Nam Ngo Thanh

International Luminary Award in Leadership

B. School,

Vietnam

Principal

Personal Highlights:

Ph.D. Candidate in Education
Founder – Five Safe Fingers Project: A child protection initiative equipping children with self-defense and abuse prevention skills, implemented in 38 countries, engaging over 10,000 students and more than 100 teacher ambassadors worldwide. Recognized by HundrED Global Collection 2025.
Co-Founder – Vietnam Innovative Educator Foundation (VIEF): A national network with over 150,000 educators focused on technology integration, peer-to-peer training, and educational innovation across Vietnam.
Founder – Kindness Everyday Initiative: A project promoting emotional well-being and positive school culture through social-emotional learning (SEL), reaching more than 12,000 students in ASEAN.
Top 50 Finalist – Global Teacher Prize (2018)
SEAMEO INNOTECH Southeast Asian Educational Innovation Award (2024)
HundrED Global Collection – Top 100 Innovations in Education (2025)
Equity Initiative Fellow (2025–2026) – working to advance education and child health equity across Southeast Asia
OMLAS Fellow (2025) – part of a network of Asia-Pacific innovators in education and sustainability
Selected Educator – Honeywell Educators at Space Academy (USA)
Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert, Fellow, and Master Trainer – delivered professional development to thousands of educators on integrating technology into teaching
Ambassador for: HundrED, Flipgrid, PenPal Schools, Global Math Project, ClassDojo, Lifeliqe
Member – Global Goals Educator Task Force – contributing recommendations aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals

Inspirational Success Story:

Mr. Ngo Thanh Nam has transformative leadership that exemplifies innovation, compassion, and long-term impact in both school development and community empowerment. He consistently models the principles of transformational leadership, inspiring both staff and students through his vision, dedication, and results-driven approach. Mr. Nam has introduced innovative management strategies that have improved academic outcomes, strengthened teacher professional development, and promoted a positive school culture. He leads not only through policy and planning but also by example—fostering a sense of ownership and purpose among teachers and students. Under his leadership, the school has integrated holistic education models that include mental health, life skills, and global citizenship into the official curriculum, resulting in improved student well-being and engagement.

Beyond the school context, Mr. Nam’s leadership extends nationally and internationally. He is the founder of impactful initiatives such as the Five Safe Fingers Project—a global child protection program that has reached over 25,000 children in 38 countries—and the Vietnam Innovative Educator Foundation with over 150,000 members. These initiatives demonstrate not only administrative competence but also visionary thinking and moral responsibility, which have inspired educators and communities regionally and globally. What sets Mr. Nam apart is not just what he has accomplished, but how he leads—with empathy, collaboration, and an unwavering belief in education as a force for social transformation. His leadership aligns perfectly with the core values of the ILA: developing organizations and communities, introducing innovative strategies, supporting people’s growth, and inspiring others through exemplary actions.
What began as a local campaign in Vietnam has, under Mr. Nam’s leadership, grown into a global movement spanning 38 countries, engaging over 25,000 children and more than 100 educator-ambassadors. Mr. Nam not only designed the program content, but also led the development of training modules, built partnerships with schools and NGOs, and mentored educators across diverse cultural contexts. The Five Safe Fingers Project uses simple, scalable tools—such as interactive storytelling, visual prompts, and teacher-led discussions—to address a deeply sensitive issue in an empowering and culturally adaptable way. This initiative reflects Mr. Nam’s visionary and compassionate leadership, combining innovation, educational psychology, and social advocacy. It has been recognized by global organizations including HundrED and SEAMEO INNOTECH, and has influenced school safety policies and teacher training programs in multiple ASEAN countries. The Five Safe Fingers Project is a clear embodiment of how Mr. Nam uses his leadership position to create systemic change that directly improves the lives of children, strengthens educational institutions, and uplifts community well-being.
Mr. Nam brings deep and lasting inspiration to both his organization and the wider community by embodying the kind of leadership that is grounded in purpose, empathy, and action. He does not simply manage—he mobilizes. Whether leading a school team, launching a nationwide educator network, or spearheading a global child protection movement, Mr. Nam inspires others by showing what is possible when passion meets responsibility. Within our school, he leads by example—always approachable, always listening, and always focused on both results and people. He empowers teachers to take initiative, mentors young educators, and creates space for innovation and collaboration. His leadership fosters a culture of trust and shared vision, where every member of the school community feels valued and motivated to grow. On a broader scale, Mr. Nam’s ability to connect local issues to global movements has inspired countless educators to see themselves as changemakers. Through initiatives like the Vietnam Innovative Educator Foundation (VIEF) and Five Safe Fingers, he has shown that even grassroots efforts can have international impact when driven by clear values and inclusive leadership. He is living proof that leadership is not about authority, but about service and influence. By aligning his work with the Sustainable Development Goals, prioritizing equity and well-being, and cultivating a global network of educators committed to change, Mr. Nam continuously inspires others to act with courage, care, and conviction. His journey offers a powerful message: that transformational leadership begins with one person daring to lead differently.

Evidence of Works: