Hien DangIn an intimate and warm setting, The Soft Power Code – Decoding the Subtle Power of Contemporary Beauty left a lasting impression on its guests. More than a discussion, the event became a journey of inspiration, inviting women to understand and embrace their inner strength.
On the afternoon of 22 August 2025, NỮ DOANH NHÂN – BusinessWoman Magazine and Step In Style successfully hosted The Soft Power Code workshop at La Vela Saigon. Attended by 50–80 guests, including female entrepreneurs, artists, experts and individuals seeking to discover their own beauty, the event was held in collaboration with Phương Nam Hospital, Le Royal Clinic, Suzuki Việt Nam, BH Med, TRI Pollar and May Harmoni.
Original Vietnamese version available here: Đọc bài viết tiếng Việt
Building a Community of Empowered Women
Before the minitalk commenced, host Kiều Ngân introduced the newly developed Membership Programme by NỮ DOANH NHÂN – BusinessWoman Magazine, designed to foster a strong community and offer members exclusive privileges. These include access to workshops and talkshows, media support for businesses, a podcast talkshow series, 1:1 networking with experts, private Meet & Greet events, partner benefits and more.
Adding excitement to the event, the return of NEXT Awards 2025, scheduled for November, was announced. With new innovations, the awards promise to continue celebrating inspiring success stories and honouring individuals and businesses with outstanding contributions in various sectors across Vietnam.
A New Perspective on Modern Beauty
We live in an era where women are seen more but scrutinised more than ever. Amid evolving and often contradictory beauty standards, many women wrestle with the question: “How should I be beautiful?” Some choose to change their appearance for confidence. Others seek inner harmony. For many, simply living authentically is beautiful enough. The common thread: today’s women do not pursue beauty merely to be seen, but to affirm themselves and their freedom.
At the minitalk of The Soft Power Code, beauty was redefined as a harmonious blend of physical appearance, health, mental wellness and personal aura. Beginning with figures from the Mirror Mirror survey by the Management and Sustainable Development Institute (MSD), host Kiều Ngân highlighted a statistic that nearly 55% of Vietnamese women are not confident in their appearance and invited Nguyễn Phương Linh, Executive Director of MSD United Way Vietnam, to delve into the implications.
“A lack of confidence, combined with career stereotypes, can cause someone to self-limit and prevent breakthroughs. I believe beauty comes from within it’s part of our abilities. Each person is unique, with their own identity and character. Our environment should be a launching pad, an ecosystem where every individual – regardless of gender – dares to dream, dares to act, and maximises their potential and beauty to shine”, said Phương Linh.
She also shared her own story to demonstrate how belief in one’s value can lead to the seemingly impossible. “I was fortunate to receive a scholarship from the Queen of England and to participate in various United Nations forums and international programmes. In Việt Nam, my height is considered above average, but internationally I was at a disadvantage. As a Vietnamese girl lacking experience in major forums and less impressive in appearance, what gave me confidence? It was belief in my intrinsic value and the inspiration I could offer to those around me”.
Inner Force and Unspoken Elegance
Offering insights from years of experience in luxury services and the beauty industry, Luna Trương, Vice GM of La Vela Hotel Saigon, discussed the idea of soft poise, an unspoken language of lasting influence. “Beauty now seems to be cultivated from within, unlike older definitions. People seek inner strength – from knowledge, confidence, and experience. That generates presence, a positive energy that radiates beyond physical appearance”, she shared. She also encouraged women to prioritise self-care and participate in uplifting activities to nourish the soul.
The conversation at The Soft Power Code delved not only into outward appearance and self-confidence, but also into what is often neglected, inner health, especially gynaecological wellbeing. Dr Trần Thị Nhật Thiên Trang, Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at Phương Nam Hospital, emphasised: “Health is paramount. Only when we are healthy can we pursue personal goals. From puberty to menopause, ovarian hormones fluctuate in stages, and many women don’t know how to care for themselves appropriately. Understanding each phase of hormonal change helps us better care for ourselves and maintain positive energy”.
Decoding the Power Within
One of the highlights of the event was the open, interactive format. Attendees not only listened but also asked questions and shared personal stories, proving that everyone can write their own soft power code.
Trần Thị Cẩm Linh, Senior Manager at BH Med, discovered her personal keyword during the session. “I realised mine is proactivity, taking charge of external health and internal wellbeing. That’s a power women can choose to exercise. Technology is advanced, but it can’t change who we are. True transformation comes from self-care, which brings confidence and positivity. Technology helps, but the majority still lies in our own hands”, she noted.
Meanwhile, Hằng Lưu, Founder & CEO of Hằng Silk, offered a metaphor linking women to her line of work. “Silk is not just a business; it’s about preserving Vietnamese heritage. When you think of silk, it evokes softness, elegance, and fluidity. No matter the weather, silk feels refined and luxurious. Women are the same — graceful and delicate, yet strong when necessary”.
Actress Dương Cẩm Lynh reflected on beauty through her personal lens: “I’ve been in the industry for 20 years and am a mother of two. I’ve filmed in all conditions – sun, wind, rain. But I always made time to care for and love myself. Life doesn’t always bring success, but we must still cherish ourselves and strive to be our best in the moment. Beauty isn’t just physical; it’s also internal strength – a precious human trait. I’ve been through a lot, and it’s those very experiences that shaped my unique beauty”.
Quỳnh Trang, Founder of Học viện Phong thái Á Đông, asserted that inner and outer beauty must go hand in hand: “People used to say ‘better wood than paint’. But today, women must have both – inner and outer beauty. Inner wisdom is the ability to create personal happiness, turn big problems into small ones, and maintain joy. Alongside this, professionalism and inner health are the real, lasting foundation – especially for the modern female entrepreneur”.
For MC Kim Quý, beauty lies in the timeline of one’s life. “If I could send a message to my 19-year-old self, I’d say thank you – for being innocent, bright and unburdened. Every stage of life carries its own meaning. The experiences along the way shaped who I am today”.
Returning to Stillness
Beyond the discussion on soft power, participants also turned inward during a Sound Bath session guided by May Harmoni. Pure vibrations from Himalayan singing bowls and gongs led the audience into deep relaxation, soothing the mind, relieving stress, and awakening inner energy. In the quiet space, guests were invited to fully release and let sound waves embrace them.
On this tranquil afternoon, we explored what modern beauty truly means and decoded the power that enables each woman to become the most radiant version of herself.
There is no universal standard for beauty only what resonates and the confidence found when a woman loves herself. The Soft Power Code offered not just heartfelt insights from speakers and guests, but also an invitation to reconnect with one’s inner self. Alongside this, guests experienced services from partners, such as gynaecological consultations from Phương Nam Hospital, beauty and wellness technology from Le Royal Clinic, BH Med, and Tri Pollar, as well as discovering a trusted companion in the Suzuki Swift.
The programme closed with a powerful message: Be beautiful your way, live with the strength you choose, and keep your heart and body energised. Because when a woman is confident, strong and radiant, she not only shines — she transforms the way the world sees her.
PARTNERS IN ALIGNMENT
Workshop Inner Glow would not have been complete without the support of partners who shared the same values and vision to spread positivity. NỮ DOANH NHÂN – BusinessWoman Magazine and Step in Style extend heartfelt thanks to: Phương Nam Hospital, Le Royal Clinic, Suzuki Việt Nam, BH Med, TRI Pollar and May Harmoni.
Phương Nam Hospital
Le Royal Clinic
Suzuki Việt Nam
BH Med & TRI Pollar
May Harmoni
EVENT INFORMATION
- Date: August 22, 2025
- Venue: La Vela Saigon Hotel, 280 Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa, Ho Chi Minh City
- Organised by: BusinessWoman Magazine & Step in Style
ABOUT BUSINESSWOMAN MAGAZINE
Launched in November 2008, BusinessWoman Magazine is Vietnam’s first print publication dedicated to successful women entrepreneurs. Published quarterly, it explores themes of personal growth, lifestyle, and leadership. The magazine also hosts talkshows, forums, and workshops aimed at connecting and empowering female leaders.
Website: https://nudoanhnhan.net
ABOUT STEP IN STYLE
STEP IN STYLE is a lifestyle platform focused on fashion, beauty, personal branding, and community values. It also organises leading events, talkshows, and forums for professionals and creatives across industries.
Website: https://stepinstyle.vn
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