One of the aspects I enjoy most about living in Vietnam is that no two months are ever the same. While routines naturally develop, there is always a new experience, a new encounter, or a new discovery that reminds us why the expatriate journey remains so enriching.

Looking back at some of my previous articles, I often spoke about the balance between professional life, cultural discovery, friendships and community involvement. This month perfectly reflected that balance once again.

As always, you will find additional pictures accompanying this article, capturing some of the moments and places that made this month memorable.

Belgian Hospitality in the Heart of Saigon

One of the highlights of the month was spending time with friends at Belgo, one of the well-known Belgian establishments in Ho Chi Minh City. Known for bringing authentic Belgian craft beer culture to Vietnam, Belgo has successfully created an atmosphere that combines European traditions with the vibrant energy of Saigon. Their different locations have become reference points for both Belgian expatriates and locals looking for a unique dining experience. (Việt-Biz)

What makes these evenings special is not only the food or the drinks, but the fellowship that naturally develops around the table. Living abroad often means creating a second family through friendships, and places like Belgo provide the perfect environment for those connections to grow.

The atmosphere was relaxed, the food excellent and the conversations even better. These are the moments that remind us that expatriation is not only about discovering a country but also about building meaningful relationships along the way.

Returning to Rotary – Service Above Self

A major milestone this month was resuming my Rotary Club activities.

After some time away, it was particularly rewarding to reconnect with the Rotary community, meet new Rotarians and discuss how we can best contribute to supporting local initiatives and communities. Rotary’s motto, “Service Above Self”, remains highly relevant in today’s world, and it was inspiring to see the energy and commitment demonstrated by the members.

I also had the opportunity to contribute to strengthening the liaison with Rotaract at RMIT University. Seeing younger generations engage in community projects and leadership development gives confidence for the future. Their enthusiasm, combined with the experience of established Rotarians, creates tremendous potential for meaningful impact.

The positive atmosphere within the Rotary Club Saigon International was immediately noticeable. The club brings together members from many different nationalities and professional backgrounds, creating a truly international environment that reflects the diversity of modern Ho Chi Minh City. Their vision is clear, the governance is solid and the motivation is strong. I am confident the club has all the ingredients necessary to continue prospering in the years ahead. (Rotary Club Saigon International)

An additional advantage is undoubtedly the meeting venue. The Renaissance Riverside Hotel provides an excellent setting overlooking the Saigon River, right in the heart of District 1. Its location, accessibility and welcoming atmosphere make it a natural gathering place for international professionals and community leaders. (Marriott Bonvoy)

HSSE Awareness and the Importance of Culture

This month was also marked by HSSE Month at the university.

Health, Safety, Security and Environment principles have always been important throughout my professional career. Seeing these values actively promoted within an educational environment was particularly encouraging.

It brought back many memories from my previous employer, where HSSE was not simply a compliance exercise but a deeply embedded culture. The strongest organizations understand that safety is not a department; it is a mindset.

What impressed me most was observing how these behaviours are being integrated into the journey of younger generations. Developing awareness early helps build responsible professionals who understand that personal accountability, risk awareness and care for others are fundamental components of success.

As Vietnam continues its rapid development, fostering these behaviours among students and future leaders will undoubtedly contribute positively to society and industry alike.

A Gastronomic Finale at Kobe Bistro

We concluded the month on a high note with an excellent dinner among friends at Kobe Bistro in District 1.

The restaurant has earned recognition within the Michelin Selection, which immediately creates expectations. From the moment we arrived, it became clear that the team takes pride in delivering a complete dining experience. The presentation of each dish was elegant, the ingredients fresh and the overall execution demonstrated a strong attention to detail. As someone who appreciates quality ingredients, I was not even concerned about ordering beef tartare, a good indication of the confidence inspired by the freshness of the products.

One aspect that particularly stood out was the service. Managing a table where guests selected different tasting menus can be challenging. Some guests had three courses, others four or five, yet the team managed to synchronize appetizers and desserts for everyone. This level of coordination contributed significantly to the overall experience and deserves recognition.

The food itself was consistently enjoyable. The Wagyu A5 beef was excellent and prepared with care. It is worth noting however that despite the restaurant’s name, the beef served was Wagyu A5 rather than Kobe beef itself. This is not necessarily a criticism, as the quality remained very high, but it is an observation worth mentioning.

If I had to identify one area for improvement, it would be the absence of a truly memorable signature dish. Every course was good, some were very good, but none created that defining culinary memory that immediately comes back weeks or months later. Nevertheless, the overall gastronomic experience was successful, and the combination of food, service and company made for a wonderful evening.

At the end of the day, great dining is often about more than the plate itself. It is about sharing moments with friends, creating memories and enjoying experiences together. In that regard, the evening was a complete success.

Looking Ahead

Another month has passed, filled with friendships, community engagement, professional reflections and culinary discoveries.

Vietnam continues to surprise me through its diversity of experiences and the people I meet along the way. Whether through Rotary activities, university initiatives, evenings with friends or discovering new dining destinations, every month adds another chapter to this remarkable expatriate journey.

As always, next month will undoubtedly bring new surprises, new encounters and new experiences.

I look forward to sharing them with you.