Viet Nam’s cultural and creative landscape is undergoing a remarkable evolution. From the artistic avenues of Hanoi to the academic spheres of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, local visionaries are proving that ancestral heritage can seamlessly blend with modern commerce, systemic advocacy, and urban transformation.
Central to this transformation is the British Council Hybrid Creative Economy Training programme, an initiative delivered under the ASEAN-UK Advancing the Creative Economy Programme. This cross border initiative brings together regional leaders to acquire actionable, data driven frameworks and spark grassroots change.
As part of our ongoing series highlighting the real world impact of the 2026 British Council Hybrid Creative Economy Training cohort, let us explore how four inspiring changemakers from Viet Nam are turning global training insights into localised community impact.
1. A Voice for Tradition and Creative Independence
Phạm Ngọc Khuê (Hanoi University of Culture)
For independent singer, producer, and lecturer Phạm Ngọc Khuê, artistic expression is deeply tied to structural empowerment. Based in Hanoi, Khuê beautifully blends contemporary folk music with modern expression, exploring rich sociocultural themes that inform her interdisciplinary practice in both music and film. Her long standing commitment to copyright protection culminated in her 2025 solo album, Dạo chơi Vinyl.
Participating in the British Council training programme has inspired her to shift her focus from simple project development toward holistic ecosystem building. Moving forward, she plans to integrate these fresh policy insights directly into her university teaching and creative enterprise.
"The programme has given me a greater sense of clarity. I have come to realise that artists are not only creators but also active participants in policy dialogue." Phạm Ngọc Khuê
2. Bridging Academic Research and the Creative Economy
Trần Thiện Khanh (Institute of Literature, Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences)
True ecosystem growth requires a strong analytical foundation. In Hanoi, Trần Thiện Khanh explores the vital intersection of literature, cultural practices, and socio economic development. His passion for connecting academic research with practical creative activities drives his mission to develop collaborative spaces that champion cultural innovation and entrepreneurship across Viet Nam.
The training programme has motivated Khanh to share his findings through upcoming academic seminars and professional exchanges. By translating international policy insights into actionable research, he aims to build a much stronger, interconnected creative ecosystem.
"The programme has encouraged me to explore new ways to promote collaboration between researchers, cultural institutions, and creative communities in Viet Nam." Trần Thiện Khanh
3. Policy Frameworks for Sustainable Traditions
Lê Thị Trang (Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics)
Preserving cultural heritage requires strategic frameworks that generate real economic value. As a lecturer and researcher, Lê Thị Trang focuses on the cultural and creative industries as a driving force for sustainable development. Her research examines how traditional knowledge and local identities can be transformed into creative assets while actively preserving heritage.
Trang plans to integrate the practical policy insights gained from the training programme directly into her university courses. By deepening her research on community based initiatives, she aims to actively shape Viet Nam's cultural frameworks.
"I gained clearer insights into how policies can support the creative industries while actively preserving our cultural heritage and diversity." Lê Thị Trang
4. A Breath of New Life in Hanoi’s Urban Heritage
Trần Đắc Phúc (Complex 01)
Can industrial remnants serve as the foundation for modern community hubs? For creative entrepreneur Trần Đắc Phúc, architectural preservation is an opportunity for cultural renewal. As the Co founder and CEO of Complex 01, he transforms unused industrial architecture into contemporary, thriving cultural spaces.
His dedication to independent retail and the arts is perfectly reflected in a repurposed 1,600 square metre printing factory in Hanoi, which now serves as a vibrant, multifunctional platform for local creators. The training programme has given Phúc the push to pursue practical collaborations with local government, leveraging his hub as a physical venue for future policy programmes and cross border dialogues.
"This perspectives exchange not only provides knowledge and tools, but helps build a shared understanding of the role CCIs play in shaping vibrant, creative cities." Trần Đắc Phúc
The Big Picture: Unleashing Vietnamese Potential
From urban heritage renewal to independent artist advocacy, these four change makers embody the incredible breadth of Viet Nam's creative sector. By utilising the practical templates, policy frameworks, and regional connections forged through the British Council Hybrid Creative Economy Training programme, they are building a more inclusive and resilient creative future.