Julian Nguyen in Vietnam
In this new blog series, I’d like to ask four questions to people from different countries, backgrounds, professions, and genders who have all one thing in common: volunteering. I hope you’ll get inspired by their journeys and take the leap into volunteering.
Notice: The positions, views and information contained published here are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily represent my views or opinions.
Nhung Nguyen (Julian) has a Bachelor degree in Business from the University of London and has experienced knowledge in the Manufacturing Industry in Vietnam. She is enthusiastic with a positive mindset, charming with genuine curiosity, a straight-forward speaker and a result-oriented leader.
How did you begin to volunteer?
Since 2021, by volunteering to support PMI Vietnam Chapter with organising online events for Project professionals during the pandemic.
Why did you continue volunteering?
It’s fun, I got to meet new people from different industries. It’s useful, people share knowledge and practical lessons learned. It’s meaningful, I love to contribute to building our community in Vietnam. That's probably my personal notes.
How has volunteering helped you in your career?
My main business is industrial manufacturing equipment. We do trading, providing automation solutions, installation and services. I had a hard time coping with so many stakeholders, from the public sector with tender projects to mechanical engineering and operators who actually use the products and even internally within my organisation. I learnt the hard way about mis-communication. And it’s not only for me, but other PMs also think that communication is not easy. Hence we had 02 events organised by PMI Vietnam Chapter: “The critical role of communications in project management” by Brian O’reilly in 2022 and another one in 2023 by local speaker Phung Thanh Cuong on “Effective communication for Conflict resolution in project management”. It helps.
Another story is that by volunteering with PMI Vietnam Chapter, I had the opportunity to collaborate with IFC on ESG criteria in investment and construction. Subsequently, it’s also related to my field of business as industrial based projects also contribute appx. 30% of the carbon emission in Vietnam. Toward 2025 net-zero goals required not just promises but also actions from many people. And we would like to be a part of the movement to sustainable growth.
Would you encourage other people to take up volunteering, and if so, why?
Yes and No.
No, because volunteering is real hard work and also requires commitment. It might not be your first priority but it is time-consuming, energy-draining and you do have a target to achieve .
Yes, because it’s now, not later. You are always welcome to be a part of a bigger community. And together we can.
