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

• Standard Chartered Bank Vietnam and Refrigeration Electrical Engineering Corporation (REE) organized a high-level seminar in Ho Chi Minh City on May 15
• "Shaping the Future of Women’s Leadership in Vietnam" was the theme of the event

The Refrigeration Electrical Engineering Corporation (REE) and Standard Chartered Bank Vietnam organized a high-level seminar in Ho Chi Minh City on May 15th with the theme "Shaping the Future of Women’s Leadership in Vietnam." Prominent female leaders from a range of industries, including banking, finance, manufacturing, infrastructure, retail, and real estate, came together for the event. It served as a forum to discuss the evolution of female leadership in Vietnam, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities within the local and global contexts.

 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, were among the prominent women leaders who participated in the panel. They discussed their own experiences, tactical ideas, and doable steps to encourage and advance women in leadership positions.

The event, according to Stella, was a component of her official visit to Vietnam, a market that is becoming more strategically significant for Standard Chartered. She emphasized the bank's commitment to inclusive leadership by saying, “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 today's unpredictable global economy, women must draw from proven business practices and historic legacies like those of Hai Ba Trung and Ba Trieu, whose patriotism and sense of duty continue to inspire generations," Nguyen said in her reflection on the changing role of women in society, fusing traditional values with contemporary business challenges.

"Vietnamese women leaders—especially in finance and banking—are stepping up to growing demands with confidence and vision," Nguyen said, highlighting Vietnam's evolving business environment. Organizations must prioritize leadership development, create inclusive environments, and guarantee equal access to growth opportunities in order to develop future female leaders. These ought to be the cornerstones of any business plan.

A united call for greater cooperation between the public and private sectors to advance women in leadership roles and spark long-lasting change was made at the end of the event. The forum was more than just a seminar; it was a daring declaration of dedication to a future in which Vietnamese women are fully capable of taking on leadership roles. It was a significant step in changing people's perspectives and creating a more prosperous and inclusive Vietnam.