Front & Female Awards 2025 honours trailblazing women shaping Vietnam’s future

Launched in 2020, Front & Female is an initiative by Tatler Asia to recognise female individuals who are creating positive change and advancing the role of women. By showcasing initiatives and achievements across multiple fields, Front & Female celebrates the influential voices of pioneering women while fostering dialogue and inspiring the wider community. Over five years, it has become a platform to connect and amplify the strong, innovative voices of women.

In 2025, Front & Female marked a significant milestone by being held in Vietnam for the first time, under the leadership of Tatler Vietnam. A highlight of the year was the SHE Speaks dialogue on 12 July, serving as both a forum and a celebration of pioneering women, sharing inspirational stories and sparking meaningful conversations. The event has become a powerful source of inspiration, reinforcing Tatler Vietnam’s commitment to honouring the beauty, bravery and impact of women.

The success of SHE Speaks has laid a solid foundation for the Front & Female Awards 2025. Building on this achievement, Tatler Vietnam plans to continue developing the SHE Speaks dialogue series in the coming years, creating spaces for women to share knowledge, experience and broaden their horizons.

Reflecting on her journey with Front & Female, Ms. Nikita Chu, Editor-in-Chief of Tatler Vietnam, said: “Front & Female is not just an award, but a reminder that every step a woman takes is a step forward for the whole community. These are stories of perseverance, kindness and the aspiration to rise. Take Dr. Nguyen Thi Sim, whose work gives life to hundreds of fetuses, offering hope to many Vietnamese families. Or Chung Thuy Linh, founder of the Blue Ribbon Organization, committed to combating cervical cancer and building a healthier future for generations of Vietnamese women. And visual artist Le Giang, whose experimental projects contribute to dialogue and the diversification of contemporary art practices.

“There are countless more stories like these honoured at the Front & Female Awards, helping to spread inspiration and build a future where women can freely reach out and constantly create positive values for society.”

Alongside the official award categories, the Front & Female Awards 2025 also paid tribute to the brands that have supported Tatler Vietnam in promoting women’s pioneering values. Their partnership is a testament to shared trust and alignment with these ideals, contributing to the event’s success.

As a brand partner of the Front & Female platform, Ms. Le Thanh Huong, General Director of Menard Vietnam and the cover face of Tatler Vietnam in August, shared her passion for the programme: “On behalf of Menard Vietnam, I sincerely thank Tatler Vietnam for creating a space to connect with the community, allowing pioneering women to inspire the next generation. Across 4,000 years of history, Vietnamese women have always played crucial roles and made remarkable contributions.

“From the Trung Sisters and Lady Trieu to the heroines of today, we have demonstrated resilience, courage and left countless historical marks. At the Front & Female Awards 2025, we witness this enduring strength. From pioneers like Dr. Bui Tran Phuong and journalist Vu Kim Hanh to contemporary figures such as Ms. Huynh Thi Xuan Lien and all the guests here, we share the same commitment to spreading women’s core values and heritage, contributing to society in meaningful ways. Thank you, Tatler, for dedicating the Front & Female Awards to honour and empower women, because together we are creating a better future.”

Next, Mr. Mohinder Jakhar, Marketing Director Vietnam & Cambodia of Pernod Ricard, spoke about the vision and sustainable values that underpin The Glenlivet whisky brand, contributing to its legacy and exceptional taste.

Following these inspiring talks, Ms. Nikita Chu, representing Tatler Vietnam, presented fresh bouquets as a heartfelt thank you to the event’s partners, including Japanese luxury cosmetics and spa brand Menard Vietnam, The Glenlivet whisky, Renaissance Riverside Hotel Saigon, flower studio Spica Studio, and Le Corto restaurant, expressing deep gratitude for their support.

The Front & Female Awards' journey to discover and honour pioneering women officially began in March, a month dedicated to celebrating women. After five months of searching and evaluation, the organising committee selected the most remarkable candidates.

In 2025, Front & Female recognised individuals who have initiated or developed impactful projects over the past 18 months, contributing to the empowerment and advancement of women across six categories:

• Business Leader Award (Female Leader)
• Founder Award
• Innovation Award
• Rising Champion
• Social Impact Award
• Wellbeing Award (Comprehensive health care)

Alongside the main categories, Front & Female introduced a special category, the Inspirational Award. This unprecedented recognition honours individuals who have transformed adversity into motivation, spreading resilience and inspiration throughout the community.

Following a thorough evaluation by the Judging Council, the winners were announced at the Front & Female Awards 2025. Among many outstanding candidates, the “Founder Award” was presented to Ms. Chung Thuy Linh, Founder of the Blue Ribbon Organization. This organisation goes beyond conventional work, breaking down informational and psychological barriers to empower women to take charge of their own health. By focusing on comprehensive gynaecological care, Chung Thuy Linh and Blue Ribbon are directly helping to reduce disease burden, aiming to combat cervical cancer nationwide by 2030 and build a healthier future for generations of Vietnamese women.

Reflecting on receiving the award, Chung Thuy Linh said: “I am deeply moved to represent the Blue Ribbon Organization in receiving the Founder Award. This is not only an honour for me personally or for Blue Ribbon, but also recognition for all the women who work quietly alongside us every day.

“Although our journey is still full of challenges, this recognition gives No Xanh renewed motivation to continue meaningful projects. Improving the health and quality of life for Vietnamese women requires everyone’s cooperation. No Xanh hopes to accompany you in future projects, building a future where all women are cared for and respected.”

With her sharp leadership and tireless contributions to human resources development in Vietnam, Ms. Tieu Yen Trinh – Founder and General Director of Talentnet Joint Stock Company, was named winner of the “Business Leader Award”.

Under her guidance, Talentnet has become a leading human resource consulting firm with over 300 employees, serving thousands of domestic and international clients. Beyond growth, Ms. Tieu Yen Trinh has contributed to building a professional human resource consulting market in Vietnam, establishing partnerships with global leaders such as Mercer and ADP Streamline.

At the awards ceremony, Ms. Tieu Yen Trinh noted that the Front & Female Awards provide a powerful source of inspiration, encouraging women to share their stories with confidence, thereby fostering a generation of empowered female successors. “Today’s pioneering women will inspire future generations to rise, affirming the value of women not only within families but across diverse fields and professions, together creating meaningful contributions for society.”

The “Social Impact Award” was presented to Architect Chu Kim Duc. Inspired by the belief that “children have the right to play,” Architect Chu Kim Duc and his colleagues launched Think Playgrounds in 2014. Over the past decade, Think Playgrounds has created 270 public playgrounds across Vietnam, including numerous initiatives specifically designed for children with disabilities, providing safe and inclusive spaces for all.

See more: Chu Kim Duc turns inclusive playground design into a movement for stronger communities

Not limited to a single genre, tlinh received the “Rising Champion” award in recognition of her versatility and distinctive musical identity. She often experiments with and fuses styles such as hip hop, R&B and pop, leaving a memorable impression on audiences.

The “Wellbeing Award” honoured Dr. Nguyen Thi Sim for her contributions in fetal medicine. The doctor has brought hundreds of unborn children into the world while providing hope and encouragement to countless Vietnamese families.

At the Front & Female Awards, Architect Tran Thi Ngu Ngon was presented with the “Innovation Award.” With more than two decades of experience, she has created a series of works with distinctive creative signatures, subtly blending modernity with indigenous culture. Notable projects include Termitary House, Wasp House, Terra Cotta Studio, LT House, Chicken's House and Long An House. These works exemplify the harmonious integration of tradition and sustainable design, shaping an architectural style rooted in contemporary Vietnamese identity.

Receiving her award, she shared her emotions: “Thank you, Tatler Vietnam and the Judging Council, for this meaningful recognition. Architecture was always a mysterious concept to me as a child. Yet embarking on this path has led me to a place I never imagined, standing on stage to receive such an award. For me, architecture is not a destination, but a long journey of passion and dedication.

“This award is a valuable acknowledgment of my journey and motivates me to continue persevering. I hope my story will inspire other women to pursue their dreams with confidence, creating positive values for themselves and the community.”

The Inspirational Award, a unique category introduced by Tatler Vietnam, was bestowed upon Diva Hong Nhung. This accolade recognises an individual who has transformed adversity into motivation, spreading strength and inspiration, and creating a deeply moving story at the Front & Female Awards 2025.

At the end of 2024, Diva Hong Nhung was diagnosed with breast cancer. Rather than retreating, she chose to publicly share her experience, encouraging women to prioritise health, screen for disease, and embrace early prevention. Throughout treatment, she continued practising her voice, composing and performing. She also initiated the Pink Bow project, involving 100 women undergoing cancer treatment, to promote optimism, a project set to launch soon.

“Life is limited, but love is infinite. Even while facing illness, I have never stopped creating. The Inspirational Award is not only for me, but also for everyone at the Front & Female Awards 2025 who persistently pursue their ideals, dare to live, dare to love, and dare to give wholeheartedly,” Diva Hong Nhung said.

Beyond the awards themselves, the Front & Female Awards 2025 offered truly spectacular performances. The evening opened with the dance Banh Troi Nuoc by Moonlight dancers. Inspired by Ho Xuan Huong’s poem of the same name, the performance celebrated the beauty, courage and resilience of Vietnamese women, who remain steadfast regardless of circumstances. The fusion of contemporary dance with traditional spirit created a meaningful opening, conveying the strength and autonomy of women – the very essence that Front & Female Awards 2025 seeks to honour.

Next, singer Dinh Huong performed God’s Most Beautiful Masterpiece, a track from her album Black Magic Woman, released in March 2025. Her powerful and emotive voice conveyed the song’s heartfelt message about the beauty and value of women, delivering a captivating performance that touched every guest in the auditorium.

During the evening, Dinh Huong shared her thoughts on the song: “I am deeply honoured to perform on the Front & Female Awards 2025 stage. This composition represents my admiration and respect for women. Through this music, I hope to convey energy and joy as a heartfelt tribute to all the ladies present at this meaningful night.”

Guests were also treated to a culinary journey of sophistication, presented by Chef-Owner Sakal Phoeung from Le Corto restaurant and Brett Muller, Director of Food & Beverage and Culinary Operations at Renaissance Riverside Hotel Saigon. Both crafted a menu blending the finest elements of Asian and European cuisine, transforming the evening into a harmonious celebration of music, art and gastronomy.

Beyond the performances, the evening also moved guests with a deeply humane gesture, reflecting the spirit of giving back. As part of the Front & Female Awards 2025, Tatler Vietnam and Dinh Huong presented a special gift: a one-of-a-kind CD from the singer’s album Masterpiece. The CD was auctioned, with a portion of the proceeds donated by Dinh Huong and other sponsors to the Centre for Research and Capacity Development for People with Disabilities (DRD Vietnam).

A representative of DRD Vietnam, Dr. Vo Thi Hoang Yen, founder and director of the centre, received this meaningful gift. DRD Vietnam is a non-profit organisation committed to promoting equal opportunities for people with disabilities. This gesture represents not only financial support, but also a powerful message of empathy and solidarity, affirming that every contribution today becomes a beacon of hope for those in need.

The Front & Female Awards concluded with emotional and memorable moments. Let us look back at the highlights of this brilliant evening with Tatler Vietnam:

Sincere thanks to our partners and collaborators: Japanese luxury cosmetics and spa brand Menard Vietnam, whisky brand The Glenlivet, Ho Chi Minh City Association of Women Entrepreneurs (HAWEE), Renaissance Riverside Saigon Hotel, flower studio Spica Studio and Le Corto restaurant.

About Front & Female Awards 2025
The Front & Female Awards celebrate and recognise women who are driving positive change and championing the advancement of women. By showcasing initiatives and achievements across diverse sectors, the awards highlight the influential voices of pioneering women, sparking dialogue and inspiring the community.

NOW READ

6 influential women in F1 history who have broken barriers in motorsport

Le Thanh Huong on building Menard Vietnam and empowering women through beauty

SHE Speaks: Thi Anh Dao redefines the concept of “luck” through the ability to overcome adversity