British Consul General Alexandra Smith on her mission to amplify women’s voices

Before becoming British Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, Alexandra Smith spent many years working in trade and international relations. She served as the United Kingdom’s first Economic and Trade Counsellor to ASEAN in Jakarta, took part in trade negotiations with the EEA/EFTA bloc, and helped to establish the UK’s Trade Remedies Authority. This journey reveals a pragmatic diplomat, experienced, grounded, and always ready to adapt to new challenges.

In Viet Nam, she focuses on advancing the green transition, finance, and emerging technologies, while helping businesses in both countries leverage the CPTPP. Alongside her official portfolio, she devotes time to initiatives that promote gender equality and community development. For Alexandra Smith, each posting is an opportunity to understand people, culture, and local values, elements that make meaningful, lasting connections possible.

In conversation with Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam, Mrs. Alexandra Smith shares how she sees diplomacy through the lens of a female leader, along with candid advice for young women stepping into their careers.

HARPER’S BAZAAR: After a year in Viet Nam, what habit makes you feel most connected to the country?

ALEXANDRA SMITH: I joined the Thanh Da Rowing Club. Every morning, I row a single scull on Ho Chi Minh City’s river. As the city wakes, people exercising, elders enjoying coffee, it keeps me calm and connected. London and Ho Chi Minh City are alike in one respect aspect: both are megacities of over 10 million people with a river at their centre.

HARPER’S BAZAAR: What does your ideal weekend in Ho Chi Minh City look like?

ALEXANDRA SMITH: I start with an indoor cycling (spinning) class, then coffee and breakfast. I’ll sometimes drop into a few shops for small, lovely finds, Vietnamese or international. In the evening, I explore the nightlife, from world-class restaurants and bars to very charming local spots. On Sundays I row with friends, then take a leisurely walk around my neighbourhood or explore a new ward.

HARPER’S BAZAAR: Your top three tips for first-time visitors to Ho Chi Minh City?

ALEXANDRA SMITH: First, walk the central area (Saigon Ward) to feel history through the architecture, then go to the riverfront to see new developments. Allow yourself to “get a little lost” and discover things. Second, try Vietnamese food, I suggest bún thịt nướng and bún chả. Third, have a salted coffee. I always invite visitors from the UK, ministers included, to try it before they leave Viet Nam.

HARPER’S BAZAAR: As Consul General, what are your three priorities?

ALEXANDRA SMITH: First, the safety of British nationals in Ho Chi Minh City and across Viet Nam. Second, connecting the UK community to support UK-Viet Nam economic cooperation, focusing on the green transition, financial services, and new technologies. Finally, sharing the UK’s values of diversity and equality through our daily work and events in the city.

HARPER’S BAZAAR: Today’s photoshoot theme is “Women At Work.” If you had to choose one role, the motivator, the strategist, the connector, or the changer, which are you?

ALEXANDRA SMITH: The connector. For me, diplomacy is about connecting people and communities. At the end of November, we plan to host a fashion celebration in Ho Chi Minh City, one concrete example of connecting culture and business.

HARPER’S BAZAAR: Was there a moment in your career that revealed the value of a female leadership perspective?

ALEXANDRA SMITH: Before Viet Nam, I was the UK’s first Economic and Trade Counsellor to ASEAN in Jakarta. What impressed me most was gender balance at the table. I value equality of voice, when men and women sit down together and share naturally. In Ho Chi Minh City, we continue to advance this through tangible actions.

HARPER’S BAZAAR: Have you faced barriers such as gender bias or double standards? How did you overcome them?

ALEXANDRA SMITH: When issues arise, I raise them professionally, in the moment. In parallel, I offer one-to-one mentoring for young women. Once, a junior colleague in the UK delegation asked, “Am I allowed to sit at the table?” I told her, “You don’t need permission. You represent the government, take your seat.” At the British Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City and the British Embassy in Ha Noi, we also maintain projects, workshops, and competitions to amplify women’s voices and visibility, for example, increasing the share of female speakers on panels.

HARPER’S BAZAAR: How are you currently supporting young women’s career development?

ALEXANDRA SMITH: I’m a registered mentor within the UK Government system and always open to mentoring, especially young women. We regularly organize workshops and forums on women’s leadership and track female representation on panels so we can improve with data.

HARPER’S BAZAAR: Your advice for young women pursuing diplomacy and community building?

ALEXANDRA SMITH: I have three suggestions. First, speak up, your opinion matters. Second, be authentic, be yourself; your experience and perspective have value. Third, be persistent, work hard and keep trying new things. I didn’t start in international affairs; I built skills across different roles. Ten years later, I became the British Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City. A path is made by steady steps.

***Creative Team***

Creative Director: Lee Khuat @leekhuat
Project Coordinator: Huy Vo @jamesvozb
Photographer: Tung Salie @tungsalie
Editor: Doan Tan Sang @tansang_doan
Makeup Artist: Dinh Tran @dinh.trn
Hair Artist: Dang Nguyen Quoc Thai @dang.thai97
Video Editor: Hito @hito.vinhan
Photography Assistant: Do Anh Phong

Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam