Cover With four decades in education and gender research, Dr Bui Tran Phuong continues to shape conversations on equality and women’s empowerment.
With four decades in education and gender research, Dr Bui Tran Phuong continues to shape conversations on equality and women’s empowerment.
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Educator and former university president Dr Bui Tran Phuong shares her philosophy that supporting women means creating fairness, not favoritism.
Dr Bui Tran Phuong, educator and researcher on history and culture, served as President of Hoa Sen University from 2006 to 2016. She is known for more than four decades of dedication to education and gender equality. Alongside her management career, she has produced numerous internationally recognised research works, particularly on the role of women in Vietnamese history. In 2012, she was honoured with the Legion of Honour, Knight, by the French Government, in recognition of her persistent contributions to promoting cultural and educational cooperation between Vietnam and France.
For Dr Bui Tran Phuong, the source of female strength lies not only in individual resilience, but also in the ability to find and nurture support circles where women can support each other. She believes that a community is truly strong only when its members know how to empower, create opportunities and stand by each other in times of need.
Above Dr Bui Tran Phuong, educator and researcher on history and culture
Dr Bui Tran Phuong, educator and researcher on history and culture
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Bui Tran Phuong is an experienced leader in the fields of education and administration, having held executive positions in many prestigious organisations. She has led diverse groups in terms of expertise, age and gender, and understands that the “supporting system” is particularly vital for women, especially in environments where prejudice persists. That is why she follows a clear leadership philosophy: not imposing, not biased, but always ready to protect and encourage when necessary.
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Supporting women does not require favouritism, just fairness
During her decade at the helm of Hoa Sen University, Bui Tran Phuong left a lasting mark by creating a safe and equitable working environment for women. She vividly remembers a time when an international research delegation visited and expressed surprise at the high proportion of female leaders in her organisation. When asked about the secret, she simply replied: “I don’t do anything. I just don’t discriminate.”
This seemingly simple statement reflects a profound leadership philosophy. In her view, supporting women should not be interpreted as “favouring” or “being more lenient” than men, but rather as removing invisible barriers so that they can fully realise their potential. This requires leaders to be discerning enough to recognise what is genuinely fair, and courageous enough to implement “exceptional policies” when circumstances demand.
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Above In her philosophy, supporting someone does not mean “pushing” them forward, but rather creating conditions for them to choose their own path
In her philosophy, supporting someone does not mean “pushing” them forward, but rather creating conditions for them to choose their own path
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She recalls a time when a female department head faced a difficult pregnancy. Dr Bui Tran Phuong immediately allowed her to work from home to safeguard her health. Some colleagues perceived this as bias, but she replied bluntly: “Anyone in such a situation deserves that ‘exceptional policy’.” To her, this was not a favour, but fairness tailored to the circumstances, ensuring women could continue to contribute rather than being excluded from the workflow.
This commitment to fairness also extends to respecting individual choice. She does not pressure anyone to take on an opportunity they are not ready for. When a colleague was offered a higher position but declined because she did not want the responsibility of disciplining others, Dr Tran Phuong accepted the decision and sought someone more suited. In her philosophy, supporting someone does not mean “pushing” them forward, but rather creating conditions for them to choose their own path.
Above For Dr Tran Phuong, a safe environment is the foundation of support
For Dr Tran Phuong, a safe environment is the foundation of support
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For Dr Tran Phuong, a safe environment is the foundation of support. She believes this is the key factor in helping women reduce negative competition and feel willing to support one another. In such an environment, women can openly share difficulties, admit weaknesses, and seek help without fear of judgment.
She agrees that empathy is a particular strength of women: the ability to recognise and express emotions makes it easier for them to connect and support each other. But empathy falters if women are placed in a harsh environment where every mistake is scrutinised. That is why she strives to create a workspace and communication space where trust is paramount.
Women supporting women ecosystem: When one stands, many step up
In her talks, she often emphasises: “When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.” To her, a “teacher” is not only someone who instructs, but anyone who inspires, provides opportunities, or simply appears at the right moment to help someone overcome obstacles.
She once taught a special group of students in the charity programme “Aspiration Fund”, which supports children who have lost their parents or are not cared for by their families. In addition to funding tuition, the programme organises summer camp activities so the children can connect and support one another spiritually. For her, this demonstrates that support does not have to come from blood; it can arise from any human connection in society.
Above Dr Bui Tran Phuong believes that “women supporting women” is a long-term process requiring perseverance and continuity
Dr Bui Tran Phuong believes that “women supporting women” is a long-term process requiring perseverance and continuity
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This philosophy also extends to women in the workplace and business: when one person is given an opportunity and confidence, she becomes the link that lifts many others. That support creates a ripple effect from the individual, to a small group, to the wider community.
Dr Bui Tran Phuong does not believe in slogans unless they are translated into tangible actions. For her, “women supporting women” is a long-term process requiring perseverance and continuity. It begins with the smallest gestures: a word of encouragement, a chance to try, or a timely act of protection.
She also candidly acknowledges that many women still limit themselves with outdated thinking, hesitating to step forward and build a support network. Therefore, the role of those who lead is to set an example of commitment, so that others can see that supporting one another does not diminish personal value, but rather is the strongest way to affirm oneself.
Above SHE Speaks 2025 is a dialogue held as part of the Front & Female Awards – an annual event organised by Tatler Asia to honour female pioneers
SHE Speaks 2025 is a dialogue held as part of the Front & Female Awards – an annual event organised by Tatler Asia to honour female pioneers
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SHE Speaks 2025 is a dialogue held as part of the Front & Female Awards – an annual event organised by Tatler Asia to honour female pioneers. Themed “Women Advancing Women – From Sustainable Roots to Community Aspiration”, SHE Speaks 2025 aims to create a space where pioneering women can connect, open their minds, share their creative journeys, and spread the driving force for development. Through this, each woman is empowered, supporting one another on the journey to reach new heights with steadiness, initiative and courage.
