Translator, Education Expert and Social Activist Tong Liên Anh: Let BEAUTY Lead the Way

Education expert Tong Lien Anh at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Chiềng Lề Kindergarten, marking Sơn La City's official membership in the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities.

Many are captivated by your poised, polished appearance, which naturally commands attention—a contrast to the conventional image of a woman in the traditional education sector. How do you perceive this observation?

For me, elegance and refinement are not separate from my work in education; they are an extension of my deep respect for knowledge and life. A love for beauty in thought and spirit naturally translates into how we present ourselves, communicate, and engage with the world. Education is not merely the transfer of knowledge but about igniting inspiration. And often, that inspiration stems from the simplest yet most profound aspects of everyday life.

For years, you have been a leading advocate for lifelong learning and promoting a reading culture in Vietnam. Is there a deep connection between beauty, knowledge, and your enduring commitment to lifelong learning?

Absolutely. To me, beauty is not just something to admire; it is a powerful force that inspires us to learn, explore, and grow. When we appreciate beauty, we naturally seek to understand and preserve it, and this curiosity becomes the driving force behind lifelong learning. Conversely, the more we learn, the more deeply we recognize and appreciate beauty in every aspect of life.

This belief underpins my commitment to promoting reading culture. A great book is a vessel of knowledge and a portal to a world of profound thought, creativity, and emotion. Those who recognize beauty in literature do not learn without obligation or utility alone; they learn with passion, curiosity, and joy.

Education expert Tong Lien Anh trains to improve lifelong learning capacity for education management officials in Quang Ninh province.

A love for beauty propels us to continuously seek knowledge, ensuring that learning is not a tedious duty but an inspired journey of discovery.

When did your appreciation for beauty first take root, and how has it evolved?

As a child, I loved playing marbles. Like most kids, I treasured the pristine ones and ignored those with cracks. One day, by chance, I held a chipped marble up to the sunlight and saw how the tiny fractures scattered dazzling light rays. That moment taught me that beauty exists even in imperfections, in the broken and overlooked.

Later, my family experienced an upheaval that shattered our sense of stability. I struggled to find my footing but found solace in growing flowers. Every time I felt sorrow, I planted a new flower. Before long, the overgrown patch of weeds in front of my home had transformed into a vibrant garden. Each flower was born from sadness, yet it blossomed into something admired by others.

That experience reaffirmed my belief: beauty can flourish even in hardship, even in moments that seem devoid of hope. More importantly, beauty is not merely something to be discovered; it can be created, regardless of circumstances.

Do you think a deep appreciation for beauty fosters resilience, empowering individuals to stay strong in adversity?

When we recognize beauty in life, we gain the strength to persevere. This perspective has guided me through difficult times—not by avoiding hardship but by finding light within it. Those who cherish beauty possess a quiet strength; they do not surrender to adversity but instead, transform challenges into something meaningful and inspiring.

I have always believed that those who love beauty do not allow hardship to define them. They seek paths forward, ways to overcome and to create something better. Life will always test us, but if we can find beauty even in challenges, we will emerge more substantial and fulfilled. Those who appreciate beauty in the most minor things will never cease to learn, nor will they ever run out of joy.

In celebration of International Women's Day, is there a message you want to share with women?

Women embody beauty, yet they often fail to recognize and cherish their radiance.

I hope every woman learns to love herself, continue growing, and shine even brighter. Do not let life’s difficulties dim the light within you. Like a chipped marble that sparkles in the sun or a flower blooming from barren soil, the most profound and enduring beauty is that which has been refined through adversity.

On this International Women’s Day, I wish all women the joy of discovering knowledge of embracing the world with curiosity and passion. But above all, I hope they find and cherish the beauty within themselves.

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