impact my alma mater has had on my personal and professional journey.