From a third-grade dropout to famous ceramics maker exporting worldwide

Ly Ngoc Minh, chairman and founder of Minh Long Ceramics Company, defied the odds by transforming from a boy who only completed the third grade into the creator of a globally recognized ceramic brand and the owner of a ceramic product museum.

At a press meeting held in Binh Duong province on Tuesday to discuss the story behind Minh Long, a ceramic producer, and Minh Long Ceramics Museum, Minh reflected on his 55-year journey.

He left school after the third grade. At age 12, he attended an exhibition in Lai Thieu district, Binh Duong, where he first realized that ceramics could be elevated into sophisticated works of art. "That moment sparked my dream of revolutionizing Vietnam's ceramic industry," Minh recalled.

However, Minh emphasized that dreams alone are not enough; they require action. A pivotal moment in his life came when his mother sold three taels of gold - nearly all the family’s assets - so he and his friends could purchase paint, find suitable clay, and establish a makeshift “laboratory.”

Through this space, Minh began to teach himself, experimented, and eventually traveled to ceramic hubs in Asia and Europe, countries like Germany, Japan, and China, where porcelain technology had reached its zenith. These experiences laid the foundation for Minh Long.

What started as a modest bamboo workshop evolved into a sprawling factory complex spanning 120,000 square meters. After years of trial and errors, Minh Long developed cutting-edge techniques, including a one-time firing process at 1,380 degrees Celsius, meeting the highest German standards.

The company implemented an automated production system that manages every stage of the process, from preparing clay and glazes to creating molds and decorations. Today, Minh Long products are exported to many countries, including Japan, France, and Germany.

Expanding on technological advancements, Minh Long introduced a line of health-focused (duong sinh) ceramic products. Minh explained that "duong" means to nourish, while "sinh" means to live, symbolizing the brand’s commitment to promoting well-being.

Their innovations include pots capable of withstanding thermal shocks of 800-900 degrees Celsius and suitable for induction cooktops, ceramic chopsticks, and health-preserving cups. These cups, described by Minh as “a gift of health,” aim to reduce plastic waste and encourage sustainable practices.

Vietnam’s ceramic museum

Ly Ngoc Minh also spearheaded the creation of Vietnam’s first ceramics museum, showcasing hundreds of ceramic masterpieces crafted and introduced by Minh Long. Highlights include a relief representing Vietnam’s spirit of solidarity and growth and a unique set of ceramic musical instruments offering an entirely new auditory experience.

One of the museum’s most impressive collections features monolithic ceramic trophies over one meter tall, created without the use of glue or screws, alongside other extraordinary works of art.

According to Minh, each artifact blends culture, artistry, and technical expertise, embodying the creative and meticulous spirit of Vietnamese craftsmanship.

“The museum conveys the cultural and artistic heritage of Vietnam, preserved and passed down through generations,” Minh said. “It allows people to take pride in their country’s ceramic art and production techniques.”

Discussing Minh Long’s core values, Minh highlighted two guiding principles: excellence and transparency. “If you do something, do it with the utmost quality,” he explained. “And be clear and specific, leaving no room for doubt or confusion.”