An has shared her refugee tale to groups of all ages. Her story of hope and resilience provides a connection for those in similar circumstances and is a powerful tale about the possibility of rebuilding from loss, and overcoming challenges. Speaking about these experiences creates awareness, connection, and a deeper appreciation for diversity, encouraging audiences to reflect on their own stories and the ways we all seek belonging.
The following are some of An’s speaking engagements:
We Belong Program – Intercultural Leader
As part of the We Belong: Intercultural Community Leaders Program with Northern Beaches Council, An designed, developed, and led a small team to create Our Cultural Tapestries, a storytelling project for Year 8 students that celebrates diversity and invites them to explore their own cultural roots. She also delivered The Beauty of Belonging, speaking about the memory of her grandmother’s blackened teeth—a mark of beauty and belonging—embraced by the Vietnamese for over 4,000 years. Through this intimate story, she invites the audience to reflect on how cultural practices, however unfamiliar, carry deep meaning about identity and community, and how belonging often lives in the rituals passed down through generations.
Human Library Event 2025 – Multicultural NSW + LocalKind
During Refugee Week’s Voices of Resilience Week Human Library, An and six other refugees in the Northern Beaches community were “books.” In small roundtable discussions, An shared her lived experiences of displacement, belonging, and rebuilding. By asking questions and connecting through dialogue, each conversation between a community member and a refugee is a step toward empathy and understanding.
Scattered People Film Screening – Manly Library, Northern Beaches Council
Music connects us.
From lullabies that cradle us as babies to the soul-stirring power of Aretha, Sinatra’s charm and swing, the pulse of rock, or the gritty poetry of hip-hop, music speaks directly to the heart. And when lyrics are added, they become memory—shaped by emotion, not just meaning.
In honor of Refugee Week 2025, An was the guest speaker at a screening of 𝘚𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘗𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦, a powerful documentary about an Australian band that turned the real stories of people seeking asylum into song.
She shared her refugee story and how music and storytelling can transform walls into windows, inspiring people to empathy, reflection, and, hopefully, change.
Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Day – Manly 2024
On Vietnam Veterans Memorial Day 2024 in Manly, in a keynote speaking role, An shared her journey as a child refugee airlifted from Saigon in 1975, and the compassion of those who helped her survive.
Standing before veterans and their families, respected community leaders including the Mayor and Councillors, local schoolchildren, and the wider community, An honoured not only the service of veterans in war but also the choices they made afterward—lives dedicated to helping others, strengthening communities, and nurturing hope. Through the stories of Eric Easterbrook, Rick Cranna, and Geoff Grimish, An reflected on a truth that has carried her across continents: war does not define us; our choices do.
Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Day – Manly 2018
The National Servicemen’s Association Sydney Northern Beaches Sub-Branch in association with the Northern Beaches Council, honors annually the service and sacrifice of all servicemen of the Vietnam War. An was the guest speaker and shared the story of the compassion of a Marine who saved her life on board a Merchant Marine ship during her family’s journey to freedom.
“What a story you had to tell of the experience you and your family went through. We will never know what it was like to suffer the pain and terror of war.”
~ Barry Andrews, President, National Servicemen’s Association (NASHO)
Human Library Event 2019 – Northern Beaches Council
To recognize and raise awareness of refugees, the Northern Beaches Council of Sydney, Australia hosted a Refugee Human Library Day. People interested in An’s refugee story, could “check” her out by listening to her tale and asking questions.
Additional speaking engagements:
- The Rotary Club – Manly, Australia
- The Miss of Australia Organisation – Melbourne, Australia
- International and local schools – Munich, Germany, Singapore and Killarney Heights, Australia
