On 27 May 2026, alumnae of the Women in Leadership Journey (WILJ) gathered in Hanoi to reconnect, exchange ideas and reflect on how they are applying leadership skills in their workplaces and communities. Since 2017, the program has connected 141 women leaders across seven cohorts, building a growing network of professionals influencing leadership practices across government, academia, and the private sector.
Many alumnae are already translating learning into action, leading teams through change, strengthening collaboration, supporting other women to step into leadership roles and promoting more inclusive workplace cultures. What began as a leadership program has evolved into an active professional network where women continue to learn from and support one another long after completing the course.
Discussions with Vietnamese and Australian experts focused on “Empathetic Leadership in the Age of AI,” exploring how leadership is evolving alongside digital transformation. Participants shared practical examples of navigating organisational change, improving staff engagement and balancing technological innovation with people-centred leadership approaches.
The message throughout the event was clear: while AI is reshaping workplaces and decision-making, qualities such as trust, empathy, adaptability and human connection remain essential to effective leadership and long-term impact.
Panel discussion on empathetic leadership in the age of AI
An alumna joins the discussion.
Supported by the Australian Government through the Vietnam Australia Centre, WILJ continues to strengthen women’s leadership capabilities while contributing to broader Vietnam–Australia cooperation on gender equality, inclusive development and people-to-people links. The event demonstrated that the impact of WILJ extends well beyond training, reflected in the growing influence, collaboration and continued leadership of its alumnae network across Vietnam.
Since 2017, the Women in Leadership Journey (WILJ), supported by the Australian Government through the Vietnam Australia Centre, has connected 141 women leaders across seven cohorts from Party agencies, government institutions and organisations throughout Vietnam. It has become an active network of women applying inclusive leadership approaches in their workplaces, supporting organisational change, mentoring emerging leaders and strengthening collaboration across sectors. Through ongoing exchange with Vietnamese and Australian experts, alumnae continue to build practical leadership skills in areas such as empathetic leadership, workplace inclusion and digital transformation. WILJ is contributing to sustained impact through stronger professional connections, continued peer support and the increasing influence of women leaders across Vietnam.
Tiếng Việt