Entrepreneur Le Hang Lizeroux is often recognized for her radiant aurora, boundless energy, and vibrant cheerfulness. People frequently tell her, “Wherever you are, sister Hang, things just become more joyful.” Hearing this, she simply smiles and says, “I choose joy, and I radiate that cheerfulness every day to replenish my own positive energy. Go where there is joy, and step back a bit from where there isn’t.” While it sounds lighthearted, it contains the profound life philosophy of a woman who has navigated immense worldly turbulence.
Years ago, the name Le Hang Lizeroux was tied to the high-stakes world of the Vietnamese oil and gas industry. Today, what leaves the deepest impression is not just her corporate legacy or oil rigs, but the distinct, uplifting energy she carries.
Living to Give, Not to Receive
Following her major achievements in international business and memorable contributions to Vietnam’s oil and gas sector, Le Hang Lizeroux has chosen to dedicate much of her time and passion to education and philanthropy. Consequently, what people remember most is not just her success, but her character, poise, and a rare spirit of generosity seldom found in those who have reached the pinnacle of fame and fortune.
To her, giving has never been a transactional act to gain something in return. “Many people say a prayer for themselves or their families when doing charity work. For me, as long as what I give reaches the right person, and I see them a little happier, lighter, and more fulfilled, that is enough,” the female entrepreneur shares.
For years, Le Hang Lizeroux has channeled her efforts into charitable activities through the Open Arms Club. Characteristically, she avoids loud announcements or chasing publicity. She quietly contributes her own resources, and through that pure sincerity, others naturally gather around to join her cause. From setting up small libraries in remote areas to organizing medical missions for disadvantaged children and providing relief for those in dire straits, her work is carried out quietly yet enduringly.
This is likely why Le Hang Lizeroux possesses such a unique presence. It is not the booming energy of a tycoon talking about grand business lessons, but the warmth of someone who has weathered enough storms to realize that, after everything fades, kindness is what remains the longest.
The Storied Past of an “Iron Businesswoman with a Tender Heart”
Le Hang Lizeroux embodies two qualities that seem contradictory yet harmonize seamlessly. At first glance, she effortlessly captivates people as a woman who loves beauty—impeccably dressed, refined in her choice of accessories, and always carrying a glowing demeanor. Wherever she steps, smiles and laughter follow.
Yet behind this striking exterior lies the soul of an artist. In her private sanctuary, she nurtures a deep love for art, from collected sculptures and music to poetry. These are not mere hobbies, but her way of restoring her inner world after the intense pressure and frantic pace of the corporate arena.
Despite her business triumphs and highly positive outlook, she maintains a tender sensitivity to life’s subtle nuances. She possesses both the softness of an emotionally rich woman and the gritty, unyielding resilience of a battle-tested entrepreneur that few see on the surface.
In 1990, Le Hang Lizeroux decided to return to Vietnam from abroad to start her business. It was not driven by a mere eye for opportunity, but by a lingering heartache watching her homeland struggle through hardship. That emotion propelled her into the grueling oil and gas industry. The journey was anything but smooth. There were moments when she faced crushing financial strain, intense partner disputes, and prolonged isolation as drilling rigs repeatedly failed over several years. At one point, completely exhausted, she contemplated walking away from it all to seek monastic life.
During those darkest days, she traveled to Tibet. But unlike those who view spirituality as a temporary escape from life’s pressures, she sought it to find the strength to keep going.
In a small mountain room before an elderly monk, Le Hang Lizeroux wept after years of holding it all in. That moment acted as a release valve, allowing her to realize her true life purpose: “To live is to give.” Rejuvenated, she returned to Vietnam, diving back into her work and unfinished responsibilities. Her relentless efforts eventually yielded historic success. The two oil fields she developed—named Hoang Long and Hoang Vu after her sons—became monumental landmarks in Vietnam’s oil and gas industry.
“Wherever There is Love, That is Home”
Today, Le Hang Lizeroux divides her time between the United States and Vietnam. Her life is a continuous journey moving between family, friends, and cherished relationships in both countries. Yet when asked where “home” is, she answers without hesitation: “Wherever there is love, that is home.”
At this stage of maturity, having lived through all the highs and lows, her message to other women is beautifully simple: “Live as yourself. You must learn to love yourself first. Only when you are joyful and happy can you bring joy and happiness to others.”
Ultimately, she is remembered not just as a fierce businesswoman who conquered a brutal industry, but as a woman who chose to use her success to repay her homeland, used her deep compassion to navigate life’s shifting tides, and continues to live as a beautiful source of light for everyone around her.
By Lieu Ho