For many young Vietnamese, going abroad means bringing along an invisible suitcase filled with memories, identity, and the spirit to grow. No matter where they begin, each step can become a small bridge connecting Vietnam with the world.
The stories of Ha Luu and Xuan Nguyen, both recognized in #MyVietnamMyWay, part of Vietcetera Open, reflect this beautifully. One works in global aircraft finance; the other shares Vietnamese culture through daily life. Different paths, same purpose, taking Vietnam to the world in their own way.
Learning To Bridge Vietnam And Japan
Ha Luu currently lives and works in Tokyo, Japan.
She has always dreamed of going abroad, not to leave Vietnam, but to carry it with her.
Born in Hanoi, where the hum of motorbikes mingles with the scent of jasmine tea at dusk, Ha grew up surrounded by the quiet resilience of her parents’ generation. At 17, she moved to Tokyo to study at Sophia University, starting from scratch in a completely unfamiliar world.
That determination, nurtured in Vietnam, helped her adapt and persevere, through the challenges of COVID-19 and eventually carve out her own professional path.
Today, Ha works in aircraft financing, a truly global field where East meets West, connecting airlines, investors, and manufacturers across continents.
She loves this work because every airplane is a tangible asset constantly moving between regions, mirroring the rhythm of global life.
Within her first six months, Ha was sent to Dublin, the heart of the global leasing industry, to attend the Airline Economics Conference and receive intensive technical training, including aircraft maintenance visits. Back in Tokyo, she joined investment roadshows and international conferences, collaborating with executives from leading airlines and financial institutions.
But what makes her most proud isn’t her international business card or million-dollar deals, it’s hearing Vietnam mentioned as a rising market, when names like Vietnam Airlines or VietJet appear on global aviation stages.
Sometimes I’m the only Vietnamese person in the room. But that’s what makes it meaningful, I’m not just representing myself, I’m carrying the image, confidence, and capability of Vietnamese people.
Ha says she’s learned patience, precision, and humility from Japan, and courage and warmth from Vietnam. Between those two cultures, she’s found her purpose: to be a quiet bridge, bringing the Vietnamese spirit into global business.
Spreading The Vietnamese Spirit Through Everyday Moments
Xuan Nguyen, a first-year student at the Kobe University of Welfare and Health, currently lives in Osaka, Japan.
Unlike Ha, Xuan grew up in a peaceful countryside.
When she arrived in Japan, she faced the challenges of language, culture, and homesickness. Yet, it was through those struggles that she learned patience, resilience, and adaptability.
Every step she takes abroad is not only her personal journey but also a contribution to shaping Vietnam’s image in the eyes of the world.
I often invite friends to try phở, shares stories about Tết, or simply greets customers with a warm smile at my part-time job.
Those small gestures, though simple, help people see a Vietnam that is genuine, kind, and full of life.
One of her most memorable moments was participating in a Japanese speech contest, wearing a modern áo dài. When her name was announced, the joy wasn’t just about winning, it was the moment Vietnam was seen and felt through the image of a hardworking, confident young woman.
Messages To Young Vietnamese Going Global
Ha Luu shares:
“Don’t limit yourself by what you see around you. The world is bigger than you think, and you can do more than you imagine.
Going global isn’t easy. You might be the only Vietnamese person in the room, starting from zero, facing language and cultural barriers, and strict expectations. But those moments will help you grow stronger and more resilient.”
She remembers receiving her CFA Level 1 results on the way to Dublin and telling her Japanese manager, a veteran with over 30 years of experience.
He simply said, ‘Omedetou gozaimasu’ (Congratulations).
That quiet response meant a lot to her, not just as praise, but as recognition for her consistency and values.
"For young Vietnamese who want to go abroad, I think three things are important: language, professional skills, and cultural adaptability. But above all, keep your Vietnamese identity, it’s what makes you unique and grounded. Step into the world with confidence and curiosity, and believe that the Vietnamese voice deserves a place in global conversations.”
Xuan adds:
Don’t be afraid to start small.”
Simple jobs like washing dishes, part-time work, or living on your own in a new country may not sound impressive, but they teach you a lot: discipline, communication, time management, and resilience.
What matters most isn’t where you are, but whether you keep learning and improving every day.”
What Does #MyVietnamMyWay Mean To You?
Ha Luu: "For me, #MyVietnamMyWay means bringing Vietnamese spirit into every space I’m in, showing that Vietnamese people can work in global industries while staying warm, humble, and thoughtful"
Xuan Nguyen: "Live kindly and share your culture with confidence through simple things. Keep improving your skills and mindset. When more people do that, Vietnam will be seen as open, sincere, and full of life."
For Ha Luu, #MyVietnamMyWay means bringing Vietnamese values into global conversations.
For Xuan Nguyen, it means living kindly and sharing her roots through everyday actions.
Together, they represent a new generation of young Vietnamese: confident, capable, and full of heart, each a small ambassador helping shape a modern, vibrant image of Vietnam around the world.
Thank you to Ha Luu and Xuan Nguyen for sharing your stories. May your journeys continue to take Vietnam further with knowledge, kindness, and pride.