UEH Events

Speaker

Prof. Nguyen Manh Hung

Professor Emeritus, George Mason University

Prof. Nguyen Manh Hung is a distinguished scholar of International Relations and a Professor Emeritus at George Mason University (GMU), where he served as the Director of the Indochina Center. He is globally recognized as a leading expert on U.S.-Vietnam relations, Southeast Asian security, and the geopolitical dynamics of the South China Sea. Beyond his academic tenure at GMU, he was a Non-Resident Senior Associate at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in the United States and a Visiting Senior Fellow at the ISEAS - Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore. His career is marked by a unique dual perspective: he served as a professor of international relations in the Republic of Vietnam before 1975 and later became a pivotal voice in the normalization of relations between the U.S. and Vietnam.

As a multiple-time Fulbright Scholar, he focuses his research on the strategic "triangular" relationship among Washington, Beijing, and Hanoi. Through his extensive publications, policy seminars, and hundreds of media interviews, he has been instrumental in shaping contemporary understanding of Vietnam’s national security challenges and its integration into the global diplomatic landscape.

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Speaker

Dr. Ngo Duc Manh
Former Vietnam Ambassador to Russia

Member of the National Assembly of Vietnam

Dr. Ngo Duc Manh served as the Vietnam Ambassador to Russia from 2018 to 2023, representing Vietnam's interests and fostering diplomatic relations between the two nations. His tenure was marked by enhancement of comprehensive strategic bilateral cooperation in various fields, including trade, culture, and security. Through his diplomatic efforts, he played a crucial role in strengthening the historical ties between Vietnam and Russia, promoting mutual understanding and collaboration. With a background in law and international relations, Ngo Duc Manh has been instrumental in various diplomatic initiatives, advocating for Vietnam's comprehensive integration and strategic interests on the global stage. He served three terms as a member of the National Assembly and as the Vice Chair of the External Relations Committee.

Mr. Manh's contributions extend beyond diplomacy; he is also known for his efforts in promoting cultural exchange and educational collaboration between Vietnam and Russia. Educated both in the US and Russia, his career work has not only enhanced Vietnam's presence on the global stage but has also fostered greater awareness of Vietnamese culture and values abroad.

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Moderator

Mr. Pham Nguyen Tri
Chairman, VNexus Capital Advisors (VNCA), Vietnam

Tri Pham is currently Chairman of Vnexus Capital Advisors (VNCA). Prior to VNCA, Mr. Pham served as Vice Chairman of Bitexco Group (2014-2017), a leading Vietnamese conglomerate in real estate and energy. Previously, Mr. Pham was Chief Country Officer and General Manager for Deutsche Bank Vietnam (2007-2014). Before his return to Vietnam in 2007, he had a distinguished 26-year career at the World Bank and IFC (1981-2007), Washington, DC. In the 90s, he launched internationally awarded World Bank deals in Europe, raising billions of dollars of funding for projects in developing countries, including Vietnam.

During the past 19 years in Vietnam, Mr. Pham has provided strategic advice to government authorities and to both foreign and local businesses, and has served as Chairman, Independent Board Member, and Regional Advisor for a wide range of funds, companies, and institutions in different sectors.

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Moderator

Assoc.Prof. Pham Khanh Nam
Head, Department of Research - Development and Global Engagement, UEH, Vietnam

Assoc. Prof. Pham Khanh Nam is Head of Research, Development and Global Engagement, Director of the Economy and Environment Partnership for Southeast Asia, and Director of the Environment for Development Center in Vietnam. An environmental economist, his work spans environmental and climate economics, health economics, and behavioral economics, with contributions to international research and Vietnam's environmental policy design, including the adoption of market-based instruments.

At UEH, he has held senior roles including former Rector of the College of Economics, Law and Government and Dean of the School of Economics, while actively building capacity and regional research networks across Southeast Asia. He currently serves on the UN High-Level Expert Group on Beyond GDP, established by the UN Secretary-General to develop global frameworks for measuring economic and social progress.