Cover Mimi Vu is a social activist against slavery whose global advocacy, fundraising, and communications projects have made a profound impact on Vietnamese society.
Mimi Vu is a social activist against slavery whose global advocacy, fundraising, and communications projects have made a profound impact on Vietnamese society.
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Mimi Vu’s is among Vietnamese experts to hold a leading role in the fight against human trafficking and modern slavery
From her deep-seated love for her homeland to her commitment to a sustainable future, everything Mimi Vu does—whether on a small or large scale—is driven by a single question: “How can Vietnam develop in the best and most sustainable way?”
At the time of this conversation, “ESG” was gaining momentum worldwide, significantly influencing businesses of all sizes. In its early stages, how did you first recognise its potential, and what was the greatest challenge you faced in advancing sustainable development goals in Vietnam through Raise Partners?
In 2019, when I first introduced ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) to businesses, many were unfamiliar with the concept. My role extended beyond explaining its principles—I had to demonstrate its impact on companies, employees, and consumers. In those early days, we focused on ESG while identifying suitable partners. Our core clients were private enterprises, including investment funds, SMEs, factories, philanthropists, governments, NGOs, and international organisations such as the IFC and UNICEF. While these companies understood ESG’s significance, they required support in designing sustainable development programmes. Sustainability is not just about environmental issues; it encompasses business, society, and a much broader spectrum. These elements cannot be addressed in isolation. When discussing climate change, for instance, we must also consider gender equality.
See full information of Social Activist Mimi Vu here.
I had little background in finance at the time, so I had to expand my knowledge in order to link ESG to tangible business value. A defining moment came in 2019–2020, when the Overseas Vietnamese Association in Ho Chi Minh City hosted a discussion on ‘Sustainable Economic Development.’ I was unexpectedly invited to speak without any prior preparation. Recognising the rare opportunity, I chose to discuss ESG, which led to a series of in-depth conversations on the subject in Vietnam. Soon after, a British investor sought my insights into investment opportunities in Vietnam. During our three-hour meeting, I did not speak about the stock market or economic indicators but instead focused on gender equality, social responsibility, and environmental protection. He took careful notes and later told me that these were the key factors in his decision-making. Encouraged by this, he urged me to create a platform to amplify these ideas.
This led me to propose and organise an in-depth ESG conference. Now in its third year, the initiative has grown significantly. Compared with those early days, the business landscape in Vietnam has evolved in a positive direction. Companies increasingly recognise that ESG is not merely a passing trend but a critical driver of sustainable development. Our mission is to guide them beyond profit-driven investments, helping them contribute to communities, reduce inequality, and create lasting value for society.
Above Social activist Mimi Vu
Social activist Mimi Vu
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As the founder of the Vietnam ESG Investor Conference, how do you assess its impact on raising awareness and driving action for ESG in Vietnam?
We can discuss gender, social, and environmental issues at length, but the financial aspect is just as crucial. Investors seek tangible results, and one of the conference’s greatest roles is to serve as a bridge between investors and potential businesses.
Vietnam consistently ranks among the top three countries recognised by NGOs and international investment funds for its development potential. However, for funding to be utilised effectively, investors must identify the right companies to implement projects. I often refer to this conference as a ‘True Believer’—not just a forum for exchanging information, but a platform for connecting individuals who share a common vision for sustainable development.
Foreign organisations sometimes struggle to fully grasp Vietnamese culture, which can pose challenges when launching initiatives here. The conference creates a unique space where ESG advocates can share experiences, learn from one another, and collaborate towards meaningful change. Its success lies not only in raising awareness but in inspiring concrete action—embedding ESG principles as a fundamental pillar of business strategy in Vietnam.
ESG is becoming part of Vietnam’s development narrative.
As a member of the Board of Directors of the Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam and Director at Vietnam Holding, what opportunities do you see for regional cooperation on sustainable development goals, particularly in expanding ESG impact in Vietnam?
Vietnam stands at a pivotal moment, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, as many companies relocate their production lines from China to Vietnam. This shift is not only an economic milestone but also an opportunity for Vietnamese workers to enter high-tech manufacturing—an industry that offers more stable wages while ensuring sustainable development. Unlike low-tech manufacturing, which focuses primarily on machinery and production lines, high-tech industries invest in people.
Strategic initiatives such as intensive training programmes, employment opportunities for people with disabilities, and job creation for ethnic minority communities in remote areas with limited access to education are key priorities. For investors seeking long-term impact, supporting vocational training centres in rural areas is a valuable investment. With proper training and stable employment, workers not only perform effectively but also develop a strong sense of loyalty—an invaluable asset for the growth of businesses and factories.
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In 2021, Vietnam recorded over two million people with disabilities who had the skills and qualifications to work but lacked opportunities due to inadequate support structures. This is not only a social issue but also a significant economic loss. Statistics indicate that failing to integrate this workforce results in a 2–3% annual reduction in Vietnam’s GDP. I have used these figures in discussions with investors to highlight that job creation is not merely a humanitarian cause but a sound business strategy. Investing in people—particularly in disadvantaged communities—is not an act of charity; it is an approach that optimises resources and generates long-term value for both society and the economy.
Above Social activist Mimi Vu
Social activist Mimi Vu
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Your journey seems more meaningful than ever as one of the few Vietnamese experts recognised globally in the fight against human trafficking and modern slavery. What motivated you to dedicate yourself to this urgent issue in Vietnam?
What drives me with trafficking and slavery is the realisation that I have the privilege to live outside these problems—but I choose not to. I am proud of my Vietnamese heritage, as it has shaped me into who I am today. I always remember my parents’ question: ‘What will you do with your privileges?’ They taught me that carrying the Vu and Le surnames means representing Vietnamese people with pride and dignity on the world stage. Those lessons are deeply ingrained in me and serve as my greatest motivation.
When we speak about human trafficking and slavery, Vietnamese people are often the victims, trafficked overseas. This work requires deep engagement with the communities where these illegal operations take place, as well as significant mental and emotional preparation. Confronting the reality of women and girls who have suffered abuse and sexual exploitation is devastating—it is almost unthinkable that such atrocities still exist in our world today.
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Part of my role is reaching out to individuals on the brink of entering these dangerous trades and vulnerable to slavery, convincing them to step away, and offering practical alternatives. I connect them with support organisations and do everything in my power to help them break free from the cycle. My greatest motivation is knowing I am protecting those who cannot protect themselves. When asked whether I believe human trafficking will ever be eradicated, my answer is always: “Never.” People are the most valuable commodity, and this crime has existed for centuries. While I acknowledge that each person has a story and a reason for taking this path, that does not mean we cannot act to minimise harm and protect the vulnerable.
When asked whether I believe human trafficking will ever be eradicated, my answer is always: “Never.”
In cases where Vietnamese people have been forced to work on cannabis farms, I have written expert reports to convince judges that these individuals are victims, not criminals. It is difficult work, but I believe that even the smallest actions can make a significant difference. I have personally interviewed nearly 200 Vietnamese individuals at risk of falling into human trafficking networks. Each of them has their own story.
In the past, economic hardship drove many to seek work abroad to send money home. Today, many young people aspire to travel, learn, and experience different cultures, but visa restrictions often force them to take dangerous routes. They are not criminals—they simply want the same opportunities that young people in the UK or the US take for granted, such as taking a gap year to live and work in another country before returning home.
Each year, I travel to Europe to work with governments, advocating for safe migration policies for Vietnamese nationals. This not only provides individuals with legitimate opportunities but also benefits Vietnam. Young people who return with international experience and knowledge become invaluable assets, contributing to the country’s long-term development.
According to Ms. Mimi Vu, what factors should be prioritised in developing long-term policies and strategies to prevent and address human trafficking in Vietnam? How can these policies be both suitable for the Vietnamese social context and sustainable?
To understand the root causes of human trafficking, we must first identify five key risk factors that increase an individual’s vulnerability.
The first is gender. Vietnamese women and girls remain the most at risk, particularly in the Chinese market, where the gender imbalance has been exacerbated by the long-standing one-child policy. Today, China faces a shortfall of between 30 and 60 million women, driving trafficking networks to target women from neighbouring countries where economic and educational opportunities are limited.
Second, education plays a critical role. Those who leave school early are significantly more vulnerable. Third, economic hardship often forces individuals and families into precarious situations, making them more susceptible to trafficking.
Fourth, special identities—such as ethnic minorities and those living in remote, underdeveloped areas—face heightened risks due to a lack of access to resources and legal protection. Lastly, border and security factors contribute to the issue, as trafficking rates are notably higher in border regions.
Above Social activist Mimi Vu
Social activist Mimi Vu
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Of these five factors, four are directly linked to social development. This means that by addressing gender inequality, improving education, and increasing awareness in disadvantaged communities, Vietnam can make significant progress in reducing human trafficking.
In fact, Vietnam ranks among the top three countries globally with the most severe gender imbalances, alongside India and China. The global average is approximately 104–105 boys per 100 girls, but in Vietnam, this figure rises to 112 boys per 100 girls. Alarmingly, an estimated 40,000 female foetuses are aborted each year, and projections indicate that by 2034, Vietnam will lack 1.5 million women aged 15–49. This imbalance not only increases Vietnam’s own vulnerability to trafficking but also raises the possibility that the country could become an “importer” of women, further fueling human trafficking networks.
In my work with NGOs, I have often emphasised that gender inequality is not just a women’s issue—it has direct consequences for economic growth and workplace sustainability. Vietnam is striving to establish itself as a leader in global industrial production, but what can be achieved without the participation of women? The textile industry, one of Vietnam’s most crucial sectors, has a workforce that is approximately 70% female. If gender inequality remains unaddressed, the country risks a serious labour force shortage.
Of the five factors that increase a person's risk of becoming a victim of human trafficking, four are directly related to social development.
Vietnam’s cultural heritage is rooted in a history of gender equality. Before centuries of Chinese influence, Vietnam had a society where women played significant roles, as exemplified by the legendary Trung Sisters. Gender equality is embedded in the country’s cultural DNA. The current disparities stem largely from colonial history and external influences. In choosing to promote gender equality today, Vietnam is not merely adopting a modern concept—it is reclaiming its historical identity.
We do not need to follow other countries' models. For instance, despite being advanced economies, Japan and South Korea still face severe gender inequality. South Korea now has a birth rate of less than one child per couple, and its government is investing heavily in policies to encourage marriage and childbearing—an issue that Vietnam must proactively address before it becomes a crisis.
From a policy perspective, I frequently collaborate with foreign governments to reform legal frameworks, enabling more Vietnamese citizens to migrate safely and legally. Providing young individuals with opportunities to study and work abroad not only empowers them personally but also strengthens Vietnam’s future. Those who return bring back valuable experience and knowledge, contributing to the country’s development in meaningful ways.
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Tatler Asia’s Most Influential is a prestigious list celebrating the visionaries shaping our world today. From industry giants to groundbreaking innovators, this exclusive selection spotlights the region’s most dynamic minds—leaders who are driving meaningful change in Asia and beyond. See the full list here.
Tatler Vietnam - Nha Tap Tinh Hoa will officially honor the characters on the list of Asia's Most Influential Vietnam 2024 at Tatler Vietnam Launch - Enter A New Kingdom on December 4, 2024.
Credits
CEO & Managing Director: Hami Tran
Editor-in-Chief: Nikita Chu
Art Director: Andy Tran
Managing Editor: Sade Ho
Senior Editor: Hong Dang
Photographer: Vo Tran Viet Thanh
Videographer: Luan Nguyen
Producer: nakhoi
Stylist: Hasley Nguyen
Styling Assistant: KimBe
Makeup Artist: Uyen Phan
Set Designer: Lam Minh Trung
Costume: GIAN SAIGON, SPICANIST
Lighting: Nina Next Space
Location: Nina Next Space
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