Esther Nguyen is a serial entrepreneur, digital media strategist, and brand builder with nearly three decades of experience pioneering businesses at the intersection of technology, commerce, and entertainment. Driven by a collaborative approach to growth, she has dedicated her career to establishing transparent digital ecosystems that empower local creators, protect intellectual property, and create sustainable economic opportunities across Southeast Asia.
Esther’s entrepreneurial journey began in 1998, when she founded an early e-commerce startup focused on beauty and health. Recognizing the power of cross-border collaboration and tech development, she later established a software outsourcing company that successfully bridged the tech sectors of the United States and Vietnam, building high-performing engineering teams in Ho Chi Minh City.
In 2007, Esther channeled these foundational experiences into founding POPS. Starting in Vietnam at a time when the digital landscape was still nascent, she led early initiatives to educate the regional market on copyright protection and intellectual property potential. By championing a fair infrastructure that allowed artists to legally distribute and monetize their work, POPS helped shape the modern entertainment ecosystem. Today, POPS has evolved into a leading digital media network across YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, and its proprietary OTT services, connecting with an audience of over 700 million fans across Southeast Asia.
Recognized for her dedication to supporting fellow entrepreneurs, Esther was named by Forbes as one of the "Top 60 Women-Led Startups Shaking Up Tech Across the Globe" and one of the "Top 10 Inspirational Female Tech Entrepreneurs from Southeast Asia." As a frequent speaker at regional industry events, Esther is a passionate advocate for women in business, focusing her platform on how digital literacy, ethical market practices, and access to capital can empower the next generation of global leaders.
