Prof. Dr. Andreas Stoffers, Country Director of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF) in Vietnam, enthusiastically shared his love for the culture, history and people of Vietnam - the place he considers his second homeland.
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| "Living in Vietnam has been a truly enriching and wonderful experience for me," shared Prof. Dr. Andreas Stoffers. (Photo: NVCC) |
Talking to TG&VN reporters in the bustling atmosphere of the days leading up to the Lunar New Year of Giap Thin, Prof. Dr. Andreas Stoffers expressed that he likes the melodious language, the openness of the people, the great dynamism of the economy, and the rich culture and history of Vietnam.
It is known that you came to Vietnam in 2009. Can you share more about your relationship with this country?
I first came to Vietnam in the summer of 2009, when I was working at Deutsche Bank. I worked in Hanoi as a member of the executive board of Deutsche Bank Vietnam from 2009 to 2012.
I can say that I fell in love with Vietnam from the first days I arrived here. I was completely captivated by the history, culture and people here.
For me, making an effort to learn Vietnamese from the beginning is a must because this is the only way for me to understand and truly immerse myself in the culture and people of a country.
I then returned to Germany and became a professor of international management. In Germany, I continued to focus on the relationship between Germany and Southeast Asia, especially Vietnam.
At the end of 2019, I married a Vietnamese girl and found a job opportunity here. I took on the role of Country Director of FNF Vietnam Institute in Hanoi. Living in Vietnam has been a truly enriching and wonderful experience for me.
What do you think about Vietnam and its people?
Since I was a child, I have been interested in Asian countries. Later I focused more on Southeast Asian countries. I studied economics, history and international relations and wrote my doctoral thesis on the history of German-Thai relations.
In Vietnam, I studied a lot about history and culture. Not only the most recent history - the struggle for Vietnam's independence - but also the country's thousands of years of history. I also studied the characteristics and achievements of the Le, Tran, Trinh, and Nguyen dynasties.
I was very impressed when learning about the rise of Vietnam after the country's reunification, with the highlight being the Doi Moi in 1986 and becoming a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) since 2007. Even during the Covid-19 period, the Vietnamese economy continued to grow. Many German investors, especially those who have lived and worked in Vietnam, have recognized the country's great potential.
Since 2009, I have built very close personal, professional and family relationships with Vietnam.
I can say that I have found my second home in Vietnam. I love the melodious language, the openness of the people, the great dynamism of the economy, the rich culture and history of Vietnam. And I cannot forget my Vietnamese wife - who holds an important place in my heart.
In your opinion, what is the most interesting thing about living in Vietnam?
This is really a difficult question for me because I have not been able to choose the most interesting thing among the countless interesting things about living and working in the beautiful country of Vietnam.
Is it the history and culture? Is it the amazing scenery from North to South: the beaches stretching across 3 regions, the river delta of the West, the cloudy passes of the Central region, the mountains of the North? Or is it the Vietnamese cuisine? Or is it the Vietnamese people? Or maybe the unprecedented economic and social development that Vietnam has undergone since gaining independence and especially since the Doi Moi period?
Well, I think, the most interesting thing to me is the combination of all the interesting things mentioned above!
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| Prof. Dr. Andreas Stoffers on a trip to Ha Giang. (Photo: NVCC) |
Which places in Vietnam have you visited? Which destination left the most impression on you?
I have visited many provinces and cities in Vietnam and I will continue to explore new destinations in this beautiful country.
I have been to vibrant cities like Hanoi, Saigon, Hai Phong, Da Nang and Can Tho, admired the wonderful beaches in Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Quy Nhon and Mui Ne, and seen the majesty of Ha Long Bay.
In addition, I also enjoyed the cultural beauty of Hoi An ancient town, the Red River Delta, the Mekong Delta and Sa Pa. Each destination left me with very special impressions.
Perhaps, the most memorable thing for me was the train journey from Hanoi to Saigon. My emotions were overwhelmed when the beautiful scenery of this journey gradually appeared before my eyes through the train window.
Will you celebrate Lunar New Year in Vietnam this year? How do you feel about Tet in Vietnam?
Like recent years, this year I will celebrate Tet in Vietnam. I celebrate Tet in Hanoi and in the South.
My wife's hometown is Mui Ne. That's why I'm especially happy to be able to celebrate Tet with my family and relatives.
Lunar New Year is a special occasion for Vietnamese people, in which Vietnamese culture is especially emphasized.
In the days before Tet, people often decorate with yellow apricot branches, peach blossoms, kumquat trees and many other types of flowers. People are also busy buying meat, vegetables… to prepare traditional dishes. Some families diligently clean their houses, “giving new clothes” to their houses. And adults often prepare red envelopes for children or the elderly or guests who enter the house first in the year.
I really like the atmosphere in the days before Tet, very bustling and exciting.
In Hanoi, I love watching people prepare and “eat” Tet. I also love the quiet Tet days in Mui Ne. Here, I can speak Vietnamese and can join in everyone’s stories. For me, this doubles the joy of Tet.
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| Prof. Dr. Andreas Stoffers at a seminar on studying abroad at Vietnam National University, Hanoi. (Photo: NVCC) |
Over the past years, you and FNF have had many activities aimed at Vietnamese youth such as supporting start-up programs, launching the book "Refresh! 20 days to refresh yourself"... Can you reveal the plans of FNF and you personally in Vietnam in the near future?
The main task of the FNF is to develop German-Vietnamese relations, promoting the ideas of liberalism and the market economy. To achieve this goal, we select and cooperate with a number of Vietnamese partners in the political and administrative fields through ministries, branches and localities; scientific cooperation with universities and research institutes; economic and social development cooperation with domestic organizations...
With FNF, I focus especially on public relations and promotion in Vietnam and in Germany. As you can see, from a press perspective, FNF is constantly "covering" Germany and is known by German business people. In a way, we are also promoting the image of Vietnam to the German market.
This year, FNF will continue to support entrepreneurs, especially young entrepreneurs, and contribute to Vietnam's economic development.
Personally, as FNF Country Director in Vietnam, I am also strongly committed to the development of Vietnam.
After the book “Refresh! 20 days to refresh yourself” - an inspirational book, I will promote the next projects for young people. My book “Beat Inflation” is planned to be released this year.
In 2024, I will focus mainly on topics of artificial intelligence (AI), Ho Chi Minh City financial center and financial education for young people. In particular, I will continue to maintain a close relationship with the country and people of Vietnam.
Thank you!
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