On the evening of July 19, 2025, DEOCA Group held a Gala celebrating its 40th Anniversary under the theme “Journey through adversity”. The event took place at Deo Ca Tunnel Operation Center in Hao Son hamlet, Hoa Xuan commune, Dak Lak province.

The event welcomed the participation of Mr. Nguyen Thai Hoc, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front; Mr. Nguyen Viet Hung, Deputy Minister of Construction; Mr. Nguyen Viet Dung, Consul General of Vietnam in Guangzhou, China (Ministry of Foreign Affairs); along with leaders and former leaders from provinces such as Dak Lak, Cao Bang, Phu Tho, Lang Son, Tay Ninh, Quang Ngai, Lam Dong, and Bac Ninh. Also in attendance were representatives of strategic partners, banks, press agencies, and various universities and colleges. On behalf of the Group were the Advisory Council, the Board of Directors, staff representatives from offices and projects, as well as families of senior leaders and advisors.

The Gala is a moment of reflection on the 40-year journey of DEOCA Group, which began with a small cooperative in Phu Yen. Guided by the mindset of "Think different, make difference" and the core values of Aspiration - Perseverance - Gratitude, DEOCA has grown into a leading brand in Vietnam's transportation infrastructure sector.

From its first major success with the tunnel through Ca pass, DEOCA Group has demonstrated the intelligence and resilience of Vietnamese people. This achievement laid the foundation to overcome adversity, reach new heights, and enhance its reputation both nationally and internationally as a leading brand in Vietnam's transportation infrastructure sector.

A 40-year journey of aspiration, determination, and gratitude

In his opening remarks, Mr. Ho Minh Hoang, Chairman of the Board of Directors, expressed his gratitude to the distinguished guests, partners, and workers who had traveled from across Vietnam and other countries to attend the Gala. He emphasized the symbolic significance of the venue - Deo Ca Tunnel Operation Center, which was once a deserted valley filled with rocks excavated during tunnel construction and has now become the “base” for many of the Group’s on-going success. “DEOCA Group was born and raised through hardship, nourished by aspiration, matured through determination and gratitude towards families, homeland, and nation,” Mr. Hoang said.

Mr. Ho Minh Hoang - Chairman of the Board of Directors of DEOCA Group spoke at the Gala.

He recalled the Group’s 40-year journey with the slogan “think different, make difference,” and highlighted milestones such as Deo Ca, Cu Mong, and Hai Van 2 tunnels, Bac Giang - Lang Son and Trung Luong - My Thuan expressways. He also shared future directions, including completing key projects such as Dong Dang - Tra Linh and Huu Nghi - Chi Lang expressways, as well as participating in the development of high-speed railways, metro systems, and riverside urban areas along the Red River.

Mr. Hoang affirmed that DEOCA Group will focus on its core competencies, operating within its “circle of competency” in transportation infrastructure. The Group will also put a strong emphasis on corporate culture, human resources training, and the adoption of advanced technologies like Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) and artificial intelligence. He called for collaboration with local governments and partners in realizing major infrastructure projects that will contribute to a prosperous Vietnam.

"As we move forward, the people of DEOCA will carry with a spirit of aspiration, perseverance, and gratitude, striving to continue advancing alongside our nation in a rising era of Vietnamese people." he expressed.

Mr. Ho Minh Hoang, Chairman of the Board of Directors of DEOCA Group, presented gifts in appreciation to the Advisory Council, the Board of Directors, and the Executive Board.

The Group’s leadership presented awards to collectives and individuals who excelled in various activities held in celebration of the 40th anniversary of DEOCA Group.

Affirming the identity and mission of DEOCA

Mr. Ho Nghia Dung, Chairman of the Advisory Council of DEOCA Group, reflected on the journey from a small cooperative to a developer of key infrastructure projects. He affirmed DEOCA’s “identity” and “mission” in serving the country. "I still remember the first time I met Mr. Ho Minh Hoang, a young man from Phu Yen province who traveled to Hanoi with a determination to bore a tunnel through Deo Ca mountain. Our conversation began with doubt - 'Why does no one believe that Vietnamese people can build a tunnel through a mountain on their own?' and ended with his firm promise - 'I will do it, and I will do it well.' That first impression was “a bet” of trust on the young generation."

He noted that the passion and innovation shown by the Group’s employees had reinforced the Advisory Board’s belief in their ability to achieve further breakthroughs in Vietnam’s transportation infrastructure sector.

Mr. Ho Nghia Dung, Chairman of the Advisory Council of DEOCA Group spoke at the Gala.

Speaking at the Gala, Mr. Le Hai Hoa, Chairman of the Cao Bang People’s Committee, congratulated DEOCA and emphasized the Group’s critical role in realizing the dream of Dong Dang - Tra Linh expressway, which brings development opportunities to this revolutionary province. He praised the Group’s spirit of unity, sharing, and resilience beyond economic gain, as demonstrated by optimizing project costs, even cutting expenses by more than half compared to the initial plan.

“At a time when hope seemed to be lost, DEOCA stepped in with unwavering dedication and decisive action to support Cao Bang’s development goals,” he stressed.

Mr. Le Hai Hoa, Chairman of the Cao Bang People’s Committee spoke at the Gala.

Deputy Minister of Construction Nguyen Viet Hung expressed admiration for DEOCA’s development journey, which he saw as closely aligned with the nation's transformation. He said the Group’s evolution serves as an inspiration for many private enterprises in Vietnam, especially those in the transportation infrastructure sector.

With the slogan “Think different, make difference,” DEOCA Group has delivered breakthrough projects in terms of technology and quality that elevate the country’s transportation infrastructure.

“I have personally witnessed and deeply appreciated the sense of responsibility demonstrated by DEOCA Group. In some of the most challenging terrains, such as Cao Bang and Lang Son, DEOCAs engineers and workers have persevered day and night at the construction sites, striving to overcome geological difficulties, natural disasters, and surging material prices to realize the aspiration of connecting a continuous expressway from Cao Bang to Ca Mau, in line with the Prime Minister’s directive,” Mr. Nguyen Viet Hung shared.

Challenges only highlight DEOCA’s strength when tasked with “reviving” stalled projects. From Bac Giang - Lang Son to Trung Luong - My Thuan expressway, projects once considered unresolvable have been put back on track thanks to DEOCA’s intervention, meeting the expectations of the Party and the Government. This has further solidified the Ministry of Construction and the Prime Minister’s confidence in the Group as a “combat-ready” enterprise, equipped with a specialized training center and always ready to apply cutting-edge technologies to fulfill national goals.

"Each DEOCA’s project is highly appreciated by local authorities and residents, not only for its aesthetics and durability but also for its safety and professionalism in execution and management. The projects, which the Group invested in, have shortened travel times, promoted trade, and contributed to the socio-economic development of regions with “underdeveloped” transport infrastructure," he affirmed.

Mr. Nguyen Viet Hung, Deputy Minister of Construction spoke at the Gala.

Mr. Dao Tan Loc, Former Secretary of Phu Yen Provincial Party Committee, who has been closely associated with the Group since its early days, shared emotional reflections on the challenging beginnings of Hai Thach Cooperative, the predecessor of DEOCA Group. In 1997, when the cooperative was on the verge of bankruptcy, Mr. Ho Minh Hoang returned from Ho Chi Minh City to assume leadership in place of his father. He also highlighted the turning point when Mr. Hoang established Hai Thach Investment and Construction Co., Ltd., laying the foundation for the Group model.

In 2009, when Mr. Loc served as Provincial Party Secretary, young entrepreneur Ho Minh Hoang approached him with a bold tunnel project idea. "Mr. Hoang came to me and said, 'Let me find more partners to build the tunnel.' I thought it was unrealistic and bluntly told him: 'Your Group only has a few hundred billion of VND. Are you crazy to think about building Deo Ca tunnel?' Mr. Hoang firmly replied: 'Uncle, just trust me.'"

Deo Ca tunnel project broke ground in 2013 and was inaugurated in 2017, with a 28% investment cost saving compared to the original estimate. Mr. Loc affirmed that Mr. Ho Minh Hoang’s determination, creativity, and integrity turned the dream of Phu Yen people into reality.

A captivating artistic story of DEOCA’s 40-year journey

The Gala featured a specially produced artistic program divided into three chapters, vividly representing the Group’s development stages.

Chapter 1 (1985–2008): Inheritance and Overcoming adversity

The opening performance, "Overcoming adversity," illustrated the hardships of the early period from Hai Thach Cooperative to the dream of tunneling through mountains. The core value of “Aspiration” was expressed through powerful contemporary dance, paired with holograms recreating the historic moment of Deo Ca tunnel breakthrough. The segment concluded with the emotional song "Vietnamese Aspiration," performed by singer Phu Sy and the DEOCA ensemble.

Chapter 2 (2008–2018): Breakthrough - Growth

This breakthrough period with Deo Ca tunnel project was represented by the dance performance "Breakthrough," enhanced with holographic technology and upbeat EDM. Songs such as "Cao Bang - Reaching new heights" and "Mekong aspiration" honored signature projects and promoted the value of “Perseverance”. A highlight was the brocade-inspired runway extending from the stage into the audience zone, symbolizing regional connectivity.

Chapter 3 (2018–Present): The era of aspiration

The program closed with the mashup performance "Epic of the Aspiration Journey," performed by People’s Artist Quang Tho, along with singers Dong Hung and Trung Sy. Hundreds of Vietnamese and DEOCA flags were waved by attendees, creating an atmosphere of unity and pride.

As part of the event, DEOCA Group honored outstanding individuals and collectives, including members of the Advisory Council, Board of Directors, Executive Board, and employees with notable contributions. Various activities held in celebration of the 40th anniversary such as the "Proud to be DEOCA people" songwriting contest, internal Pickleball and football tournaments, and an online folk dance flash mob were recognized, highlighting the company’s culture of creativity and unity.

The 40-year milestone marks more than just a journey; it is a declaration of DEOCA’s ongoing commitment to pioneering development, overcoming adversity, honoring communities, and pursuing international integration. With the spirit of “Aspiration - Perseverance - Gratitude,” the Group is prepared to conquer new peaks and contribute to building a strong, prosperous Vietnam.

Looking ahead, the demand for transportation infrastructure development presents numerous challenges that the private business community, including DEOCA Group, must jointly address.

Recognizing this, DEOCA has set a strategic roadmap that focuses on training high-quality human resources; Establishing strong collaboration mechanisms with domestic and international partners; Proposing new projects aligned with local development goals, and applying advanced technologies such as TBM tunneling and artificial intelligence to enhance investment and construction efficiency.

For the people of DEOCA, the destination is always ahead.

News: TT - Photo: Hung Linh