The Legion of Honour celebrates a journey of cultural connection spanning more than three decades by Ms. Nguyễn Thị Nhung – Co-founder of Openasia.
On the evening of October 21, 2025, at the French Embassy in Hanoi, Ms. Nguyễn Thị Nhung was honored by the French Government with the title of Chevalier de la Légion d’honneur – the Knight of the Legion of Honour. This is France’s highest distinction, bestowed in recognition of her outstanding contributions to strengthening cultural and economic ties between France and Vietnam for over thirty years.
The ceremony unfolded in an atmosphere of elegance and intimacy, attended by family, friends, long-time colleagues, and the core team of Openasia Group. In her heartfelt speech, Ms. Nhung revisited cherished memories of her bond with France – from her first French lessons at the age of thirteen, to her years studying and working in Paris, where she met the partners who would later join her in founding Openasia.
Three decades ago, at Lazard investment bank, a fateful meeting between Ms. Nhung and her two co-founders – Christian de Ruty and Đoàn Viết Đại Từ – laid the foundation for an extraordinary journey. United by a shared aspiration, they built Openasia as a bridge between France and Vietnam, not only in business but also in culture and the arts.
Today, Openasia is home to more than 2,000 members who share the belief that a company can embody culture, passion, and a love for art – a philosophy nurtured by its three founders. Under their leadership, the group has developed brands that celebrate Vietnamese identity, such as Hanoia, La Table Hanoia, and Alba Wellness Valley, honoring craftsmanship, nature, and local spirit in a contemporary context.
Meanwhile, Tam Sơn – a key member of Openasia – continues to affirm its role as a cultural bridge, bringing the world’s most refined brands closer to Vietnam’s discerning clientele. Initiatives like the exhibition “Intersection of Mastery” organized by Tam Sơn vividly illustrate this vision: creating spaces where craftsmanship, art, and heritage converse and flourish.
In the moment of recognition, Ms. Nhung shared a poetic message, a gift to her companions and the generations to come:
“Les rêves sont des étoiles qu’on cueille avec le cœur, pour éclairer les chemins de demain.”
“Dreams are stars we gather with the heart, to illuminate the paths of tomorrow.”
And it is this very light – born of the heart, of dreams, and of faith in beauty – that continues to guide Openasia on its remarkable journey.
