In Vietnam, former Silver Swallow winner finds lifelong passion in education

Van first entered the public eye as a high school student when she graced the cover of Muc Tim (Purple Pink) magazine.

Selected as one of four Vietnamese students to attend an international environmental camp in South Africa, she was recognized early for her academic achievements and confidence.

A few years later, she captured national attention again as the Silver Swallow winner at Ho Chi Minh City Television's inaugural television host competition in 2004.

Despite the acclaim and promising opportunities in entertainment, Van walked away from the spotlight.

"Hosting came to me naturally during my student years," she said.

"But after a while, I realized I needed a new path – one that aligned more deeply with my long-term goals."

That new path was education.

Over the past decade, Van has co-founded and expanded a system of preschools and inter-level schools across Ho Chi Minh City and nearby provinces.

What began as a modest idea with a friend has grown into a robust network of institutions with more than 500 staff members.

"It wasn't planned," she said. "But the more I worked with children, the more I felt that fire inside me. I knew this was where I belonged."

Her pivot to education followed an eclectic career in media, translation, investment, and communications.

Even as a university student, Van juggled multiple roles – from translating for publishing houses to hosting live events.

"Every job gave me something – skills, relationships, lessons. They became part of my toolkit," she said.

Now, Van is stepping into another ambitious chapter.

Alongside her co-founders, she recently launched a project called Edspan Hub – a collaborative platform designed to connect investors, operators, and strategic partners in education.

The goal is to co-create efficient, personalized solutions for educational institutions.

"Edspan doesn't apply a one-size-fits-all model," she explained.

"We tailor our solutions to each school's unique needs, size, and objectives."

The project blends cutting-edge AI and data analytics with hands-on insights from experienced education professionals.

Every recommendation is designed to be measurable and tied to specific goals and performance indicators to help schools track outcomes and optimize resources.

"This is my newest brainchild," Van said.

"It's a chance for everyone in education to work together and to design long-term strategies based on real data."

She believes educational institutions must not only fulfill their social responsibilities but also evolve as sustainable enterprises – linking human development with both economic and social impact.

"That's the future I hope for," she said.

As early as May 2025, Edspan is rolling out a free offer to help schools analyze their social marketing and brand sentiment.

The goal is to help institutions reflect on the past school year, evaluate communication effectiveness, and build strategic messaging plans for the upcoming year.

Summer 2025 will also see a series of training programs for school leaders and networking events for industry stakeholders, preparing teams with the mindset, skills, and connections needed for the 2025-26 academic year.

For Van, setbacks were never the end – just opportunities to grow.

"If you define failure as not meeting expectations then I've failed a lot," she laughed.

"But each misstep taught me something. I'm stubborn by nature, so I often need to stumble before I truly learn."

One of her proudest accomplishments, she said, is the team she has built along the way in both media and education.

"Many of my former colleagues have grown into amazing professionals," she said.

"Even after we moved in different directions, they continue to support me.

"That means a lot."

Van's daily life now is a blend of discipline and passion.

She rises at 5:30 am, dedicating her mornings to physical activity – pilates, gym workouts, or pickleball – before diving into meetings and project planning.

Despite her packed schedule, she carves out time for friends, family, and self-care.

"I love cooking, going to the spa, even learning new things," she said. "It helps me stay balanced."

She admits there are moments of exhaustion.

"But I'm lucky – I have close friends, good food, and the courage to look my struggles in the eye," she remarked.

"I don't avoid them.

"I ask: what's next? And I move forward."

Her drive, she says, comes at the cost of time – something only understanding loved ones can compensate for.

"Being work-focused doesn't mean neglecting relationships. But it does mean we need people who get it – who see your efforts and support your journey."

Though she does not idolize any particular figure, Van draws daily inspiration from women she admires – resilient, graceful, and balanced.

"They remind me that strength and beauty can coexist," she said. "That gives me motivation."

At 44, she rejects the notion that aging diminishes a woman's beauty or worth.

"To me, happiness and beauty come from within," she said.

"Optimism, self-love, and care – for yourself and others – that's what keeps you radiant.

"We can't give love if we don't have it ourselves."

Though much of her time is spent guiding young learners, Van insists that she learns just as much from them.

"Children are honest and full of energy," she said.

"Their perspectives are raw and refreshing.

"They teach you humility."

She calls herself a 'calculated risk-taker,' someone unafraid to leap – but only after carefully gauging the depth.

"Being bold doesn't mean being reckless," she explained.

"It means trusting yourself enough to try, even if the outcome is uncertain."

Looking ahead, Van is both hopeful and restless.

"There's still so much more to do," she said. "And with Edspan, I feel like I've only just begun."