From a blank page to the journey of maturity – Ambassador Nguyen Nguyet Nga's mark in me

Ambassador Nguyen Nguyet Nga is considered a sharp beauty in the diplomatic "arena". (Photo: Nguyen Hong)

At that time, we were the first batch of civil servants to be recruited by the Ministry. I and Mr. Pham Hung Tam, currently the Vietnamese Ambassador to Australia, were assigned to the Southeast Asia-South Asia-South Pacific Department. Mr. Tam was then assigned by the Department's leadership to work at the Cambodia Department, while I worked at the General Department, headed by Ms. Nguyet Nga.

For a "newbie" who had never attended any diplomatic school or known about this job before, everything was new and somewhat overwhelming to me. My first impression when I was introduced to the Head of Department, Ms. Nguyet Nga, was that she was very active, especially she walked very fast, spoke very fast, talked while her hands worked, and laughed a lot, with a crisp laugh... Honestly, when I heard her explain the job, I was a bit panicked because the job seemed so huge, so big, and I was so small and confused.

On the first morning, after the greetings, she told me: "You should do a Grand Event Record". This was a completely new concept for a "newbie" like me, who had not attended any pre-service training on the first day of work. Then I boldly asked her: "What is a Grand Event Record and how do I do it?"

She started to guide me on how to find news, read news, summarize, get sources of information… luckily at that time the main sources of information were newspapers, A news and special reference news which were not as numerous and rich as now, otherwise I would have been overwhelmed.

The following days, she said: "Now, let's try to make a year-end report!" (Because we started working on December 15, 1994). Wow, another thing I've never done before! She gave me some preliminary instructions, meaning from the Grand Secretariat, reviewing the situation, then information from the departments, statistics of visits, implemented mechanisms... I obediently sat there for two days doing statistics and happily gave her a 30-page report! I still remember when she burst out laughing and I was embarrassed because I hadn't misunderstood any part! Later, working with her in the departments, the longest being the ASEM Department, I gradually learned her writing style, her concise, coherent, and concise presentation style...

I always remember what she said: "Consciousness, the report should not be so long-winded, each point must be numbered and bulleted so that when the Ministry's leaders read it, they can see it right away!" That impression followed me forever, even when I became a Department Leader and trained young cadres.

I remember the first day I went to meet guests with her (also the afternoon of my first day working at the Ministry). She said: "Tam, prepare to go to work as a medium with me!". At that time, I didn't know what a "medium" was, and I didn't even have clothes to meet guests. She went to the Departments, found me a vest to wear, then we went down to the reception room. I was very excited. That day, she met Japanese guests and discussed the situation in Southeast Asia.

The first time I heard stories about big countries, competition, strategies… plus the Japanese English, it made me very confused. Back in the room, she said “the Mind, now write a contact report”. I understand this concept, in short, whatever the meeting was about, we write it down. I think everyone can imagine how much my first contact report was edited(!)

She is still very patient with the “blank piece of paper” that is me. Every day I learn something from her.

I still remember the first time I was assigned to go to the airport to pick up guests attending a conference. Although I had looked at the photos very carefully, I still “missed” the guests at the airport and let them go back to the hotel by themselves. When I returned to report and apologize, she did not scold me, but only said: “Next time, bring a guest name tag.” So I grew up and matured under her teachings and guidance.

Ambassador Nguyen Nguyet Nga (center) at the year-end meeting and exchange "We Sisters" organized by the Women's Union on December 30, 2020, in Hanoi . (Photo: Tuan Anh)

Far from home, living alone in Hanoi, I confided in her about all my personal matters and asked her for advice. Later, she moved to work in the multilateral sector and I remained in the Southeast Asia-South Asia-South Pacific Department. We met less often at work, but every time we had a chance to meet, she would ask about us warmly and recall old stories from the Department.

Now you have gone… I am deeply saddened and saddened by your passing. Farewell to a smart, sharp, courageous and kind diplomat. May you rest in peace. I will always remember you and the first lessons you taught me.

The staff of the Vietnamese Embassy in Sri Lanka and Maldives were deeply saddened to receive the news of her passing on July 17 after a period of battling illness.

Ms. Nguyet Nga is a shining example of enthusiasm, dedication and courage for future generations of diplomatic officers, including me, who was guided by her from the first days of entering the Ministry. She is not only a talented leader but also a sister who always cares, loves and wholeheartedly teaches her juniors.

Farewell Nguyet Nga and may you rest in peace!

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/tu-trang-giay-trang-den-hanh-trinh-truong-thanh-dau-an-dai-su-nguyen-nguyet-nga-trong-toi-321425.html