Never Say No – My Journey From Saddleworth to Saigon

Ken Atkinson OBE, AKA Pham Kien Son, born and raised on the edge of the Saddleworth moors in northern England, overcame the hardships of post World War II life with a mixture of smarts, grit, and a solid work ethic instilled by his parents. Ken’s pioneering spirit took him to Leningrad and Beijing where he negotiated and financed both country’s first ever foreign financed luxury hotels in 1979 and 1980. He eventually arrived in Vietnam where he built a 400-member international accounting firm that recently celebrated its 30th anniversary.

Ken Atkinson’s business career began with selling ice cream in a northern English town, but soon blossomed into an international banking career that then morphed into playing a long-term role in helping to build Vietnam’s economy and links with the world. He also played a crucial role in the opening up of both Russia and China to foreign invested projects, and for the past three decades and more has lived and worked in Vietnam with Ho Chi Minh City as his base. Along the way, there have been many up and downs, moments of suspense and humour, and it is all documented in this magnificent and unique memoir. Not bad for a kid who grew up amid the fields and stonewalls of northern England. From Saddleworth to Saigon, Ken’s story is sure to inspire anyone with an ounce of ambition to pursue greatness and to never say no to opportunity.

Contents

1 The Ice Cream Prince of Sheffield 

2 European Adventures 

3 Global Banker 

4 Behind the Iron Curtain 

5 The Dragon’s Dance 

Interlude 1: Flying Behind the Great Wall 

6 The Hong Kong Hustle 

7 Early Doi Moi 

Interlude 2: The Reluctant Brawler 

8 My Life in Vietnam 

 

Reflections on Ken Atkinson 

A Trusted Companion in Vietnam’s Transformation by Pham Phu Ngoc Trai

Promoter & Partner—Trung Chi Nguyen, C.E.O. —Grant Thornton

How many bosses would do that?—Vinh Ha Nguyen, Partner—Grant Thornton

Pioneer Spirit—Mark Fraser, Lawyer—Fraser Law

Mixing with The Carpetbaggers—Mark Lockwood, Lawyer—Formerly with Baker McKenzie

Cradle to Grave—Carl Gay, Engineer—Indochine Engineering

Carving His Own Way—John East, Lawyer—Retired

We Were Fearless—Kenneth Buchanan,  Banker—Retired

Current Appointments 

Dedication 

Acknowledgments