Standard Chartered & REE Host Seminar on Strengthening Women's Leadership in Vietnam

By: WE staff | Thursday, 29 May 2025

• High-level seminar in Ho Chi Minh City, hosted by Standard Chartered Bank Vietnam and Refrigeration Electrical Engineering Corporation (REE) on May 15
• "Shaping the Future of Women's Leadership in Vietnam" was the seminar theme

On May 15th, Standard Chartered Bank Vietnam and the Refrigeration Electrical Engineering Corporation (REE) jointly organized a high-level seminar in Ho Chi Minh City with the theme "Shaping the Future of Women's Leadership in Vietnam."

Notable women leaders from various sectors such as banking, finance, manufacturing, infrastructure, retail, and real estate attended the event. It was used as a platform to debate the development of female leadership in Vietnam, with both the opportunities and challenges presented in the local and international contexts.

Among the prominent women leaders from around the world who participated in the panel were Stella Choe, Global Head of Corporate Banking at Standard Chartered Bank; Nguyen Thuy Hanh, CEO and Head of Corporate and Investment Banking at Standard Chartered Vietnam; and Nguyen Thi Mai Thanh, Chairwoman of REE. They discussed their personal experiences, ideas for strategies, and workable steps to advance women into leadership positions.

The conference, Stella said, was part of her official Vietnam visit, a market increasingly important to Standard Chartered. She highlighted the bank's inclusive leadership commitment with the statement, "Diverse leadership isn't just important—it's fundamental to long-term, sustainable growth. This forum offers a valuable space for women leaders to connect and develop actionable solutions that promote diversity and resilience."

"In this uncertain global economy, women have to tap into established business practices and historical precedents such as those of Hai Ba Trung and Ba Trieu, whose nationalism and devotion continue to inspire generations," Nguyen wrote in her meditation on women's evolving role in society, blending traditional virtues with modern-day business realities.

"Vietnamese women leaders—particularly in finance and banking—are meeting the rising demands with confidence and vision," Nguyen stated, pointing to the changing business culture of Vietnam. Organizations need to make leadership building a top priority, foster inclusive cultures, and ensure equal access to growth opportunities in order to nurture upcoming female leaders. These should be the pillars for any business strategy.

At the conclusion of the event, there was a general appeal for greater cooperation between the public and private sectors in order to promote women into leadership roles and spark long-lasting change. The forum was more than just a seminar; it was a daring commitment to a time when Vietnamese women will be just as capable of holding positions of leadership. It was a significant step in changing people's perspectives and bringing about a more prosperous and just Vietnam.