Difficulties in my childhood could not stop me from striving for academic excellence. The encouragement and care of my family, teachers and friends gave me a lot of strength to rank at the top, which opened up the opportunity for my further learning path beyond the Vietnam border.

Mathematics fascinated me as much as it has always been my primary focus during my education journey. My passion for working with Maths had finally come true since the big milestone when I earned a Scholarship for a Master's in Mathematics in the Netherlands, then followed up with a Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics. After completing my Ph.D., I started working at ABN AMRO bank in risk modeling with an economic capital focus, where I was responsible for modeling market risk. Though my time studying abroad was not easy with limited networking, the strong family connection with lots of love, the support from my supervisors and friends had provided me with enormous motivation to overcome everything and I had an unforgettable youth time.

After graduation, banking was my choice of work in the Netherland to utilize my mathematical skills and engage in financial modeling. However, I decided to move my small family back to Vietnam permanently, after the family event of my father’s passing away.

In 2012, I seized an opportunity to join MSB Bank during their transformation. With expertise in modeling and a love for numbers, I became the Chief Data Officer later on. The CEO's encouragement and the desire for continuous learning led me to this role. Curiosity and a passion for mathematics have shaped my career intertwined with data. Economic challenges, my personal experiences, along with my father's unwavering support and my affinity for mathematics have driven me forward.

Can you tell a bit about your passion for Math?

I had a natural inclination towards mathematics, which influenced my choice of topic for my Ph.D. - Computational Mathematics. It provided me with a framework for logical thinking and organizing information.

After completing my Ph.D., I started working at ABN AMRO bank in risk modeling with an economic capital focus, where I was responsible for modeling credit risk and market risk. Then, I transitioned to Rabobank, where I was responsible for credit risk, economic capital modeling and had the opportunity to study Basel II implementation and delve deeper into modeling techniques.

"Math & Finance Provided Me With A Framework For Logical Thinking & Information Organization"

During my Master's at Utrecht University Europe and Ph.D. Amsterdam University, I acquired a strong foundation in logical thinking. My Ph.D. work involved mathematical modeling in a different context, specifically in biological modeling. I studied the stimulation of algae growth in the ocean, which motivated me to apply mathematical concepts in practical ways. Simulation and modeling have been integral to my journey since my Ph.D., extending to my work at Rabobank and ABN AMRO Bank.

Can you shed some light on your current role at TNEX?

In TNEX, Data Science and Risk management are my primary focuses. However, I recently took on the role of interim CEO, which has broadened my responsibilities. In this capacity, I have been involved in various areas such as business development, company expansion, financial and business performance monitoring, stakeholder management, team building, talent development, and culture development. Besides, I also worked with consultants to develop strategies for the company.

How do you see the Data Science space changing or evolving in the financial sector?

Data science is not limited to the financial industry; it applies to every industry. This realization motivated me to delve deeper into the field. In 2018, while working on risk modeling, I had the opportunity to collaborate with the business and other teams to develop scoring models based on alternative data. This experience fueled my desire to constantly learn and stay at the forefront of emerging trends. The Data Science space in the financial sector is expected to undergo significant changes and evolution. Increasing adoption of AI, machine learning, and big data analytics will drive innovation and enable more informed decision-making for better financial outcomes.

Nga Pham Thi Nguyet, CEO & Chief Data Scientist, TNEX

Nga brings a wealth of expertise in mathematics, analytics, risk modeling, and financial services. Her impressive qualifications include a Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics, with a notable publication in the esteemed journal, Nature. Before joining TNEX, Nga held significant positions such as Head of Advanced Analytics and Deputy CRO at MSB, Risk Model Expert at Rabobank Group, and Quantitative Risk Analyst at ABN AMRO Bank in The Netherlands.