White Nights and Shared Bread on Concrete Floors

Joining Minh Duc in May 2023, Mr. Bui Chi Tam was quickly entrusted by the Board of Directors with coordinating the post-tensioning (PT) structure package for three massive categories at Regent: Maintenance Building F1.6, Knitting Workshop F1.2 (60,000 m²), and Dyeing Workshop F5.6 (50,000 m²).

During the year-end peak phase, when progress was pushed to "lightning speed," the concept of day and night almost vanished for Mr. Tam and his colleagues. He recalls the days at workshop F1.2, where the pressure was as taut as the PT cables on the floor. One team rushed to install cables in time for concrete pouring, while another took advantage of every minute to tension the zones that had matured, freeing up space for the main contractor.

“I remember forever a night working until 3–4 AM. In the skin-cutting cold of Phu Tho's winter, everyone was exhausted, eyes heavy from lack of sleep. But looking around, from engineers to workers, no one left their position. The moment we took a short break to share a loaf of bread and a bottle of water right on the messy concrete floor, I felt the spirit of 'sharing joys and sorrows' most clearly. Those sleepless nights together created a special bond for the Minh Duc team,” Mr. Tam shared emotionally.

Risk Management Courage: “Never Trade Safety for Progress”

In the construction industry, especially in PT execution, mistakes are not allowed. With high-pressure hydraulic jacks and cable bundles carrying hundreds of tons, every minor negligence can lead to immeasurable consequences.

Understanding this, he strictly integrated the Group’s “1 Million Safe Working Hours” program into every breath of the construction site. He established three strict “checkpoints”: Pre-shift equipment inspection; establishing absolute safety zones during tensioning; and especially the right to “Stop Work” immediately if a hazard is detected.

To him, the core factor to balance Progress - Quality - Safety is the “Repetition of Discipline.” He maintains regular quick briefings every morning, avoiding empty theories and focusing directly on the specific hazards of that day. When discipline becomes a natural reflex for every worker, the work cycle will automatically run smoothly.

A Solid Rear Guard and a Message to the Next Generation

When asked about his motivation for staying at the site, he spoke of the seamless coordination from the Group. He highly appreciated the "fire-sharing" from the Office Block—the rear guard who flexibly and quickly resolve proposals regarding materials and finance so the construction flow remains uninterrupted. This support helps those on the "front line" like him feel more secure in completing their tasks.

Sending a message to young colleagues entering the construction profession, he believes: “The sun-and-wind-drenched construction site is the most valuable practical lecture hall. Do not fear hardship or involvement. As long as you have a progressive attitude and discipline, Minh Duc is always a land for you to grow."

To his brothers and colleagues staying day and night at Regent: “I understand that at this stage everyone is tired due to progress pressure; hasty meals and sleepless nights at the site are unavoidable. But 'fire tests gold, hardships test strength'—it is during these most difficult times that the bravery and solidarity of the Minh Duc team are proven. We have overcome the hardest items together; let's continue to hold the oars steady and stay strong to bring the project to a successful finish, worthy of the sweat and effort spent.”

The story of engineer Bui Chi Tam at the Regent Phu Tho project is just one of thousands of proud snapshots of workers at Minh Duc Construction Group. Across Vietnam, from the cloud-crossing bridge spans of the Dong Dang - Tra Linh high-speed railway project to modern urban areas like Metropole Thu Thiem or large-scale factories in Bac Giang and Nghe An, there are many other outstanding individuals quietly contributing.

They may be field engineers with sun-darkened skin, diligent machine operators, or office staff who stay awake with the rhythm of the construction site. Regardless of their position, every drop of sweat falling in the freezing winter or under the scorching sun is contributing to the shape of iconic structures, building a modern infrastructure—the solid foundation for the nation's era of rising.