Ngo Phuong Lan: 'I am confident that I will fulfill my role as MC at APEC'

In addition to the pressure of knowledge, Miss World Vietnam 2007 must prepare her health and spirit for four days of high-intensity work.

- What was the opportunity for you to become a host at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2017?

- I am fortunate to have been entrusted by VCCI (Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry - the organizer of business events at APEC) to take on the role of MC at APEC's high-level meetings. This decision was also approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

I used to host the Gala at the ASEAN conference, AIPA (ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly) in Vietnam in 2010. I also had many opportunities to work with agencies and ministries in major events in Vietnam. In addition to political events, I often MC many international cultural programs such as the final of Mrs. World 2009, the national costume competition at Miss Earth 2010 as well as major activities of several multinational corporations in Vietnam... Through that, I learned many interesting things and got to know many talented people from all over the world.

Having studied International Relations in Switzerland, I have always followed macro-level events from politics, economics, culture... I am honored to contribute a small part to such a meaningful event for the country as the APEC Summit that Vietnam is hosting this time. This is also an opportunity for me to meet my parents' colleagues in government agencies. Many of them have grown up with me and taught me many life lessons.

- What interesting experiences have you had as an MC for major events hosted by Vietnam?

- Each event has a different nature and requires the host to understand the current events to flexibly handle arising situations. In addition to participating in a dense and long meeting schedule, I also get to exchange culture and "relax" in Gala programs, which are very light and fun.

I remember witnessing General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, Vice President of the National Assembly Tong Thi Phong and other heads of state join hands to dance traditional dances of each country. As former Deputy Prime Minister Vu Khoan once said, besides political and economic diplomacy, cultural diplomacy is also extremely important. Through the heads of state, political apparatuses will have the opportunity to understand each other better, leading to more intimate and effective dialogues.

- How have you prepared to fulfill your role at APEC 2017?

- Content preparation is the most important. Currently, I focus on learning the script and researching the content of APEC meetings so that I can follow the presentations and dialogues of all speakers. Every day, I also work with my father -Mr. Ngo Quang Xuan (Former Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Vietnam to the United Nations, WTO, international organizations in Geneva and New York)) - and my mother discussed current affairs to update information. I was fortunate to have everyone's active support, creating the best conditions for me to be able to focus on APEC.

Hosting APEC 2017 was also a challenge for me. This was the longest event I had ever hosted, lasting four consecutive days. However, with careful preparation from the organizing committee as well as myself, and 10 years of hosting experience, I was confident that I would complete the assigned task well.

The velvet ao dai Ngo Phuong Lan is expected to wear to the APEC event in Da Nang.

- How did you prepare your outfit for this event?

- This time, I am the MC at the meetings, not the Gala program like the previous times, so I need to wear polite, simple, and luxurious clothes. In addition to meeting the requirements of the organizing committee, I want to wear Ao Dai that both preserves traditional features, shows national pride, and has a modern look to highlight the advancement in Vietnamese cultural development. The clothes must also be minimalist, sophisticated, luxurious and convenient. I want the Ao Dai to be able to move easily and not wrinkle after a day. The result, designed by designer La Pham - a long-time friend from Switzerland - exceeded my initial expectations. The Ao Dai is made of luxurious velvet, comfortable to wear, not easily wrinkled while the lace shows sophistication and modernity.

In addition to designer La Pham, I am fortunate to have a strong support team. I have had makeup artist Dong Nha Phuong and health training teacher Luc Van Son support me over the past few months. Thanks to that, I can focus on my main job.

- How do you want to introduce the image of Vietnamese women to international guests during the High-Level Week?

- Besides the charm and gentleness that the world often sees in the image of girls in Ao Dai and conical hats, I also want to show the modernity of Vietnamese women. We are not only knowledgeable and talented but also strong in our work and keep up with international trends in culture and fashion. It may be a high expectation but I will try, first of all, to do well the role that the organizing committee has assigned me, the rest will have to be improvised as the main job of a program host.

- What support do your relatives give you to complete your work?

- In addition to my parents and husband who have always supported me wholeheartedly, I also received sympathy and understanding from my in-laws. The program took place at the same time as my in-laws came to Vietnam from England. I felt somewhat guilty for not being able to pick them up at the airport, and for working in another city all week. However, my in-laws understood the importance of the work I was doing, so they always supported me. They encouraged me to fulfill my role as best as possible, and then return to reunite with my family after I was done.

According to VNE