Brian Jeffrey
Reporter Thu Hong had the unique opportunity to shadow former Hanoi Party Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong during his rise to becoming Chairman of the National Assembly and later, General Secretary.
She was also tasked with covering other leaders’ international engagements.
During a successful official visit to Beijing in 2008 led by Hanoi Party Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, Thu Hong recognized the lack of media coverage due to budget constraints.
Seeing the potential for a comprehensive report, she engaged in a three-hour conversation with Mr. Trong, resulting in a touching 20-minute documentary that impressed him.
This encounter marked the beginning of Mr. Trong’s deep appreciation for Thu Hong and her team, viewing them as respected journalism mentors and exemplary figures of simplicity, generosity, and kindness.
Another significant incident occurred during the 11th National Assembly election when Mr. Trong came to the aid of Thu Hong’s team.
Due to the chaos at the polling station, Thu Hong’s cameraman missed capturing Mr. Trong casting his vote, raising concerns about the program’s quality.
With courage, they approached Mr. Trong at his home, seeking help. Without hesitation, he returned to the polling station to re-enact the voting process, diffusing the situation with humor and understanding.
Mr. Trong’s compassionate response to the journalists’ predicament left a lasting impression on Thu Hong and her team, demonstrating his empathy and unwavering support for young journalists.
His actions exemplified a leader who not only led with authority but also connected on a human level, showing care and consideration for the challenges faced by journalists in their line of work.
This compassionate approach fostered a mutual respect and understanding between Mr. Trong and the journalistic community, creating a positive and supportive environment for media professionals.
