Message from the Founder of UniAction
At UniAction, we believe that change begins when people come together with purpose, compassion, and courage. Every story shared, every voice amplified, and every action taken has the power to bridge cultures, foster understanding, and create a more inclusive world.
As someone who has experienced both challenge and opportunity, I know that empathy and collaboration can transform communities. Through our initiatives—whether through cultural diplomacy, humanitarian engagement, or the power of film—we aim to connect people, spark dialogue, and inspire meaningful action.
I invite you to join us on this journey. Together, we can turn shared vision into lasting impact, and remind the world that when we unite across differences, we are capable of extraordinary change.
— Thi Be Nguyen, Founder of UniAction
HER STORY -
Thi Be Nguyen
Thi Be Nguyen, recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal (2024), is a Canadian social entrepreneur and documentary executive producer known for her leadership in cultural diplomacy and meaningful social impact. Arriving in Canada at the age of 5 as a refugee in 1980, she brings a unique perspective shaped by resilience, gratitude, and a deep commitment to social inclusion. Her lived experience inspires her work in building bridges across cultures and fostering dialogue that uplifts communities.
Thi Be holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Concordia University, a Certificate in Global Diplomacy from the University of London, and a Certificate in Sustainable Development Strategy from Stanford University. Her professional career includes more than a decade in senior leadership at the National Bank of Canada, where she led the Office of the President and oversaw the philanthropy department, managing yearly a $25 million fund portfolio and guiding the Bank’s national and international strategic community investment initiatives throughout Canada, Cambodia and Singapore.
She also served as Executive Director (Canada) of the Canada–ASEAN Business Council (CABC), where she established the Council’s first Canadian office in 2022. Prior to leading the Canada office, she was the Chair of the CABC events in Canada. since 2018. In her roles, she drew on her combined expertise in diplomacy and business to expand Canada–ASEAN relations. Working with ASEAN embassies in Canada, governments and the private sectors, her efforts contributed to strengthen bilateral ties, advance trade opportunities, and position Canada as a collaborative and trusted partner in Southeast Asia. Her approach integrated inclusive economic development with cultural engagement, reflecting her belief that strong international relationships are built on mutual understanding and shared values.
In 2014, Thi Be founded UniAction, a charitable organization dedicated to promoting global solidarity through social inclusion, humanitarian engagement, and cultural diplomacy. Recognizing the transformative power of storytelling, she later founded UniAction Films, where she produces documentaries that amplify marginalized voices and foster intercultural awareness. Through these initiatives, she uses film as a soft power tool to encourage empathy, spark dialogue, and inspire positive social change.