At 29, Lưu Minh Hiển is now the owner of two English language centers in Đà Nẵng, with nearly 300 students. What many don’t know is that he once struggled with English. However, through the right learning methods, he mastered the language and became determined to help young people learn English more effectively.
I. What Makes WISE Special
Located on Hàm Nghi Street (Thanh Khê District) and Trần Văn Dư Street (Ngũ Hành Sơn District), the two branches of WISE Education & Consulting Co., Ltd. have become trusted destinations for young learners, especially those preparing for the IELTS exam—one of the most recognized English proficiency tests worldwide, often required for studying, living, and working in English-speaking countries.
Since its launch in early 2018, WISE has conducted 100 classes, serving nearly 1,000 students with a faculty of over 10 teachers.
What sets WISE apart in the market is its philosophy:
“Study Smarter, Not Harder.”
Founder and CEO Lưu Minh Hiển explains that his goal is to help young people master English quickly and effectively through optimized learning methods.
II. The Journey of an International Student and His First “Brainchild” (WISE ENGLISH)
Reflecting on his past, Hiển recalls how difficult English was for him as a student specializing in natural sciences at Lê Quý Đôn High School for the Gifted.
“In 11th grade, I once encountered a group of foreign tourists who asked for directions to Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai Street. Although the street was just a few hundred meters away, I couldn’t explain it to them in English.
That incident made me question why I had spent so many years studying English yet couldn’t communicate. That’s when I started searching for effective learning methods that suited me.”
After graduating from high school, Hiển earned a scholarship to study in the UK, where he completed his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Finance. During his six years abroad, he took on tutoring jobs—including teaching British students.
In 2015, he returned to Vietnam and started an IELTS class at home. “I realized that many students were struggling with English just like I did before, so I felt compelled to share what I had learned to help them,” he said.
From these early tutoring sessions, in January 2018, Hiển invested over 500 million VND to establish the first WISE English center on Hàm Nghi Street (Thanh Khê District).
Although it was called a “center,” it initially had only four staff members—including Hiển and his wife.
III. Overcoming Early Startup Challenges
The early days of entrepreneurship were extremely challenging. His wife was expecting their first child, and he was still working full-time at another organization.
Lacking experience in management, Hiển faced a major setback just a few months in—an HR crisis led to his entire staff resigning. Realizing things weren’t working, he made a bold decision: quitting his stable job to dedicate himself fully to his startup.
“This experience taught me that people are the most critical factor in any business,” he said.
To improve, he took matters into his own hands—learning about human resources management, attending training courses by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), and joining the Young Entrepreneurs Association to gain insights and advice.
After nearly two years, Hiển is most proud of building a strong company culture and a cohesive team.
Looking ahead, WISE aims to expand its offerings, including:
WISE KIDS – English programs for children
WISE SKILLS – Soft skills training for young people
“My dream is to help Vietnamese youth not only become proficient in English but also develop essential skills like public speaking and critical thinking—so they can excel in their studies, careers, and lives.”
