Inside Trish Peng’s Trip to Vietnam

with the Asia New Zealand Foundation

This July, I had the privilege of travelling to Vietnam with the Asia New Zealand Foundation as part of their ASEAN Young Business Leaders Initiative (YBLI) Summit. Alongside a group of inspiring entrepreneurs from across New Zealand and Southeast Asia, we spent five days connecting, learning, and exploring the vibrant culture of Vietnam.

The summit began in Da Nang and took us through to Hue, a city rich in history and tradition. From insightful discussions with leaders like Brook Taylor, Davie Quach, and An Nguyen to collaborative workshops with fellow business owners, the experience was a powerful reminder of how much we can learn from each other- across industries, cultures, and borders.

As a bridal designer, I was particularly inspired by conversations around sustainability and innovation - especially hearing from leaders in textiles, hospitality, and digital transformation. It sparked so many ideas for how we can continue to grow thoughtfully within the fashion space.

Beyond the business side, the cultural experiences were equally memorable - visiting the Imperial Citadel, enjoying traditional Vietnamese cuisine, and cruising the Huong River with our new international friends.

I’m so grateful to the Asia New Zealand Foundation for the opportunity. I left Vietnam feeling energised, connected, and excited about what’s next - not just for my business, but for what’s possible when creative minds come together with a shared purpose!

- Trish x