Julia James first visited Vietnam 15 years ago as a backpacker, instantly falling in love with the country’s vibrant energy and warm hospitality. Now, as the partner of the New Zealand Consul General in HCMC, she has come full circle, working with her husband, Scott James, to strengthen diplomatic ties between New Zealand and Vietnam. Through her involvement with the Consular Club, Julia has also become a quiet yet impactful advocate for local communities, driving charitable initiatives that leave a lasting mark.

The Saigon Times: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how long you have been in HCMC? Julia James: My name is Julia James, and I am the partner of Scott James, the New Zealand Consul General here in HCMC. We have been living in Saigon for about 18 months now. You mentioned you first visited Saigon 15 years ago. Can you share more about that trip? Yes, 15 years ago, Scott and I visited Saigon as backpackers. What really caught our attention back then was the heat, the hustle and bustle, and the city’s incredible energy. We loved the food and how welcoming the people were. We never imagined we’d one day live here, but coming back now, it’s wonderful to see how the city has modernized while holding on to its traditional charm. After returning 15 years later, what changes have you noticed in the city? There have been huge changes. For instance, Landmark 81 wasn’t here when we first visited, so the skyline is completely different. Areas like Tan Dinh have transformed significantly too. What’s exciting is that despite all this development, Saigon has retained its vibrancy and traditional charm. The city is now filled with so many new cafes, restaurants, and businesses, creating an incredible sense of opportunity. You have also visited places like Hoi An. What made that place special for you? Hoi An is such a beautiful place. The lanterns, the colorful streets, and the old architecture truly captivated us. The charm of the city, especially in the evenings when all the lanterns are lit, made it an unforgettable experience. We also loved the beach—it was absolutely stunning. Hoi An’s character and beauty made it one of our favorite spots during our trip. As the partner of the New Zealand Consul General in HCMC, how do you support him in his role? It is truly a team effort. While Scott focuses on his busy role representing New Zealand here, I support him by managing things at home, which allows him to concentrate fully on his work. I am also actively involved in the Consular Corps and the diplomatic community, attending events and accompanying him at various functions. In addition, I volunteer, which has been a fulfilling way to engage with the local community. How do you evaluate the role of the Consular Club HCMC, particularly in supporting the international community and charitable activities? I feel so fortunate to be part of the Consular Club HCMC. As diplomats, we have been warmly welcomed into this community, and it’s important to give back. The Consular Club provides a platform to use our networks in both the diplomatic and business communities to support local charities. There are so many organizations here doing incredible work for disadvantaged groups, and it’s a privilege to help raise funds and awareness for these causes. You mentioned how welcoming the Vietnamese people are. What stands out most about their warmth? One of the first things we noticed when we arrived in Saigon was the warmth of the people. Their smiles are so genuine and welcoming, making us feel right at home. It is an energy that’s contagious and sets the tone for our time here. Even when Vietnamese people apologize, they smile—it reflects their positive, solution-oriented attitude. This youthful energy and eagerness to connect are what make Vietnam truly special. Is there a particular moment that stands out in your memory that captures the welcoming nature of the Vietnamese people? Yes, it was the moment we arrived in Saigon from New Zealand, jetlagged and exhausted with two young children. Scott’s colleagues greeted us with huge smiles, immediately making us feel welcome and reassured that we would have a wonderful time here. That moment really stuck with me—it showed how much the Vietnamese people value hospitality and care about making others feel at ease. What is the atmosphere like during Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) in Vietnam, and how do you feel about it? Tet is such a special time here, with an incredible focus on family and togetherness. There’s a palpable buzz as people prepare for the celebrations. The excitement and energy surrounding Tet are unlike anything I’ve experienced before. People are busy organizing travel, cooking, and getting ready to spend quality time with their families. It’s a beautiful celebration of unity and tradition. If you were to recommend Vietnam to someone considering a visit, what would you say? Vietnam is vibrant, energetic, and overwhelming—in the best way possible. There’s so much to explore, from bustling cities to stunning natural landscapes. The food is absolutely incredible, and the people are so welcoming. I would say, come to Vietnam, take your time to explore, and enjoy the amazing food and culture. It is a country full of opportunities and unforgettable experiences. This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between New Zealand and Vietnam. How does that feel for you both? It is an exciting milestone for both countries. The 50th anniversary offers a wonderful opportunity to showcase New Zealand here in Vietnam and to celebrate the strong relationship we share. It is also a chance to further strengthen our ties in trade and diplomacy, continuing to work together for the benefit of both nations. Lastly, what message would you like to share with the people of Vietnam and New Zealand? I want to express our heartfelt gratitude for the warm welcome we have received here in Vietnam. We are truly enjoying our time and are so thankful to the community here. To everyone in New Zealand, we look forward to continuing to strengthen the bond between our two countries.