SAIGON AMBASSADORS
Saigon, known for its dynamic energy and rich cultural tapestry, is rapidly becoming a hub for innovation and social entrepreneurship in Southeast Asia. Amidst its bustling streets and thriving markets, a new generation of leaders is emerging—individuals who are not only building successful businesses but are also dedicated to creating positive social and environmental impact. Here are six inspiring purpose-driven leaders from Saigon, an equal mix of men and women, who are leading the charge in transforming their city and beyond.
Nguyễn Lương Ngọc – Founder, Green Saigon
Turning Saigon green, one project at a time.
Makaani Nominee for: Leading Green Saigon to transform urban environments through sustainability projects, from greening initiatives to waste management, making Saigon a model eco-friendly city. Nguyễn Lương Ngọc is the visionary founder of Green Saigon, an environmental organization dedicated to promoting sustainability in urban areas. His organization works on projects ranging from urban greening to waste management, focusing on making Saigon a more livable and eco-friendly city. Nguyen’s initiatives have not only raised awareness but have also inspired community action towards environmental conservation.
Nguyen says: "We have many aspirations, starting with improving water quality by planting types of plants that not only help clean the water but also bring economic value. The more we work, the more we want to showcase the image of young Vietnamese people actively participating in environmental protection to the world in the most beautiful way," shared the leader of Saigon Xanh.” -quote taken from: wechoice.vn
Nguyen says for Makaani: “In the old days, people jumped into these canals and swam and fished a lot. Looking back now, those canals have turned into trash canals. I was very hesitant about what I had to do to change those canals until I saw a TikTok video. There was a young Indonesian person that had great ideas about protecting the environment and I got inspired.”
Dương Gia Hiếu – Upcycling Designer
Fostering innovative design and creativity by transforming upcycled objects
Makaani Nominee for: Dương Gia Hiếu runs design studio Ném, that seamlessly blends a furniture store with a workshop space for DIY enthusiasts, where sustainability and creativity thrive. Upcycled objects take center stage in the innovative designs, showcasing the beauty of repurposed materials. Alongside Néms own upcycled design collection, it offers a cozy café and cocktail bar, fostering a vibrant community atmosphere. The space also serves as an event hub for art and design, encouraging collaboration and inspiration. Here, design meets innovation, and every corner invites you to explore new ways of living sustainably.
Dương believes: “When I was a photographer I used to capture environmentally conscious content but I found that it was not effective enough to spread awareness so I started to upcycle objects.[...] I find beauty in the things that other people throw away.” from Vietnam Parliament tv on Youtube
Le Thi Thuy – Founder, Empower Women Vietnam
Building stronger communities by empowering women.
Makaani Nominee for: Empowering women through vocational training and entrepreneurship, fostering economic independence and transforming communities. Le Thi Thuy is a passionate advocate for women’s rights and economic empowerment. She founded Empower Women Vietnam, a social enterprise that provides vocational training and entrepreneurship opportunities for women, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Her work has helped countless women gain financial independence and confidence, transforming their lives and their communities.
Le Thi Thuy shares: "Empowering women means empowering entire communities. At Empower Women Vietnam, we’re giving women the tools they need to build better futures for themselves and their families."
Nguyễn Dạ Quyên - Founder of Lại Đây Refill Station
Facilitating Sustainable Living and Minimizing Waste.
Makaani Nominee for: In the dynamic heart of Vietnam, Laiday Refill Station made history in 2018 as the nation’s inaugural refill store, spearheading a new era in sustainable consumption. Under the innovative leadership of Nguyễn Dạ Quyên, it became a symbol of eco-friendly living, prompting the establishment of 20 more refill stations and transforming the consumer landscape. With its guiding principle, "Lại Đây, Lại Đầy," meaning "Come here, get full again," Laiday Refill invites customers to embrace the principles of reuse and refill, reflecting the endless opportunities for a sustainable lifestyle.
Nguyen explains: “I envision a future in Vietnam where millions of families embrace sustainable living, creating their own non-food products from natural ingredients and passing down reusable items through generations. In this future, there may no longer be a need for Laiday Refill stations, as the mission of inspiring and providing practical solutions for a less-plastic, more sustainable lifestyle would have been accomplished.” - laidayrefill.com
Dr. Vo Thi Hoang Yen - Founder of The Disability Research and Capacity Development (DRD) organization
Promoting the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities in Vietnam
Makaani Nominee for: Vo Thi Hoang Yen, diagnosed with polio at age three while growing up in a rural rice-farming village in Vietnam, faced significant barriers due to stigma and discrimination despite earning two bachelor's degrees. Her desire to change perceptions about people with disabilities led her to pursue a Master's in Community Development at the University of Kansas through the International Fellowships Program (IFP). After turning down a job offer in Washington, DC, Vo returned to Vietnam and founded the Disability Research and Capacity Development (DRD) center in 2005. Under her leadership, DRD has created over 200 jobs for people with disabilities, provided more than 30 self-employment grants, and awarded 400 scholarships.
Kim Anh says: “I used [IFP] knowledge to continue my academic journey … to keep researching and fighting for social justice issues with women and girls with disabilities in my home country.” - drdvietnam.org