An Interview with Ha Bui

Managing director, Vietnam

Edelman Global Advisory recently caught up with Ha Bui on her professional experience, what excites her most about running EGA's new Vietnam unit, and her proudest moments from her career. See our interview below and keep up with Ha on LinkedIn. 

EGA: What excites you most about your role at EGA?

HB: As part of a new EGA unit that formally started operations in Vietnam in August 2023, I am thrilled to work alongside the Edelman Vietnam office and the EGA APAC team located in Singapore to build up our local presence and branding. The abundant and unique expertise that our EGA advisors offer is inspirational. Vietnam is entering a new era of business development, and I am excited to take on many advocacy and advisory opportunities in the fields of Government Relations, Public Policy and Trade, and strengthen our existing client relationships here.

EGA: What would you say is your personal area of expertise?

HB: I have an enduring passion for Public Policy advocacy, a fervor rooted in my background as a journalist. 

I value the process of identifying relevant stakeholders, connecting with diverse players in the ecosystem to shape thoughts and powerful messages, and presenting well-founded policy recommendations. While some might consider Public Policy advocacy to be a dry pursuit, I feel that it is, in fact, an art crafted from a blend of intellectual curiosity, social networking, creativity in communication, and, above all, a resolute commitment to effecting positive change in our society.

EGA: If you could give yourself one piece of advice at the start of your career, what would it be?

HB: I would be more flexible in how I handle things. It’s important to distinguish between professionalism and perfectionism, and by finding that balance, we can experience the joy of doing things.

EGA: What past work project or accomplishment are you the proudest of and why?

HB: I have many fond memories from my time as a journalist, where I had the privilege to meet and interview various interesting international figures. 

However, what truly stands out as a remarkable accomplishment is my inaugural project in 2019 as a Special Advisor for Landmark Public Affairs, now known as EGA. Serving as a market lead, a ten-month campaign involving consultations with multiple stakeholders in Vietnam resulted in a significant reduction in tariffs, including the elimination of many tariffs on US dairy imports into Vietnam. 

I take pride in this achievement, not just because it bolstered my confidence in transitioning from a career as a Communications and Public Affairs specialist to that of a Government Relations and Public Policy consultant, but also due to the positive impact it had on the local community. The tariff change has enabled Vietnamese consumers, especially children, to gain access to affordable, high-quality dairy products from the US and other sources.

EGA: What would you do if you weren’t doing this?

HB: I aspire to work in the Arts, either as a movie or stage director, or as a writer. Regrettably, despite a strong family tradition of writing I have not picked-up that skill, certainly not to the level of writing professionalism that I aspire to.

EGA: If you could invite 3 people (living or dead) to a dinner party, who would you choose and why?

HB: I would love to have my father, who passed away when I was very young, and my grandfather, a knowledgeable individual who instilled in me a passion for journalism and advocating for social causes. As for the third person, I'd choose Margaret Mitchell, as "Gone with the Wind" ranks among my favorite books. I'm sure my grandfather and my father would also relish the chance to meet her.

EGA: How do you like to spend your time outside of work? Do you have any special hobbies or interests?

HB: I am a frequent traveler and moviegoer. I cook for my children when time allows. I love chatting with my mom, my husband, and my older sister about the little things—like historic and political events, experiences with new restaurants, reviewing new movies/songs, and our plans for exploring the world together. 

I'm also trying to learn how to play the piano, although my progress has been limited due to my struggle to find enough time for practice.

About Ha Bui

Cam Ha Bui serves as managing director at Edelman Global Advisory Vietnam.  Drawing on her journalism background, government affairs expertise, and strategic communications skills, she assists prominent international clients enter the Vietnamese market, navigate intricate regulatory challenges, and foster strong relationships with Vietnamese government agencies at all levels. Her sectoral expertise spans renewable energy, FMCG, healthcare, and tourism, among others.

Prior to EGA, Ms. Bui worked for Landmark Public Affairs as a special advisor and country lead while concurrently serving as head of corporate affairs at a solar investments enterprise. She also held senior positions at Standard Chartered Bank Vietnam, working with the CEO in overseeing the markets of Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, ASEAN, and South Asia cluster, and previously served as communications manager at the British Embassy in Hanoi.

Early in her career, Ms. Bui reported on foreign affairs and economic issues at Tuoi Tre Newspaper, and she continues as a regular editorial contributor to VNExpress, Vietnam's most widely read online newspaper. She has also provided personal branding, media relations, and spokesperson training to companies of all sizes.

Ms. Bui received the UK government's Chevening Scholarship and the German Government's InWent Fellowship to study journalism in Cardiff, Wales (2006) and Berlin (2005), respectively. She studied journalism and communications at Hanoi National University of Social Sciences and Humanities.