Master Le An Na and the mission of spreading cultural values, etiquette and manners to future generations

On a gentle autumn morning, we met Master Le An Na at a small coffee shop in the heart of Hanoi . The fresh morning air and gentle jazz music created a relaxing yet profound atmosphere.

With her natural demeanor and refined communication style, Ms. Anna quickly made us feel close and open. Short stories, memories… through each drop of coffee, her story gradually revealed, leading us from childhood memories full of curiosity about etiquette and manners to the journey to become one of the leading experts in the field of training on Etiquette (international communication etiquette) in particular and the field of culture in general.

Hello Master Le An Na, can you share more about what motivated you to pursue the field of etiquette and manners?

Master Le An Na: Ever since I was a child, I have been fascinated by all things delicate, neat, tidy and orderly. I think that, as an innate personality, it happens to me naturally, anytime, anywhere in life. At that time, I did not have a clear definition of style or etiquette, it was simply my personality, preferences and habits. When I grew up a little, I began to pay more attention to the arrangement and display in the house such as the study corner, flower vases, tables and chairs... from family parties or crowded meetings, when I was always curious about how people communicate, how they greet and behave with each other.

I remember that when I was young, or maybe even older (laughs), around 14-15 years old, every time I had the opportunity to attend family events or gatherings, I would carefully observe every word, every gesture, every behavior of adults, the way they dressed, walked, behaved, communicated, ate and drank at the table... That little girl was fascinated by the way her mother, her uncles and aunts arranged, displayed, and managed everything, and wondered how everything could go so smoothly, gently, and delicately.

Master Le An Na and her daily relaxing moments with afternoon tea set.

At that time, I had no idea that the things I enjoyed observing would shape my career later on. And so, over time, until now, when I look back on the memories, at this moment, I can call it a personal passion that has become the foundation for what I have been pursuing today. To me, etiquette and manners are not just dry social rules, but also a way for people to show personal observation and respect for each other, and at the same time help them become more polite, confident and professional in all situations.

How has your journey of studying and working from Vietnam to abroad affected your career?

Master Le An Na: After completing my Master's program in the Russian Federation, I had the opportunity to improve my career and work in many countries around the world . The years living in several countries in Asia and Europe gave me multi-dimensional perspectives on culture and communication. That was also the source and great inspiration for me to open a new research field in my future PhD: multi-/intercultural communication.

I feel very fortunate to have been exposed to many diverse and rich cultures and to have learned from moderneducation systems. Each country and culture has given me valuable knowledge, values ​​and lessons and an understanding of the diversity in communication, etiquette and manners in each country.

I not only train Vietnamese corporations and businesses but also students from many other cultures such as Australia, the United States, England, France, Germany, Sweden, Belgium, Switzerland, France, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Singapore, etc. These international experiences have helped me better understand the importance of cultural connection, intercultural communication and etiquette in today's global integration context. I realize that, to confidently integrate into the international community without losing our cultural identity, we need to equip ourselves with comprehensive knowledge and skills, and especially a solid foundation of cultural understanding.

Master Le An Na believes that success comes not only from professional knowledge, but also from cultural background and the way we behave and express ourselves to the outside world.

As an expert, can you share more about the journey you have experienced, especially in the fields of Culture, Intercultural Communication and Education in Vietnam?

Master Le An Na: As a university lecturer for nearly 20 years, I always keep in mind that I must bring back the knowledge and experience that I have accumulated from my studies, contributing to the common education cause, especially inspiring the improvement and enhancement of cultural standards, communication and behavior in a multicultural environment as well as the educational environment for the young generation of Vietnam.

Young people today are not only very good at knowledge, but to integrate globally proactively and confidently, they also need other factors such as foreign languages, especially understanding of Vietnamese culture in particular and cultures around the world in general.

That is also the reason why I founded PAVI Academy (Academy of Vietnamese Etiquette and Style) with the desire to have an academic and professional environment where students not only learn about international etiquette, build and practice a solid style and confidence, but also understand cultural values ​​as the core foundation for all their behaviors and conduct. At PAVI, we believe that each individual has their own unique values ​​and our mission is to help them recognize and develop those values ​​so that they can become the most beautiful and perfect version of themselves. From courses for children to training programs for businesses and educational organizations, we always aim to help students integrate but not dissolve, build their own style and identity, but always maintain the core cultural values ​​of the nation.

As an educator, researcher and currently completing her PhD thesis in Culture, can you share a little about the importance of connecting Vietnamese and world culture in the current educational context?

Master Le An Na: Culture is the soul of a nation, as long as culture exists, the nation exists. Cultural connection is not just a matter of foreign affairs between countries because culture is the bridge between nations. Each individual, each person in the context of strong global cultural connection today carries within themselves a mission that I always cherish and affirm: we must clearly understand and respect our culture before integrating with the world.

Master Le An Na in traditional Japanese Kimono

For that reason, I have designed PAVI Academy's training courses to always include both general and specific elements. At PAVI, we not only teach etiquette, communication, and soft skills, but also help students realize that confidence comes from understanding their own values ​​and respecting themselves. When students can be confident in their cultural values, they will become stronger in integrating with the world without fear of being dissolved or losing their identity. This is why I always focus on connecting Vietnamese culture with the world in my training programs as well as my professional activities.

As someone with many years of experience in the field of education and training, especially in Culture and Intercultural Communication, do you have any advice for young people on the path of personal development?

Master Le An Na: The biggest advice I want to give to young people is to always stick to your passion and identity. Each of us has our own strengths, interests and passions, and it is important to constantly learn, clearly identify your personal values ​​and identity to continue to strengthen and develop. Patience and constant effort will take you to places you never imagined.

Besides, I also want to emphasize that success comes not only from professional knowledge, but also from cultural background and the way we behave and express ourselves to the outside world. That is why a deep understanding of culture, using it as a foundation to practice manners and etiquette as well as behavior is an indispensable part of the journey of self-development and identity of each person.

Finally, always remember that each individual has their own value and our mission is to develop that value, not only to create success for ourselves but also to contribute to the community and society.

Thank you Master Le An Na for sharing!

Source: https://phunuvietnam.vn/thac-si-le-an-na-va-su-menh-lan-toa-gia-tri-van-hoa-nghi-thuc-va-phong-thai-cho-the-he-tuong-lai-20240830151643956.htm