Vietnamese British Council executive becomes first Vietnam-based citizen to receive UK’s MBE

With the honor, Bao becomes the first Vietnamese national living and working in Vietnam to receive the MBE, a distinction granted by the British monarchy for outstanding service in fields such as culture, education, social development, and sustainability.

For non-British recipients, the award is regarded as national-level recognition by the UK.

The awards ceremony was held on December 18 at the residence of British Ambassador to Vietnam Iain Frew, with representatives from a wide range of organizations in the education and culture sectors, as well as members of Bao’s family, in attendance.

According to the British Council, the award recognizes Bao’s more than three decades of involvement in developing and expanding bilateral education and cultural cooperation.

Throughout her career, she has played a key role in coordinating and implementing projects linking institutions and communities in the two countries.

Key initiatives associated with Bao’s work include the Chevening Scholarship, training programs for English teachers and lecturers, efforts to strengthen university research collaboration, youth skills development and employment projects, and programs linking classrooms, youth journalism, and social enterprises.

The British Council said these initiatives have focused on building long-term capacity for learners and community groups across Vietnam.

The council described the awarding of an MBE to a Vietnamese citizen as a symbolic milestone reflecting the depth of bilateral cooperation, as well as the trust and close ties between the two countries, particularly in the field of human development.

As international cooperation places increasing emphasis on sustainability and social responsibility, educational and cultural partnerships between Vietnam and the UK are expected to continue playing a key role in fostering mutual understanding and strengthening people-to-people ties, the British Council said.

The British Council began operating in Vietnam in 1993, and Bao joined the organization in 1994, becoming one of its key figures from the earliest days of its presence in the country.