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Their journeys may begin at different points, some carrying the weight of family legacy, others emerging from seemingly insurmountable odds. These Front & Female 2025 honourees converge at a shared ambition: to redefine the boundaries of the female role.
“Talent does not wait for age” could not be more apt for those nominated in the Front & Female 2025 Rising Champion category. Though young, these individuals have already carved out their own distinct paths, marked by unconventional thinking, quiet determination, and an unyielding creative spirit. They are not loud, yet they are resolute; not conformist, yet guided by purpose. Through their breakthrough journeys, they are laying down paths for dreams to follow—asserting their identities and deeply inspiring the next generation.
Read more: Why is the gender pain gap overlooked and what can be done to address it?
tlinh – The magnetism of standing apart
In her early twenties,an age when many are still finding their footing, tlinh had already made a bold choice. She left behind the dream of a white coat and turned instead to music, fuelled by a fierce desire for self-expression. She wasn’t out to challenge rap’s gender biases by being provocative, nor did she seek refuge in safe softness. tlinh carved her space with sharp instincts, emotional acuity, and a discerning musical mind. From her very first appearance on Rap Viet, it was never about winning. It was about affirming that a female artist could lead the way on her own terms, honestly, independently, and without mimicry.
It is this philosophy that makes tlinh’s music resonate not just for its rhythm, but for its candour. Her work channels a spectrum of emotions, reflecting love, youth, and the complexities of coming of age.
In 2023, that creative path reached a defining moment. Her album Ai was named by NME as one of the 25 best Asian albums, standing proudly alongside the likes of NewJeans and Le Sserafim. That same year, Paper spotlighted tlinh as Vietnam’s brightest new star. Her collaboration with 2pillz, “If at that time,” topped the Billboard Vietnam charts for weeks, collecting accolades from Lan Song Xanh to Cong Hien, and earning a spot in Spotify Vietnam’s “Looking Back 2023” top five.
2024 brought four nominations at the WeChoice Awards and two first-time honours at the 18th Dedication Awards. Then in 2025, the artist behind Hop On Da Show secured the 2024 Green Wave Award for “Female Singer/Rapper of the Year.”
Above The album Ai was recognised by NME as one of the top 25 best Asian albums (photo: NME)
The album Ai was recognised by NME as one of the top 25 best Asian albums (photo: NME)
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tlinh’s journey doesn’t stop at solo success. She’s also a sought-after name in collaborative projects with industry heavyweights. Whether alongside Toc Tien in Like This Like That, Soobin in Ai ma biet duoc, or Suboi in Ten ten girls!, her presence, whether in a hook or a single verse, always leaves a mark. She reinvents herself with every lyric and melody.
More than just an artist, tlinh is fast becoming a cultural figure symbolic of a new generation that dares to live boldly, shine unapologetically, and embrace difference in a world still defined by convention.
Truong Thao My & Truong Thao Vy – The parallel power of talent and will
Though born and raised in the United States, Front & Female 2025 honourees Thao My (Kaylynne Truong) and Thao Vy (Kayleigh Truong) made the purposeful decision to return and contribute to their ancestral homeland. Choosing to represent Vietnam’s national women’s basketball team was more than a career milestone for the twin sisters: it was a powerful affirmation of identity, heritage, and their sense of duty to elevate the country’s sporting landscape.
From their teenage years, Thao My and Thao Vy showed a clear passion for the orange ball. After playing side by side at Jersey Village High School, they continued to distinguish themselves in NCAA Division I basketball with Gonzaga. There, they stood out not only for their agile, fast-paced style but also for their sharp tactical understanding and seamless teamwork. Thao My was named “Most Outstanding Player of the Season” (WCC Player of the Year 2022–23), earned a spot on the All-Conference team, and was shortlisted for the prestigious AP All-American title. Meanwhile, Thao Vy’s technique and competitiveness also won acclaim, including a nomination for the McDonald's All-American, one of the highest honours for high school athletes in the U.S.
Thao My and Thao Vy with the women’s basketball team, victorious with gold at the 32nd SEA Games
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Beyond their athletic precision and strategic impact, Thao My and Thao Vy bring an infectious energy to the court. Their drive and intensity uplift teammates, offering not just strength but spirited motivation. Their return marks more than a professional reinforcement: it sends a clear message of belief in Vietnamese women’s basketball. With the right support and an unshakable will, women’s sport can rise, compete with confidence, and galvanise a new generation.
The Front & Female 2025 Awards are now reaching the halfway mark, distinguished by a compelling slate of nominations. Each contender impresses not only with achievements, but with how they’re reshaping the modern female role: fearless, forward-thinking, and unafraid of standing apart. The road ahead remains unwritten, but the most resonant stories will be honoured on awards night, 22 August.
About Front & Female Awards 2025
Launched in March, Front & Female 2025 celebrates women who are driving positive change and helping to redefine progress. By spotlighting transformative work across sectors, the award honours influential voices leading the way, while fostering meaningful dialogue and inspiring wider communities.
