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NGO, Nhat (b. 1971)

Oral Histories

OH 2196

Vietnamese-American immigrant and entrepreneur based in Dallas, Texas. Born in Saigon, Vietnam, Ngo and his family fled postwar Vietnam in 1979, surviving a perilous journey by sea and nearly a year in a refugee camp in the Philippines before resettling in the United States. Ngo reflects on his family’s early struggles, the preservation of cultural traditions, and his pursuit of education and professional advancement. After earning a degree in finance from the University of Texas at Austin and a master’s degree from Southern Methodist University, Ngo built a successful career in finance before transitioning into the hospitality industry. He shares insights into founding the Wing Bucket restaurant chain, navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, and adapting to shifting economic landscapes, including the impact of COVID-19. Ngo’s testimony offers valuable perspectives on immigrant resilience, intergenerational sacrifice, and the evolving meaning of success in American society.