JUDGE PANEL | 2025

Meet Our Judges

We’re excited to introduce this year’s VIAwards judging panel, a group of outstanding individuals who are deeply involved in growing and supporting our community. Each judge brings a unique perspective, a passion for impact, and a strong commitment to uplifting Vietnamese voices around the world. We’re honoured to have them help us recognize and celebrate this year’s changemakers.

  • Cuong Canh Nguyen

    Judge | 2025

    Senior Advisor for KTPC, Ex-Trade Counsellor
    Cuong Nguyen, former Trade Counsellor and Commercial Counsellor in Europe, is an expert in international trade. Holding degrees from Wollongong and NUS, he co-authored works on trade and green economy. He has advanced agreements like EVFTA, CPTPP, and UKFTA, supporting Vietnam’s enterprises globally.

  • Alexander Curtis

    Judge | 2025

    Protocol Officer in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
    Alexander Curtis served with the Foreign Office across protocol, royal households, and diplomacy, including as Vice Consul in Jamaica. Passionate about the Chevening Scholarship, he fosters UK-Vietnam scholar connections since 2014. He actively promotes alumni engagement and cultural ties between the UK and Vietnam.

  • Rebecka Fosher

    Judge | 2025

    Senior Advisor NHS England
    Rebecka Fosher has over 23 years in UK Civil and Diplomatic Service. She supported Secretaries of State, royals, and senior officials, focusing on policy development and delivery. Currently, she is Chief of Staff and COO at NHS, leading national policy and operational strategy.

  • Prof. Caroline Makaka

    Judge | 2025

    Founder of LOANI
    Professor Makaka, founder of LOANI and global leadership professor, champions equity, inclusion, and empowerment. She drives humanitarian efforts across all continents, aligning with UN Sustainable Goals. Her leadership spans gender equality, education, philanthropy, and women’s empowerment. She envisions a world where inclusivity and opportunity transform communities worldwide.

  • Peter H.T. Tran

    Judge | 2025

    CEO of Quant-Insight
    Peter Tran began at Merrill Lynch in 1988, advancing to senior management and later joining Cantor Fitzgerald post-9/11. After 26 years, he retired from investment banking and became CEO of Quant-Insight. He advises a broad range of startups and government agencies.

  • Lord Duncan

    Judge | 2025

    Founder of Peaceful planet human rights education
    Lord McNair is a British public figure with a career in politics, business, and humanitarian work. Formerly in the UK House of Lords, he founded Peaceful Planet Human Rights Education. With 30+ years in humanitarian medicine, advocacy, and research, he champions human dignity, global leadership, and sustainable development.

  • James Hewes

    Judge | 2025

    CEO OF SOHO CONSULTING
    James Hewes built his career in media with senior roles at BBC Worldwide, Gulf News, and The Art Newspaper. As President & CEO of FIPP, he repositioned the 100-year-old association for modern media. He later led PRCA and now runs Soho Consulting, focusing on media and entertainment opportunities.

  • Harry Hoan Tran

    Judge | 2025

    CEO of Midan Global
    Harry Hoan Tran has over 25 years of banking and investment experience at Lehman Brothers and Lloyds Bank. A CFA charterholder and member of ACCA, he brings deep expertise in global finance, strategy, and leadership. He continues to advise on investment and business opportunities across international markets.