Dr. Ngô Kiều Oanh is a distinguished Vietnamese scientist and cultural preservationist, celebrated for her pioneering efforts in agricultural tourism and rural development in Vietnam.
Background
Born into a family with a strong intellectual and political legacy—her father, Ngô Tấn Nhơn, was Vietnam's first Minister of Economy and Agriculture—Dr. Oanh pursued higher education in the Soviet Union. In 1967, she studied Cybernetics at the Moscow Power Engineering Institute and later earned her Ph.D. in Science under the guidance of the Soviet Academy of Sciences. Upon returning to Vietnam in 1985, she worked as a scientific researcher at the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology.
Agricultural Tourism
A life-altering battle with cancer at age 49 led Dr. Oanh to reevaluate her life's mission. After a remarkable recovery attributed to traditional Southern medicine, she became a staunch advocate for clean food and sustainable agriculture. This personal transformation inspired her to establish the Đồng Quê Ba Vì Homestead in Ba Vì District, Hanoi—a model that integrates organic farming, rural culture, and tourism.
At the homestead, visitors can engage in authentic Vietnamese rural activities such as rice planting, fish catching with bamboo tools, herbal harvesting, and tea processing. This initiative not only promotes eco-tourism but also educates urban dwellers about traditional agricultural practices.
She has been instrumental in advising Hanoi's authorities on developing agricultural tourism. As part of the city's 2022–2025 rural tourism development plan, she conducted field surveys and provided strategic recommendations to enhance the integration of agriculture and tourism, aiming to boost rural economies and preserve cultural heritage.
Recognition and Legacy
Her contributions have earned her accolades, including the "Golden Rice" award from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in 2012. Known affectionately as the "field-wading doctor," Dr. Oanh continues to champion the preservation of Vietnam's rural landscapes and traditions, striving to create sustainable livelihoods for farmers through innovative tourism models. Dr. Ngô Kiều Oanh's journey from a scientific researcher to a rural development advocate exemplifies a profound commitment to blending tradition with innovation, ensuring the vitality of Vietnam's agricultural heritage for future generations