One Vietnamese misbehaves abroad, and the whole country pays the price

That line was not just about identity. It was a reminder, to myself and others, that I carry my country's image wherever I go. And that image is more fragile than we think.

Despite growing admiration for Vietnam in places like the Middle East, the reputation of Vietnamese communities abroad is still tenuous. Many arrive on tourist visas and work informally. It is a common pattern, and one that leaves lasting impressions.

Recently, Vietnamese YouTubers in India created a public scene over religious disagreements. One woman, shouting profanities, screamed "I'm Vietnamese!" while wearing the national flag. A man, also donning the red-and-yellow shirt, was arrested for assault. The videos went viral. And when bad behavior is wrapped in the national symbol, it reflects not just on the individual, but on all of us.

This matters more than ever. Over 5.3 million Vietnamese traveled abroad in 2024. In just the first three months of 2025, nearly 2.7 million left the country, double the number from the same period last year. Whether we go for tourism, work, study or emigration, we do not just cross borders, we represent a nation.

Unfortunately, legal violations by Vietnamese abroad are rising too. According to data shared at a 2024 scientific conference, the number of citizens dealt with by foreign authorities rose over 33% from 2022 to 2023.

In today's hyper-connected world, a country's image is no longer shaped only by its government. It is shaped by its people: by how we speak, act, dress, and treat others abroad.

Political scholar Joseph Nye called this "soft power." It is not about military strength or economic clout. It is about values, culture and behavior, and how others feel when they encounter someone from your country.

This is where "citizen diplomacy" begins. Every Vietnamese person overseas, knowingly or not, contributes to the country's global reputation. Slowly but surely, our behavior becomes the lens through which others view Vietnam.

Other nations take this seriously. Japan promotes national image through its "Cool Japan" campaign. South Korea turned K-pop and films into a diplomatic asset through the Korean Wave. The UAE teaches national identity and etiquettes in schools. Singapore embeds civic pride and global awareness through its national education curriculum. Vietnam should do the same.

We need national guidelines and education programs to teach citizens how to behave abroad. Cultural etiquette, soft power and national image should be taught in schools, starting from a young age.

I often talk about this with my two sons. They are growing up in a Western environment, and being "Westernized" is inevitable. But I remind them constantly: You are Vietnamese. And how you act reflects on more than just yourself.

Because in the eyes of the world, every Vietnamese abroad is an ambassador.

And what we do, good or bad, travels faster than ever.

*Bui Man is a senior engineer specialized in soil properties.