Cao Thi Ngoc Dung, president of the Ho Chi Minh City Association of Women Entrepreneurs

How do you feel about being re-elected as HAWEE President for the third term?

Over the past decade, HAWEE has sought to cultivate an environment where women entrepreneurs can grow together, learning, sharing, and enhancing their leadership capabilities while forging their own paths. With a mission to connect and empower women through the development of mindset, leadership skills, personal image and inner strength, HAWEE has accompanied its members every step of the way, helping them thrive both professionally and personally.

I am truly grateful for the continued trust of our members. It is both a great honour and a source of motivation for myself and the executive board to build upon what we have achieved, to broaden our reach, and to enhance the quality of our activities. We remain committed to delivering value that is not only meaningful, but also enduring.

HAWEE is constantly growing, not only in quantity but also in quality. What is HAWEE’s secret, madam?

HAWEE has been cultivating a sustainable ecosystem in which women entrepreneurs are not only collaborators, but also part of a family. The Association’s core values—Balance, Progress and Humanity—are reflected across every initiative. HAWEE has hosted hundreds of events and training programmes that respond swiftly to macroeconomic changes, fostering deep bonds among female entrepreneurs, encouraging mutual support, and building a robust community of women in business.

Mentoring remains one of HAWEE’s signature programmes, creating an active learning environment. By linking generations of leaders, it enables emerging figures to benefit from the experience and inspiration of those who came before them. HAWEE intends to expand this initiative to other provinces and cities, offering more diverse formats, and establishing the programme as a long-term commitment to both organisational and community development.

In the new term, what are the goals that HAWEE has set to attract new members and retain existing members?

The primary goal for HAWEE in this new term is to shape a vibrant, well-connected community of female entrepreneurs. Beyond growing its membership base, the Association is looking to attract women from major corporations with significant experience, aiming to enrich its diversity and energy. With sustainable development at the heart of its mission, HAWEE also plans to broaden its partnership network, connecting with both domestic and international organisations and associations.

HAWEE will actively pursue collaborations with global non-profits that focus on fostering women’s leadership, to elevate the presence and impact of Vietnamese businesswomen on the world stage. It also intends to create exchange programmes, facilitate learning from international peers, and participate more fully in global forums on women’s rights.

Remaining rooted in community engagement, HAWEE will champion projects with social value. The Association will provide financial backing to members pursuing businesses centred on sustainability and environmental impact. Key areas of focus include ecological preservation, enhanced quality of life, and social development. In these efforts, HAWEE will offer hands-on consultancy, assist with capital access, connect members with relevant partners, and help navigate business challenges.

HAWEE also remains committed to refining the quality of its signature events, including the Women Entrepreneurs Awards, Leadership Forum, and a variety of seminars, forums and workshops. These occasions are designed to spark learning, forge relationships and enable fruitful collaboration. To ensure success, HAWEE will continue identifying and engaging dynamic individuals who can meaningfully contribute to community growth.

Ultimately, HAWEE aspires to be one of the region’s most respected women’s business associations, representing the vitality and vision of Vietnamese female entrepreneurs.

Cao Thi Ngoc Dung, as both Chairwoman of the PNJ Board of Directors and Chairwoman of HAWEE, as well as being active in other associations, how do you maintain balance across so many responsibilities?

It’s a question I hear often. Balancing work, family and personal obligations requires constant effort not only to sharpen professional skills but also to nurture mental wellbeing and sustain energy. For me, however, community work is more than a responsibility; it brings fulfilment and helps me feel centred. In that, I’ve found true joy.

When life places you in a position of juggling multiple roles, it can feel as though you’re facing a towering mountain, with every task a weighty stone. There are times I’ve felt exhausted, under pressure, even doubtful. But I’ve always believed that no challenge is insurmountable. There’s always a way—many ways, in fact—to move forward and find the right solution. What matters is the determination to stay the course once a path is chosen. That is where the goal becomes attainable.

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We are not tireless machines. But remember, you are the most important person in your life. No matter the burden you carry, never let yourself be swept away by the demands of work to the point of forgetting self-care. When exhaustion takes hold, do not hesitate to pause, even briefly. That moment of rest may be what you need to restore your energy, regain clarity, and steady your mind.

Learn to release what no longer serves you. Perfection is not always necessary. What truly matters is not reaching a flawless destination, but finding peace within. Sometimes, saying “no” is what protects you from pressure that should never have been yours. That is not a sign of weakness, it is strength, and a way to honour your own worth.

Make time for those who stand beside you, who love and support you. And most of all, trust in your boundless resilience. You have overcome much already, and you can overcome more still. Every step forward, however small, is still a triumph. Be proud of how far you’ve come, and don’t forget to offer yourself the recognition you so often give to others.

Many HAWEE members consider you the “guiding light” of the association. Are you concerned that one day, if you no longer hold the role of HAWEE Chairwoman, the association’s influence may diminish?

Much like running a business, succession planning has long been a priority at HAWEE. We’ve spent years preparing the next generation to step confidently into leadership. This term has already seen many responsibilities passed on. The current Executive Board is supported by a strong cohort of younger members, bright, highly capable, and deeply committed. They bring with them strong leadership skills, broad experience, and a future-facing vision.

In the current economic climate, what guidance would you offer to female leaders?

Trade conflicts, geopolitical tensions and currency volatility are all expected to affect Vietnam’s exports and investment landscape. Meanwhile, the effects of climate change and natural disasters present ongoing challenges. Yet, with change comes opportunity. As global supply chains shift, Vietnam is well placed to attract foreign direct investment. In parallel, participation in free trade agreements is helping to unlock access to new international markets. As the country’s economic powerhouse, Ho Chi Minh City is central to both growth and global integration.

Women are becoming increasingly prominent in business leadership. Today’s female entrepreneurs are more proactive and agile, seizing opportunities to grow their businesses, strengthen their brands, and contribute to the city’s key projects. Still, challenges remain; fierce competition, rising operational costs, and growing expectations around product and service quality. To thrive, businesses must embrace innovation, sharpen their competitiveness, and stay attuned to market shifts.

Beyond the boardroom, I want to say this: life isn’t always smooth, but you are far stronger than you believe. Keep hope alive in your heart. You deserve a life that is not only successful, but also balanced, meaningful, and full of purpose.

Thanks Cao Thi Ngoc Dung for sharing!

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