As part of an ongoing series, Branding in Asia talks to influencers across the globe, learning more about how they got started, what has driven their success, and other insights to inform both brands and aspiring influencers
This week we feature Dustin Phuc Nguyen. His YouTube channel “Dustin on the Go” is tuned in to by 141k subscribers and he also enjoys substantial followings on both Instagram and Facebook.
Dustin is based in his hometown, Ho Chi Minh, in the heart of Vietnam’s rapidly expanding economy and vibrant cultural scene. When asked what he loves most about being an influencer he told us: “Being in this field, no day is the same as I’m constantly working on new content, new projects, talking to new people, and coming up with new ideas.”
The Basics
Name: Dustin Phuc Nguyen
Age: 32
Hometown: Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
Current Residence: Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
Platforms You Work With: YouTube, Facebook, Instagram
Date of your first post: April 2009
Brands you’ve worked with: Nestlé, The Macallan, The Glenrothes, Aboslut Vodka, Samsung, Yves Saint Laurent, Budweiser, Sapporo, Toyota, Jose Cuervo, Le Meridien, SYM, Hello Moto
Agency Representation: CastingAsia Creators Network
Accounts: Instagram, YouTube, Facebook
Eight Questions
What were you doing before you became an influencer?
I was a VJ for MTV Vietnam for five years and started my career as a presenter and host for various commercial events and TV shows.
What inspired you to pursue it as a career?
My friend, Richard, told me that I should create a YouTube channel to further pursue my hosting career and at the same time, create original content. I thought it was a brilliant idea, so we founded Dustin On The Go, launching our first talk show series, Bar Stories, in April 2017 (it’s a series that features conversations with influential people across various industries, over drinks), and launched our blind dating series, Love Is Blind, in May 2019.
As you were building a following, was there a particular post or posts you felt pushed you to the next level?
We (as Dustin On The Go team) were really proud to have H’Hen Nie – she was crowned Miss Universe Vietnam in 2018, and represented Vietnam in Miss Universe 2018, finishing in the top five contestants – as a guest in our Bar Stories talk show, and she shared with us her inspiring stories of representing Vietnam in the world’s biggest beauty pageant competition.
What do you love most about being an influencer?
Being able to work from home, while traveling, always on the fast lane. Being in this field, no day is the same as I’m constantly working on new content, new projects, talking to new people, and coming up with new ideas.
What do you like the least?
Nothing at all, I love it. My privacy might be at risk, but I feel that it comes with what I’m doing.
How do you decide which brands to partner with, and how do you ensure that sponsored content resonates with your followers?
As Dustin On The Go, we love brands that share the same core values with our content creation (brands that are entertaining, informative, and meaningful/inspiring). We are also looking forward to collaborating with sustainable, educational, or non-profit organizations.
What inspires you to consistently create new content?
I love reading comments and reactions from like-minded people. Creating quality content encourages people to live a better life. Both contribute to my inspiration in creating new content that entertains audiences.
Any tips do you have for someone who wants to become an influencer?
Be aware of and be responsible for what you create, post, share or like. An influencer should not be recognized for who they are, but what value they bring to their community.
MORE:
- Influencer Insights: Kevin LaSean AKA XpertThief
- Influencer Insights: Cameron J Henderson
- Influencer Insights: Star Syndrome
You can see more influencer insights here.
