Who is the first client to gift a logo to PLG Translation?

Going through an extended period of operation since 2009, PLG has earned considerable attention and trust from communities around the world. This achievement is attributed to the dedicated efforts of each member, with special gratitude to our valued partner clients who have provided opportunities for PLG. Looking back at these results, we never forget the early days of entrepreneurship, especially when the first client placed an order and gifted PLG with a meaningful logo and message.

Since Vietnam’s accession to the WTO in 2007, foreign investors and experts have shown increasing interest. However, at the same time, the global financial crisis erupted in September 2008 with the bankruptcy filing of Lehman Brothers, one of the largest banks in the United States. This event had negative impacts on the global economy, including Vietnam. Specifically, Vietnam’s economic growth rate dropped from 8.48% in 2007 to 6.24% in 2008. Through stimulus policies to attract investment, Vietnam gradually showed signs of recovery and experienced positive changes in 2009.

Illustration of the Vietnamese market

Recognizing the potential of the market, PLG was established with the purpose of providing services related to multilingual solutions, including the field of Translation. However, accessing the public or finding highly skilled professional translators, especially, tapping into rare languages becomes even more challenging. At that time, the industry was not widely known, with few people familiar with it, and it was even considered unfamiliar. Moreover, advertising costs on television, print media, radio, and event organizations were seen as expensive for a newly established small translation company.

Despite lacking advantages in finance, experience, and brand recognition, through determined efforts, perseverance, and social networking,  PLG successfully connected with collaborators holding degrees ranging from bachelor’s to doctoral qualifications, working in government agencies, embassies, consulates of various countries, and experts in the field of translation at that time. After thorough organization preparation, we proceeded with marketing activities by minimizing costs through free news platforms and referrals from friends and acquaintances. As a result, just after one week, our first client proactively approached us, requesting translation of some specialized documents. It was revealed that Mr. Nguyen Bao Toan, one of the top senior experts in the field of Marketing with outstanding achievements, was the client. He also held the position of Deputy CEO of Vinasun Group, contributing to bringing the company’s brand to the community.

Photo. Portrait of the first client of PLG Translation

The first time we received an order, we felt extremely excited. This marked a historic milestone, signifying the establishment and recognition of the professional capabilities of PLG Translation. Because we understand the importance of the service, we always place a high emphasis on comprehensive quality in terms of form, content, and the privacy protection of our clients. As a result, every process is strictly monitored to ensure the best possible outcomes. From there, PLG consistently receives orders through word-of-mouth referrals and client reviews. However, at that time, apart from the name PLG, we had not considered developing a website or any representative logo for the company.

In that same year, Mr. Toan – the first client, kindly expressed his intention to gift a website and logo design to PLG, so that we could reach even more clients. This greatly surprised us and we highly appreciated his kind-heartedness. However, we only agreed to accept assistance with the logo design because, at that time, none of the young team members had come up with a suitable meaning, and we were very eager to know what suggestions he would come up with. Later on, another person recounted that it took him over a week to come up with an idea based on the working style here.

Truly, when receiving the logo, we are infinitely grateful and appreciative for the effort and time that he gifted to PLG. Especially, understanding the profound meaning behind the logo as he thoroughly explained : “PLG is a combination of three letters forming a flame, and when you rotate that flame clockwise using the right hand, you’ll have the symbol of the thumb pointing upwards, signifying excellence, goodness, and positivity. Within it, the letter ‘L’ in blue represents sincerity, gentleness, thoughtfulness, and wholeheartedness. The letters ‘P’ and ‘G,’ both in red, symbolize passion, dynamism, and decisiveness. The flame represents perceptive, enthusiasm, and agility. Overall, the PLG logo embodies unity, responsibility, and integrity”. Additionally, he also hopes that PLG will become a trusted place for every clients and achieve new advancements in the future.

The image. The gift from the past is always cherished by PLG

The special and meaningful gift from him has been incorporated by PLG and implemented as a guiding principle in our work culture. Until now, PLG has expanded to 150 languages and has more than 8,000 Vietnamese collaborators, native foreigners to various parts of the world, working together to build an international language community and embark on the path of global integration. For PLG, the logo not only carries the meaning of gratitude but also serves as a reminder for us to understand that kindness is the solid foundation for building strong connections and bridging any gaps with clients.