The award at the Officer level is a well-deserved recognition of the two Vietnamese-French professors’ lifelong devotion, highlighting the French State’s appreciation for their remarkable contributions to the advancement of science, the strengthening of international research links, and the promotion of France - Vietnam friendship and scientific cooperation.
At the event, Dung presented flowers in congratulation to the couple.
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French Ambassador to Vietnam Olivier Brochet bestows the honor upon Professor Van. |
French Ambassador to Vietnam Olivier Brochet bestowed the honor upon Professor Van, President of the Rencontres du Vietnam (Meeting Vietnam) Association and Director of the International Center for Interdisciplinary Science and Education (ICISE) and Professor Ngoc, Chairwoman of Aide a l’Enfance du Vietnam (the Association for Protection of Vietnamese Children).
Earlier, on July 11, 2025, to mark France’s National Day, President Emmanuel Macron signed a decree promoting the professors to the Officer rank of the Legion of Honor. They were the only married couple to be promoted on this occasion, at the age of 91, demonstrating their extraordinary and enduring contributions to science, education, and humanitarian work.
On July 18, 2025, on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang sent a congratulatory letter to the professors, emphasizing that this honor is not only a recognition of their tireless dedication to science and the younger generation, but also a source of pride for the overseas Vietnamese community and the homeland.
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Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung attends the ceremony and congratulates Professor Jean Tran Thanh Van and his wife Professor Le Kim Ngoc. |
Both professors had previously been decorated with the Legion of Honour, the rank of Knight (Chevalier): Professor Van in February 2000, and Professor Ngoc in September 2016 in Ho Chi Minh City, personally conferred by then French President Francois Hollande during his state visit to Vietnam.
The couple are best known for four major initiatives: The Meeting Vietnam series of international scientific conferences (initiated in 1993), the ICISE Center in former Quy Nhon city, Binh Dinh province (now in Gia Lai province) (established in 2013), the Vallet Scholarship Fund, and SOS Children’s Villages in Vietnam.
Source: VNA