On the evening of September 23, the “Night of Ideas 2025” transformed the Reception Hall of the French Embassy in Hanoi into a vibrant space of dialogue and inspiration. It was a night where pioneering women came together to share their journeys of discovery, creation, and the meaningful values they bring to life. Among the inspiring speakers, Ms. Nguyễn Thị Nhung – Founding Shareholder of Openasia Group – left a lasting impression with her heartfelt and powerful reflections.
The event “Night of Ideas 2025 | Women Who Inspire” brought together powerful voices of female empowerment, including Mrs. Jocelyne Adriant-Mebtoul, Mrs. Claudie Haigneré – the first French woman to travel into space, and Associate Professor Dr. Phan Thị Hà Dương. Each story offered a vivid glimpse into the journey of transcending limits, affirming identity, and spreading positive values throughout the community.
As a speaker, Ms. Nguyễn Thị Nhung offered a deeply personal and insightful perspective on her own journey: from a childhood dream of becoming a French teacher, to her years of teaching at the prestigious Amsterdam High School, and the life-changing decision to study in France. It was there that she, along with two close friends, Đoàn Viết Đại Từ and Christian de Ruty, co-founded Openasia Group.
Ms. Nguyễn Thị Nhung shared that whether in education or in business, the essence lies in trust and the ability to connect from one human being to another. Her approach to building relationships with partners is deeply rooted in her experience as a teacher, where empathy and mutual respect were always the foundation.
Speaking on leadership, Ms. Nhung emphasized that a woman must first learn to truly listen to herself — both physically and emotionally — in order to cultivate empathy and extend it to her team. For her, leadership is not merely a skill, but a way of life: an art of graceful and humane connection, much like the care we give to our loved ones within a family.
In particular, Ms. Nhung expressed deep empathy for the dual role of modern women: balancing professional responsibilities with caring for their families. With women making up 70% of Openasia’s workforce, she holds an even greater appreciation for the subtle art of organizing work with grace and equilibrium. Her secret, she shared, lies in the ability to accept, to nurture understanding, and to learn how to adapt to oneself rather than trying to change others.
Closing in a warm and inspiring atmosphere, the “Night of Ideas 2025” was more than a celebration of women who inspire, it was a heartfelt invitation to believe in the power of listening, of human connection, and of living authentically. It opened up space for every woman to affirm her identity in her own unique way.
