Building beyond borders: A Vietnamese founder’s next step in connecting global communities

Milly Nguyen, 36, whose Vietnamese name is Nguyen Thi Ngan Ha, holds master’s degrees in media and communications, data science and computer science, and works as a data analyst at Overseas Medical Aid in Washington, DC, the United States.

Years of studying and working in America, combined with travel and volunteer work across 16 countries, have fuelled her desire to give back to the community and support Vietnamese professionals around the world.

Her journey began in Vietnam. After completing a bachelor’s degree in media and communications at the Ho Chi Minh City University of Social Sciences and Humanities in 2012, she worked in broadcasting before pursuing a master’s degree in international journalism at the University of Sussex, the UK.

This belief in community-driven support lies at the heart of VietConnect, which she founded in 2020 as the world grappled with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In its early years, the platform introduced notable projects, outstanding individuals and useful information to Vietnamese communities worldwide through its website and social media channels.

“I often reflect and analyze what the community needs most at each stage,” she said. “That helps me plan the right kind of support.”

VietConnect aims to bring Vietnamese communities at home and abroad together by sharing knowledge and opportunities.

Ha believes these exchanges would help people gain greater confidence when deciding their future paths.

From VietConnect to Spaces Connect

As the initiative grew, Ha began thinking about how those connections evolve into practical support.

VietConnect is now expanding with the creation of Spaces Connect, which she describes as a natural extension of its mission.

On the platform, users can share information about housing, business models, and retail or rental services, either as providers or customers.

Drawing on her background in data science, Ha believes Spaces Connect can help simplify service processes and make transactions faster.

“The project doesn’t only serve the Vietnamese community,” she added.

“It’s also designed to connect and support people from communities in other parts of the world.”

She added that users may also access more competitive pricing as global markets face increasing challenges.

Sharing the spirit of connection

Alongside VietConnect, Ha shares her experiences with young people, writing about studying and working abroad and offering advice to those pursuing international opportunities.

She also participates in networking events that bring Vietnamese intellectuals together both inside and outside Vietnam.

While pursuing her second master’s degree in big data, she founded the Analytics for Life club, which aimed to connect Vietnamese students in the field with major technology companies in the U.S. such as Google and Amazon, helping them move closer to internship and employment opportunities.

Ha also writes as a blogger, publishing inspirational articles about culture.

“I have quite a few things on my plate, but right now I’m focusing on the Spaces Connect project,” she said.

The platform, she explained, combines data science with cultural exchange to create a more meaningful user experience.

In conversation, Ha’s energy is infectious. It is perhaps unsurprising for someone balancing a demanding professional career while running VietConnect, studying languages and volunteering internationally.

She laughed when asked how she manages it all.

“I tend to make use of time after work, on weekends and during holidays working on these activities,” she said.

Among the experiences she remembers most is volunteering for Georgetown’s Art All Night program in the U.S., an annual community arts festival featuring exhibitions, performances and workshops.

At other times, she volunteered at a sporting event for athletes with disabilities in Arlington.

Through her travels across Asia, Europe and the Americas, Ha has visited 16 countries.

Those journeys helped her better understand the diversity of cultures, societies and heritage around the world.

Her professional work also carries a strong community dimension.

As part of her role analyzing and optimizing the costs of international medical aid supplies, the organization she works with supported many countries, including Vietnam, by providing medical equipment and vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A desire to give back

After graduating in the UK, she gained professional experience in media in both England and Vietnam.

Three years later, she joined a Japanese company specializing in e-learning, an experience that inspired her to deepen her knowledge of management and data science.

That interest eventually led her to the U.S., where she pursued a master’s degree in data science at American University.

After graduating, she remained in the country to work as an analyst for an international medical aid project while completing her third master’s degree in computer science.

Asked what motivates her to pursue so many initiatives, Ha said it comes from a mix of knowledge, experience and a desire to contribute to the community and to Vietnam.

Years working in international environments have shaped her perspective.

She believes Vietnam’s cultural traditions offer meaningful contributions to the world, and the self-reliance, perseverance and resilience of Vietnamese people often leave a strong impression on international peers.

For young people stepping into the wider world, she believes it is important to stay grounded in their cultural heritage.

At the same time, she encourages them to understand traditional culture, take pride in the Vietnamese identity and remain open to learning from other societies.

In that way, she believes Vietnamese people can become global citizens who continue contributing to their home country wherever they are.

‘Becoming a better version of yourself’

For young people seeking their own path, Ha encourages young people to build a strong foundation of knowledge and experience, guided by passion and sincerity.

“What matters most is becoming a better version of yourself than you were yesterday,” she said.

Her own journey reflects that philosophy. Originally trained in the social sciences, she later moved into the data industry, working with large-scale data systems.

That 'zigzag' career path, she says, has given her valuable experience and a broader perspective on both work and life.

And somewhere along those unexpected turns, growth finds its way in.