Cover Front & Female 2025 nominees for the Wellness category
Front & Female 2025 nominees for the Wellness category
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When these Front & Female 2025 honourees step forward to advocate for their communities, they transform lives and quietly lay the groundwork for a just society, where physical and mental wellbeing is recognised as a right, not a privilege.
These Front & Female 2025 nominees are the ones who first built the foundation for a holistic health concept that nurtures physical, mental and social connections together. From community care projects to shifting perceptions of healing and self-care, each nominee in the Wellbeing Award category champions a humane and sustainable approach to health in Vietnam. Within them lies courage, dedication and a profound belief that happiness is not a destination but something cultivated daily through understanding, sharing and an empathetic heart.
Read more: BeWell and lifestyle medicine: Which standards are creating new healthcare trends?
Nguyen Yen Thao – Love returns love
Nguyen Yen Thao, Executive Director of One Body Village (OBV), is a pioneer in rescuing and caring for children who are victims or at risk of sexual abuse in Vietnam. Transitioning from a TV host, she chose a challenging yet deeply meaningful path.
After witnessing heartbreaking cases of child abuse, she founded OBV as a sanctuary for traumatised children. Though not a large organisation, OBV began with a simple goal: to provide a safe space for children to pause, heal and quietly rediscover their own rhythm before gaining the strength to move forward.
Above Nguyen Yen Thao, Executive Director of One Body Village (OBV), is a pioneer in rescuing and caring for children who are victims or at risk of sexual abuse in Vietnam
Nguyen Yen Thao, Executive Director of One Body Village (OBV), is a pioneer in rescuing and caring for children who are victims or at risk of sexual abuse in Vietnam
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In its early days, she and her colleagues faced many obstacles. As this model was new, some viewed a “good Samaritan” appearing out of nowhere with suspicion. At times, she and OBV endured threats from perpetrators themselves. Yet her passion never waned. Guided by faith in her chosen mission and a heart that beat for the vulnerable, she and her team gradually built trust. OBV became not only a shared home but a steadfast support for fragile lives, helping them find hope and a future.
Dr Nguyen Thi Sim – Silently supporting life from fragile beginnings
Born in 1983 in Bac Ninh, Front & Female 2025 nominee Dr Nguyen Thi Sim is one of Vietnam’s leading experts in fetal medicine. Few know her journey to medicine was difficult. Her family initially opposed her ambitions, fearing the hardships she would face. Nevertheless, she persevered, pursuing her dream. In 2001, she secured admission to Hanoi Medical University, the result of years of hard work and consistently high achievements in district, provincial and national competitions for excellent students.
While still a student, Dr Nguyen Thi Sim actively engaged in scientific research. This dedication earned her the title of excellent student and the “Student Scientific Research Award” from the Ministry of Education and Training for her project: “Acute myeloid and lymphocytic leukemia in children, clinical comparison, haematology and response to treatment.”
Above Dr Nguyen Thi Sim is one of Vietnam’s leading experts in fetal medicine
Dr Nguyen Thi Sim is one of Vietnam’s leading experts in fetal medicine
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After six years, she was accepted to work at Hanoi Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, where she has specialised in obstetrics and prenatal diagnosis ever since. Working at a top-tier specialised hospital in the capital brings not only intense professional demands but also considerable practical challenges, especially for a young doctor fresh from the lecture hall like Dr Sim. Rather than yielding, she committed herself to daily learning, upholding professional integrity alongside a compassionate approach to every patient. In the face of the inevitable pressures and temptations within modern medicine, she consistently reminds herself to honour the Hippocratic oath.
After more than a decade in obstetrics and gynaecology, Dr Sim has witnessed numerous cases of fetal malformations and stillbirths left untreated. These experiences inspired her to deepen her expertise in fetal medicine. A pivotal moment came in 2007, when Hanoi Obstetrics and Gynaecology Hospital sent her to France for advanced training and knowledge transfer in fetal intervention at leading institutions.
Dr Sim has witnessed numerous cases of fetal malformations and stillbirths left untreated
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Since then, she has made ongoing contributions to her country’s medical field, saving hundreds of unborn lives and offering renewed hope to many Vietnamese families. The highlight of this journey was the successful laparoscopic fetal intervention surgery performed by her and the team at Hanoi Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital. This breakthrough marked significant progress in treating complex conditions such as twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome and amniotic banding, once considered formidable challenges in modern obstetrics.
This achievement not only confirmed her professional expertise but also opened fresh possibilities for thousands of expectant mothers nationwide. As BSCKI Nguyen Thi Sim once reflected: “Human life is rarely a straight path; we all face many turning points. Choosing to study medicine and become a doctor was probably the greatest turning point in my life.”
Associate Professor Dr Dao Viet Hang – Pioneer in applying artificial intelligence in digestive endoscopy in Vietnam
Associate Professor Dr Dao Viet Hang is a trailblazer in Vietnam’s modern medicine, especially in using artificial intelligence (AI) for gastrointestinal endoscopy. As Director of the Endoscopy Centre at Hanoi Medical University Hospital and Deputy Secretary General of the Vietnam Gastroenterology Association, she expertly combines clinical practice, research and innovation.
See also: Healing wisdom in the meeting of science and spirit from three Asian women
Above Associate Professor Dr Dao Viet Hang is a trailblazer in Vietnam’s modern medicine, especially in using artificial intelligence (AI) for gastrointestinal endoscopy
Associate Professor Dr Dao Viet Hang is a trailblazer in Vietnam’s modern medicine, especially in using artificial intelligence (AI) for gastrointestinal endoscopy
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One of her most notable achievements is being the first in Vietnam to develop AI software for digestive endoscopy that assists in detecting colon polyps and common lesions of the upper digestive tract, including oesophageal cancer, stomach cancer, reflux oesophagitis, gastritis and duodenal ulcers. The extensive database of tens of thousands of labelled images, alongside these algorithms, is designed for wide, low-cost application at grassroots health facilities, aiming to reduce disparities in early diagnosis and treatment of digestive diseases, particularly in remote regions. Beyond her research, Associate Professor Dr Dao Viet Hang has also created three mobile applications to support patients undergoing colonoscopy, managing gastric reflux and hepatitis B, thereby enhancing medical examination and treatment from the earliest stage.
Associate Professor Dr Dao Viet Hang is currently the head and co-head of many state-level scientific projects and mentors numerous medical students
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In addition, Associate Professor Dr Dao Viet Hang is a strong source of inspiration. Beyond her presidency of the Global Network of Young Vietnamese Intellectuals, she serves on both the Publication Committee and the Communications Committee of the World Gastroenterology Association, as well as the Standing Committee of the Asia Pacific Gastroenterology Association. She acts as a vital bridge, leading the way in sharing experience and encouraging young Vietnamese intellectuals to engage confidently on the global stage.
Seven Front & Female 2025 categories, 23 nominees, each name shines independently, yet together they paint a rich, multi-faceted portrait of contemporary female power. Each story not only bears witness to individual endeavour but also plants seeds of inspiration for the community to reflect on the value of kindness, courage and creativity. Now, we await the moment of honour on 22 August, as the journey of spreading positive values and creating new inspiring stories continues.
About Front & Female 2025 Awards
Launched in March, Front & Female is an award that celebrates women who are driving positive change and championing the advancement of women. By showcasing initiatives and achievements across diverse sectors, Front & Female highlights the influential voices of trailblazing women, while igniting dialogue and inspiring the community.
