How does a 14-year-old saxophonist who raises money for disadvantaged children relate to a program that mentors young Vietnamese students to help them access education and opportunities in the UK?  At first glance, these stories may seem disjointed. But they converge in an extraordinary way: they reflect the strength, compassion, and global impact of the Vietnamese identity.

From Kevin Nguyen, a young musician who raises funds for underprivileged children while promoting Vietnamese culture on the global stage, to The Project Darts, a UK-based initiative that prepares Vietnamese students for international success, these achievements reflect the international presence of the Vietnamese community, which thrives far beyond its borders. 

The Vietnam International Awards, held on October 20th 2024 in central London, became a platform for these extraordinary stories. More than a celebration of accomplishments, it showed how Vietnamese identity, like bamboo, withstands challenges, grows in new directions, and continues to inspire and connect communities around the world.

Photo of Award Winners (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam International Awards: Stories of the Award Winners

The Vietnam International Awards brought together over 200 nominations from Vietnamese communities across 18 countries worldwide. The ceremony honored achievements across 13 diverse categories, including humanitarian efforts, education, arts, business, and community service, showcasing the remarkable contributions of individuals and organizations whose work reflects the resilience and global impact of Vietnamese identity:

Young Achiever of the Year Award: Kevin Nguyen

Kevin Nguyen, a 14-year-old saxophonist living in France, has turned his musical talent into a force for good. An accomplished performer, he has raised funds to support underprivileged children in Vietnam while promoting Vietnamese culture at international events. Fluent in French, English, Vietnamese, and Spanish-and learning Chinese-Kevin bridges cultures and generations. His work highlights not only the power of youth, but also the importance of bringing Vietnamese heritage to the global stage.

Kevin Nguyen, 14, receives the award (Photo: Vu Kim Thanh)

Excellence in Education Award: The Project Darts

Founded in 2022 by Jack Nguyen and Kelly Bui, The Project Darts supports Vietnamese students in the UK by mentoring them through their academic and professional journeys. With over 330 mentees and 50 mentors, the program offers career training, cultural orientation, and a strong sense of community. It fosters leadership while ensuring students remain connected to their heritage. By equipping Vietnamese youth with tools for success, the initiative amplifies Vietnam’s presence in academic and professional circles worldwide.

The Project Darts receives the award (Photo: Vu Kim Thanh)

Best International Alliance Award: Nguyen Thanh Nga

As founder and CEO of Pamikio Fashion, Nguyen Thanh Nga has introduced Vietnamese craftsmanship to over 300 supermarkets globally, including major retailers like Carrefour and Auchan. Her work extends beyond business—she is a committed community leader, supporting Vietnamese cultural events in Europe and humanitarian efforts during the Ukraine-Russia conflict. Honored as an “Ambassador of Kindness” at the European Mrs. Ao Dai Beauty Contest, she exemplifies the Vietnamese ethos of solidarity and cultural preservation.

Nguyen Thanh Nga (left) receives the award (Photo: Vu Kim Thanh)

Restaurant of the Year Award: Nguyen’s Sandwiches

Founded in Sweden by Nguyen The Huynh, Nguyen’s Sandwiches brings traditional Vietnamese cuisine to an international audience with its authentic recipes and commitment to quality. Known for their freshly baked bread and innovative food events like the Giant Pho Bowl competition, the chain has become a culinary ambassador for Vietnam’s rich food heritage. It reflects how food can preserve culture and create global connections.

Nguyen The Huynh receiving award (Photo: Vu Kim Thanh)

Creative Arts Award: Toucher Arts Project

French-Vietnamese musician Hoang Thu Trang founded Toucher Arts to spread Vietnamese culture worldwide through music, art, and community events. Her project has engaged over 20,000 participants, organizing parades, concerts, and workshops to unite people around Vietnamese identity. Beyond cultural promotion, Trang’s efforts have raised significant funds to support disadvantaged children in Vietnam. 

Hoang Thu Trang receives the award (Photo: Vu Kim Thanh)

Innovation of the Year Award: Katrin Kandel, CEO of Facing the World

Katrin Kandel, CEO of Facing the World, was honored for her groundbreaking work in leveraging technology to transform healthcare for Vietnamese children with facial deformities. Under her leadership, the charity has not only facilitated life-changing surgeries but also implemented telemedicine systems that allow Vietnamese doctors in remote areas to access advanced training and medical advice. 

Katrin Kandel (left) receives the award (Photo: Vu Kim Thanh)

Excellence in Legal Award: Thi Thu Thuy Giang

As a UK-based solicitor and director of Deus Nexus Solicitors Ltd., Mrs. Giang specializes in providing legal support for Vietnamese individuals trafficked into the UK. She goes beyond legal representation by visiting Vietnamese detainees in prisons and immigration centers, advocating for their rights and rebuilding their lives. Her work is a testament to the Vietnamese tradition of extending kindness and ensuring justice for the vulnerable.

Mrs.Giang (left) receives the award (Photo: Vu Kim Thanh)

Health and Beauty Award: Dr. Thang Dac Nghiem and Dr. Khoi Nghiem

The co-founders of UltraSmile, an award-winning dental practice in the UK, Dr. Thang and Dr. Khoi Nghiem have elevated dental care to world-class standards. They also contribute to the Vietnamese community by offering outreach programs and promoting oral health awareness. Their excellence in blending aesthetic dentistry with community impact reflects the Vietnamese spirit of innovation and care.

Excellence in Leadership Award: Mai Thu Huyen

As the founder of Tincom Media and the WLIN & BSIN Intercontinental Alliance, Mai Thu Huyen has built an international network of over 100 Vietnamese entrepreneurs across Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Her leadership has strengthened cross-border collaboration while promoting Vietnam’s entrepreneurial spirit. Her work exemplifies the Vietnamese drive to connect communities globally for mutual growth.

Mai Thu Huyen (left) receives the award (Photo: Vu Kim Thanh)

Community Champion Award: Quynh Nguyen

As the founder of VietSchool London and the Vietnamese Family Partnership, Quynh Nguyen has been promoting Vietnamese language and culture in the UK since 2006. Through her leadership, VietSchool has become a hub for cultural education and community events, preserving Vietnamese heritage for younger generations abroad. Her efforts exemplify the enduring importance of cultural identity in strengthening diaspora communities worldwide.

Quynh Nguyen (left) receives the award (Photo: Vu Kim Thanh)

Lifetime Achievement Award: Lady Ambassador Dr. Robbie Motter

Lady Ambassador Dr. Robbie Motter’s decades-long career exemplifies leadership and connectivity. Through her humanitarian efforts, more than 75 individuals have received honorary doctorates for their lifetime of service. Her work inspires global cooperation and reinforces the message that leadership comes from building community, a value deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture.

Deputy Ambassador of Vietnam to the UK To Minh Thu (right) presents award to Lady Ambassador Dr. Robbie Motter (Photo: Vu Kim Thanh)

Special Recognition: Former Lord Mayor of the City of London, Michael Mainelli

Michael Mainelli, former Lord Mayor of the City of London and a global leader in green finance and sustainability, was honored for his pivotal role in fostering economic collaboration between Vietnam and the UK. As chairman of the Z/Yen Group, Mainelli has championed initiatives that promote sustainable development and innovative financial practices, including advising on projects that enhance Vietnam’s integration into global green finance networks. His contributions underscore the importance of Vietnam’s cultural and economic presence on the global stage, inspiring partnerships that advance shared goals of innovation and sustainability.

Michael Mainelli (center) receives the award (Photo: Vu Kim Thanh)

Entrepreneur of the Year Award: Christine Le

Christine Le, Managing Director of Eastern Horizon Wealth Management, has dedicated over 15 years to helping individuals and families navigate the complexities of wealth management. A Chartered Financial Planner and Fellow of the Personal Finance Society, Christine specializes in helping British Asian and Vietnamese communities build financial security. Her work exemplifies the Vietnamese values of resilience and adaptability as she empowers her clients to achieve stability and success in an ever-changing global economy.

Christine Le receives the award (Photo: Vu Kim Thanh)

"What makes this award special is its ability to recognize contributions at all levels of society, from scholarly achievements to ordinary yet extraordinary acts of influence. The true measure of success lies in the profound impact it has on the community." - Founder Hoang Thi Hai Ha explained the spirit behind the awards.

The date of the event added another layer of significance, as it coincided with Vietnamese Women's Day, which celebrates the contributions of Vietnamese women, who have long embodied resilience and cultural pride.

Cultural Highlights of the Night

The ceremony also featured a stunning presentation of "Hành tinh Phồn Thịnh" ("A Prosperous Planet"), an award-winning ao dai collection by Lan Hương, a celebrated "Excellent Artisan" (Nghệ nhân ưu tú). Made from eco-friendly materials such as green hemp fiber and cruelty-free silk, the collection symbolized harmony between man and nature. It was a vivid demonstration of how Vietnam's cultural heritage can be reconciled with modern sustainability.

Models during the fashion show in designer Lan Huong’s collection (photo: Vu Kim Thanh)

Charity Auction of Ao Dai Love Collection (photo: Vu Kim Thanh)

The Women Behind the Awards

The Vietnam International Awards was the vision of two extraordinary women whose leadership embodies the resilience celebrated throughout the evening:

• Nguyen Nhu Thoai, a pharmacist, entrepreneur, and trustee of the Vietnamese Family Partnership, is guided by her philosophy, “Know where you come from and remember your roots.” This guiding belief has shaped her decades-long efforts to preserve Vietnamese heritage while empowering communities globally.

• Hoang Thi Hai Ha, a cultural advocate whose leadership has been recognized globally, including by President Joe Biden, has promoted Vietnamese heritage through initiatives such as the Miss Vietnam – UK Ao Dai Contest and the Vietnam Cultural Show. Her commitment to cultural exchange exemplifies how Vietnamese women have been at the forefront of connecting their traditions to the world.

  • Nguyen Nhu Thoai (right) and Hoang Thi Hai Ha (left) with Professor Michael Mainelli (Photo: Vu Kim Thanh)

Together, these women envisioned and brought to life an award for the Vietnamese in the center of a city that symbolizes global connections - London. As this year marks the ceremony's third celebration of excellence, Hoang Thi Hai Ha noted: "With each iteration, we aim to expand the reach of this event and inspire even greater global recognition of Vietnam's cultural and humanitarian contributions."

The Bamboo That Reaches the Sky

The Vietnamese proverb "Tre già măng mọc" - "The old bamboo dies, but the young shoots grow" - beautifully captures the spirit of the Vietnam International Awards. From seasoned leaders to youthful innovators, these stories demonstrate how Vietnamese values transcend borders and build bridges across generations and cultures.

The evening's moderator, BBC Vietnamese-American journalist William Lee Adams (right) (Photo: Vu Kim Thanh)

William Lee Adams, the evening's host, noted: "Vietnamese identity isn't just something we carry; it's something we share with the world." As Vietnamese identity continues to evolve on the global stage, it remains rooted in its core principles: resilience, compassion, and a deep connection to community. These values, embodied by the awardees, remind us of the power of heritage in shaping a better world.

How will the next bamboo shoot grow? For Vietnam, the answer is as boundless as its reach.