Trương Ngọc Ánh – Her Journey with NEXT Awards 2025 in Honouring Outstanding Individuals and Organisations

As a member of the Advisory Board for NEXT Awards 2025, actress and film producer Trương Ngọc Ánh shares her perspective on the importance of recognising individuals, organisations, and businesses whose tireless efforts over the past year have made a difference. Through the awards, she hopes to amplify humanistic values, spread positive inspiration to the community and encourage creativity and dedication towards a more sustainable society.

Original Vietnamese version available here: Đọc bài viết tiếng Việt

Well known as a beloved actress and influential producer in Vietnamese cinema, Trương Ngọc Ánh has built a solid career marked by acclaimed artistic projects while also thriving as a dynamic and resilient entrepreneur. By joining NEXT Awards 2025 as an advisor, she brings a sharp perspective on the power of recognition and the importance of spreading positive energy, contributing to sustainable development for both community and society.

When you were invited to become an advisor for NEXT Awards 2025, what was your first reaction?

I felt honoured to take on this role in helping identify and celebrate exemplary figures, those who have spread positive inspiration to the community over the past year. It is not only a responsibility but also a passion of mine: to ensure that deserving individuals are recognised for their efforts, while also helping to convey a message of humanity and positivity across society.

In your view, what sets NEXT Awards apart from other accolades in the fields of creativity and business?

This year’s awards will honour inspirational figures from diverse fields and industries, extending far beyond entertainment or business. I truly believe that anyone who creates positive value for the community deserves to be recognised. That spirit of inclusivity is what I admire, and it is also the reason I agreed to serve on the Advisory Council this year.

What message do you hope NEXT Awards will send to the business community and the public?

NEXT Awards, organised by NỮ DOANH NHÂN – BusinessWoman Magazine, has given me a great deal of reflection. Looking at people who quietly and steadfastly devote themselves in different sectors, I have deep respect for the way they radiate positive energy and inspire others daily, not for fame or personal gain, but out of genuine commitment. We value that deeply, and through these awards we hope to identify, honour, and spread the impact of such individuals.

I believe every person has the capacity to bring positive energy—no matter how small. When combined within a collective or a community, that energy becomes powerful, shaping greater achievements for society.

As a role model for modern women, what advice would you give to the younger generation, especially female entrepreneurs and creators?

Young entrepreneurs today are determined, dynamic, and enjoy many favourable conditions to achieve success. There is no doubt about their talent, agility in embracing trends, and sharpness in seizing opportunities—particularly Gen Z entrepreneurs. Compared with previous generations, their path to success can be shorter and more direct.

However, my message is this: never retreat in the face of difficulties, and never abandon your dreams.

I myself have experienced many ups and downs in both the market and the business world. What has kept me grounded is perseverance and the refusal to give up. Success does not come from words, but from action and the ability to overcome the “low notes” of business. To me, the loudest sound is the sound of success itself. And if I can continue to move forward with confidence through every challenge, then young entrepreneurs can certainly do so as well, perhaps even more strongly.

What lessons have you learned in shifting from art to business, to adapt and thrive?

We live in a time when continuously updating knowledge, keeping pace with market trends, digital transformation, AI, and other innovations is essential, regardless of generation. Even though I belong to an earlier generation, I have never allowed myself to stand outside the flow of change.

I particularly enjoy working with young people, who bring creativity, energy, and boldness to problem-solving. Their dynamism motivates me to constantly renew myself and reshape how I operate my business to remain relevant.

Interestingly, the older generation and the next generation can learn a great deal from each other. In fact, many young businesses today have achieved remarkable success, an encouraging and proud signal for the future of Vietnam’s economy.

How do you view the role of women in shaping a new face for business and the creative industries in Vietnam?

There are many outstanding examples of successful women entrepreneurs in Vietnam such as those leading VietJet, TH True Milk, Vinamilk and PNJ. They are visionary leaders who manage and grow their enterprises with excellence. Their achievements are not only inspirational but also valuable lessons for applying modern technologies to business growth.

At the same time, many women entrepreneurs prefer to stay out of the spotlight yet continue to lead and manage highly effective businesses. Others actively spread positive values, becoming a source of motivation for the next generation to learn from and contribute to the economy’s growth.

If you could offer one short message to the nominees of NEXT Awards 2025, what would it be?

Being nominated is already an honour in itself. While awards have limits, when a person’s name is called and recognised, it means their contributions to the community and society have been acknowledged.

For me, serving as an advisor and joining the journey to discover exemplary figures also gives me more motivation to strive and continue contributing. I believe NEXT Awards 2025 will be a memorable season – bringing together outstanding candidates and spreading even more positive energy to society.

Closing our conversation, Trương Ngọc Ánh’s insights underline the essence of NEXT Awards: celebrating innovation, pioneering spirit, and the ability to create sustainable value in an era of constant transformation.

In her advisory role, she not only offers practical and incisive perspectives but also inspires the journey of recognising outstanding individuals across categories. The publication of the detailed evaluation criteria for NEXT Awards 2025 serves as a crucial foundation for fair assessment, while affirming the Awards’ commitment to transparency, credibility, and depth.

NEXT Awards is more than an evening of accolades, it is where transformative milestones are identified, helping shape a new generation of leaders: bolder, more creative, and future-driven.

Are you ready to continue your journey of excellence? Submit your application or nominate deserving candidates for NEXT Awards 2025 today, where outstanding individuals are honoured for making a true difference to their community and their times.

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