What do a humanitarian organization that saves thousands of lives from human trafficking, a 14-year-old saxophonist raising funds for impoverished children, and a group of young Vietnamese students mentoring to bridge education and opportunity in the UK have in common? At first glance, these stories may seem unrelated. Yet they converge in a remarkable way that demonstrates the strength, compassion, and global impact of the Vietnamese identity.
From Kevin Nguyen, a young musician who raises funds for poor children and promotes Vietnamese culture internationally, to The Project Darts , an initiative from the UK with the mission of helping Vietnamese students study abroad, these achievements reflect the growing influence of the Vietnamese community across five continents.
The Vietnam International Awards (VIA), held last October in the heart of London (UK), has been the foundation for these extraordinary things. Not only is it a time to honor achievements, the event also shows that Vietnamese identity, like bamboo, is always steadfast in the face of all storms, flexible in new directions and continues to inspire and connect communities around the world.
Stories from the winners
VIA 2024 gathered more than 200 nominations from the Vietnamese community in 18 countries around the world. With 13 diverse categories in fields from humanitarian, education, arts, business to community service, the award ceremony honored individuals and organizations whose contributions highlight and spread the resilient will and identity of Vietnam globally.
- Young Person of the Year Award: Kevin Nguyen
Kevin Nguyen, a 14-year-old saxophonist living in France, is not only an outstanding musician, but also a philanthropist. With his talent and influence, Kevin has organized fundraising activities to support poor children in Vietnam, while promoting his homeland's culture at international events. His ability to fluently use Vietnamese, English, French, Spanish and Chinese helps him easily create bridges between cultures and generations.
Individuals like Kevin Nguyen not only represent the strength of a generation of young Vietnamese overseas, but also play an important role in widely promoting Vietnam's heritage on international stages.
- Education Excellence Award: The Project Darts
Officially launched in 2022 by Jack Nguyen and Kelly Bui, The Project Darts is a project specializing in consulting and supporting Vietnamese students in the UK throughout their study and career journey. In addition to providing career guidance, The Project Darts' 50 consultants also play a role in cultural education, building a strong sense of community and fostering leadership skills for more than 330 international students who have placed their trust in the project over the years, while creating a strong connection between international students and their homeland's heritage. By equipping young Vietnamese people with the tools to achieve success, The Project Darts contributes to amplifying Vietnam's presence in the global academic and professional community.
As the founder and CEO of Pamikio Fashion, Nguyen Thanh Nga has introduced traditional Vietnamese textile products to more than 300 supermarkets worldwide, including major retailers such as Carrefour and Auchan. In addition to being a successful businesswoman, she is also a dedicated community leader, and an active supporter of Vietnamese cultural events in Europe and humanitarian activities during the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Named the “Goodwill Ambassador” at the Miss Ao Dai Europe beauty pageant, Nguyen Thanh Nga is a typical example of the spirit of solidarity and cultural preservation of the Vietnamese people.
- Restaurant of the Year: Nguyen's Sandwiches
Born in Sweden by Nguyen The Huynh, Nguyen's Sandwiches brings traditional Vietnamese cuisine to international diners with its authentic recipes and commitment to premium quality. Famous for its fresh, hot sandwiches and creative culinary events such as the "Giant Bowl of Pho" competition, the brand has become a culinary ambassador, bringing the essence of Vietnamese culinary heritage to the world. This reflects how food can preserve culture and create global connections.
- Creative Art Award: Toucher Arts Project
Musician Hoang Thu Trang, a talented Vietnamese-French artist, founded the organization Toucher Arts with a noble mission: to spread the quintessence of Vietnamese culture across five continents. Through music, art and vibrant community activities, her projects have attracted more than 20,000 participants, creating cultural spaces imbued with Vietnamese identity with parades, concerts and seminars. In addition to promoting culture, Trang's tireless efforts also bring profound humanitarian values when raising a significant amount of money to support disadvantaged children in Vietnam.
- Innovation of the Year: Katrin Kandel, CEO Facing the World
Ms. Katrin Kandel, CEO of Facing the World, was honored for her outstanding achievements in applying advanced technology to bring new life to Vietnamese children with facial deformities. Under her leadership, the charity not only contributes to performing life-changing surgeries but also deploys a telemedicine system, helping Vietnamese doctors in remote areas access advanced medical knowledge and receive professional support from leading experts.
- Outstanding Legal Solution Award: Giang Thi Thu Thuy
As a lawyer and Director of Deus Nexus Solicitors Ltd., Ms. Thuy specializes in providing legal support to Vietnamese citizens who have been trafficked to the UK. Not only does she act as a legal representative, she also visits Vietnamese people detained in prisons and immigration detention centers, always fighting for their rights and helping them rebuild their lives. Her work reflects the noble humanitarian spirit of the Vietnamese people, always aiming for justice and helping those in difficult circumstances.
- Health and Beauty Award: Dr. Thang Nghiem and Dr. Khoi Nghiem
Dr. Thang Nghiem and Dr. Khoi Nghiem, the two founders of the prestigious UltraSmile dental clinic in the UK, have taken dental services to a new level, reaching international standards. In addition, the doctors are also devoted to the Vietnamese community by organizing community programs and promoting oral health care. The harmonious combination of the pioneering spirit in the field of cosmetic dentistry and the concern for the community of the two doctors is a clear manifestation of the spirit of innovation and compassion of the Vietnamese people.
- Outstanding Leadership Award: Mai Thu Huyen
As the founder of Tincom Media Group and WLIN & BSIN Intercontinental Alliance, Ms. Mai Thu Huyen has built a network of more than 100 Vietnamese entrepreneurs around the world, from Asia, Europe to America. Under her leadership, cross-border cooperation has been strongly strengthened, and the Vietnamese entrepreneurial spirit has also been widely spread. Her efforts clearly demonstrate the Vietnamese people's aspiration to connect communities around the world for mutual development.
- Community Champion: Quynh Nguyen
Quynh Nguyen, founder of VietShool London and the Vietnamese Family Partnership , has been a pioneer in preserving and promoting Vietnamese language and culture in the UK since 2006. Under her leadership, VietSchool London has become a centre for cultural education and community events, contributing to preserving Vietnamese heritage for the younger generation of overseas Vietnamese. Her efforts are a clear testament to the enduring importance of cultural identity in strengthening the overseas Vietnamese community around the world.
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Ambassador Robbie Motter
Dr. Robbie Motter’s extensive diplomatic career is a shining example of leadership and connection. Through her humanitarian efforts, she has awarded more than 75 honorary doctorates to individuals who have made lifelong contributions to society. Her work inspires global collaboration and spreads the message that leadership comes from building community – a value deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture.
- Special Recognition: Michael Mainelli, former Mayor of the City of London
Mr. Michael Mainelli, former Mayor of the City of London and one of the world’s leading figures in green and sustainable finance, was recognized for his significant role in promoting economic cooperation between Vietnam and the United Kingdom. As Chairman of the Z/Yen Group, Mr. Mainelli has pioneered initiatives to promote sustainable development and innovative financing methods, including advising on projects to enhance Vietnam’s integration into the global green finance network. His contributions highlight the importance of Vietnam’s cultural and economic position on the international stage, inspiring partnerships to advance shared goals of innovation and sustainable development.
- Entrepreneur of the Year: Christine Le
Christine Le, Managing Director of Eastern Horizon Wealth Management, has spent over 15 years helping individuals and families overcome their wealth management challenges. As a Chartered Financial Professional and a Fellow of the Personal Finance Association, Christine specialises in helping the British Asian and Vietnamese communities build strong financial foundations. Her work reflects traditional Vietnamese values of resilience and adaptability, as she helps her clients achieve stability and success in an ever-changing global economy.
"What makes this award special is its ability to honor contributions from all walks of life, from academic achievements to simple yet extraordinary actions that have far-reaching impacts. The true measure of success lies in the profound impact it has on the community." - Founder Hoang Thi Hai Ha explains the spirit of the award.
The timing of the event is even more meaningful as it coincides with Vietnamese Women’s Day. This can be seen as a tribute to the contributions of Vietnamese women, who have long demonstrated resilience and national pride.
Cultural highlights of the awards night
The ceremony was also particularly impressive with the presentation of the Ao Dai collection "Prosperous Planet" - an award-winning work by designer Lan Huong, a famous "Meritorious Artisan". Crafted from environmentally friendly materials such as green hemp and silk that do not harm animals, the collection symbolizes the harmony between humans and nature. This is a vivid demonstration that Vietnam's cultural heritage can blend with the modern trend of sustainable development.
The Women Behind the Awards
The Vietnam International Awards are the vision of two extraordinary women whose leadership and resilience were celebrated throughout the evening:
- Nguyen Nhu Thoai , a pharmacist, entrepreneur, and board member of the Vietnamese Family Partnership, lives by the philosophy of “Know where you come from and remember your roots.” This belief has guided her decades of efforts to preserve Vietnamese heritage while empowering communities around the globe.
- Hoang Thi Hai Ha , a cultural activist with global influence, including recognition from US President Joe Biden, has promoted Vietnamese heritage through initiatives such as the Miss Ao Dai Vietnam - UK pageant and The Vietnam Cultural Show . Her dedication to cultural exchange is a testament to how Vietnamese women have always been pioneers in connecting their traditions to the world.
Together, these two female leaders have conceived and realized an award for Vietnamese people in the heart of a city that symbolizes global connectivity - London. On the occasion of the award ceremony entering its third year, Ms. Hoang Thi Hai Ha said: "With each organization, we hope to expand the influence of this event and inspire greater global recognition of Vietnam's contributions in the fields of culture and humanity."
Bamboo tree reaching high to the sky
The proverb “When the bamboo is old, the young shoots grow” perfectly captures the spirit of VIA 2024. From seasoned leaders to young innovators, the journey of the winners shows that Vietnamese values have transcended all borders, building bridges between different generations and cultures.
William Lee Adams (right), Chair of VIA 2024, is a Vietnamese-American journalist for the BBC. Photo: Vu Kim ThanhWilliam Lee Adams, who hosted the awards ceremony, commented: “Vietnamese identity is not just something we carry with us, but something we share with the world.” As Vietnamese identity continues to develop on the international stage, it will always be anchored in core principles: resilience, compassion, and deep connection to community. These values, embodied by the individuals honored, remind us of the power of our heritage to build a better world.
What will the next bamboo shoot grow like? For Vietnam, the answer is as open as the stature of our country.
Translation: Viet Anh
Source: https://kinhtedothi.vn/vuon-minh-nhu-tre-viet-nam-khang-dinh-vi-the-tren-truong-quoc-te.html
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