Madame Tôn Nữ Thị Ninh is one of Vietnam’s most respected diplomats, intellectuals, and public thinkers. Over decades, she represented Vietnam on the global stage and played an important role in shaping the country’s diplomatic voice during its modern era.
In this conversation, we talk about her extraordinary life journey, from growing up between Vietnam and France, to returning during wartime, entering diplomacy, and witnessing Vietnam’s transformation firsthand. We also discuss Vietnam’s identity, the overseas Vietnamese community, and why she believes the country’s next chapter is full of opportunity.
This episode is essential listening for anyone trying to understand Vietnam beyond headlines, especially overseas Vietnamese, founders, investors, and leaders thinking about Vietnam’s future.
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00:30 Introduction to Madame Ninh
03:19 Growing up in Huế and moving to Paris
09:10 Returning to Vietnam as a teenager
15:35 Education and studying in France
27:14 Anti-war activism in Paris
29:40 Returning to Saigon during wartime
34:42 Working secretly in Saigon
36:59 Reflections on reconciliation after war
45:25 Vietnam’s national identity and unity
50:19 Becoming a diplomat
54:51 Why Hanoi recruited her
56:58 Vietnam’s diplomatic rise
1:03:36 What makes Vietnam unique
1:06:13 Advice for overseas Vietnamese
1:11:08 Why the time to act is now
1:19:19 Her hopes for Vietnam’s future
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