“Because I feel happy in everything I do”

In 2020 she was promoted to Country Head of Seafreight Vietnam and now overlooks an ocean freight team of more than 20 employees that handle all shipments, as well as tender management, pricing, procurement and business development. She is there to advise and handle any issues that may arise with daily operations, customers, vendors or carriers.

One would assume that Thu Van, being Country Head of a growing department and a mother of two, would have her hands full trying to juggle all of her daily tasks. But that's not even the half of it. In her free time, Thu Van impressively organizes and plans events, and is known for her excellent hosting skills.

Even as a University student, Thu Van was already organizing events from time to time. But it was her own wedding that really inspired her to turn to Wedding Event planning. In Vietnam, wedding parties of 200 guests are considered rather small. The lavish events are usually held at grand hotels or restaurants and the ceremony is overseen by a Master of Ceremony, a so-called MC, who ensures that the tight schedule of the evening is kept to.

23 years ago, Thu Van and her husband invited a whopping 500 guests to watch them tie the knot. Her best friend, who is also a famous MC in HCMC, organized the whole event, leaving Thu Van so impressed that she was inspired to become an MC herself. 

Since then, she has successfully organized and MC-ed multiple weddings, mainly for close family members and friends. Being a semi-professional dancer and a gifted singer, she has a natural stage presence and always brings a personal and creative touch to every event. From announcing the arrival of the newly married couple and the wedding dance, to making sure that the cake is presented at the right time, she keeps the entire ceremony in check, including the musical interludes. Though this takes a great amount of preparation, Thu Van enjoys it: 

“Sometimes I start working on the script and agenda a whole month before the wedding. But at the end, when I see that the newlyweds and the entire wedding party are happy, I know the work has been worth it. That’s the part I love the most!”

Apart from weddings, she has also organized work events throughout her entire working career, such as the opening ceremony in 2011, when Hellmann Vietnam was set up. She remembers the event well, more than 300 customers and partners from carriers were invited to the newly opened office. Even Jost Hellmann participated in the special celebration. But it’s not just the big and extravagant events that she likes to plan and host, she also looks out for her co-workers, and when on company outings, she always organizes some fun activities for the group.

Her husband is very proud of her and also shares her passion for singing, and sometimes they even perform as a duet. However, her “side-job” can be quite exhausting, and there are days when Thu Van is happy to withdraw from all the hustle and bustle. Then she stays at home and cooks traditional Vietnamese food for her family.