The Vietnam Intellectual Society in the UK and Ireland (VIS) is proud to recognise and support the extraordinary humanitarian efforts of Katrin Kandel, voluntary CEO of Facing the World (FTW), whose dedication has transformed the lives of thousands of Vietnamese children with craniofacial birth defects. As a valued friend of VIS, Katrinโs work exemplifies the spirit of cross-border collaboration and commitment to Vietnamโs sustainable development – values deeply embedded in VISโs mission.
Katrinโs home in central London, adorned with artwork from Vietnam, reflects her enduring connection with the country. Her compassion for children born with severe facial deformities and her resolve to act has led FTW on an impactful journey to build long-term capacity and deliver life-changing care to Vietnam’s most vulnerable.
FTW, a UK-registered charity established in 2002, initially brought children from developing countries to the UK for high-cost surgeries. However, since 2008, it has shifted to a more sustainable model, sending multidisciplinary teams of surgeons to Vietnam and investing in local capacity through international fellowships. FTW has supported over 100 Vietnamese doctors with training in the UK, Canada, the US, and Australia – each fully funded by the foundation.
With Katrinโs leadership, FTW has developed a holistic model focused on “teaching a man to fish” – empowering Vietnamese doctors with advanced skills and knowledge through overseas fellowships and in-country surgical missions. Telemedicine, a key pillar of the strategy, has also enabled real-time mentoring and remote diagnostics, expanding reach to underserved areas.
To date, FTW has donated ยฃ2.4 million in telemedicine technology and nearly ยฃ10 million in medical equipment to partner hospitals in Vietnam, including Hแปng Ngแปc General Hospital, 108 Military Central Hospital, and Viแปt ฤแปฉc University Hospital. Notably, FTW helped establish the Centre for Craniofacial and Plastic Surgery at 108 Hospital – the first of its kind in Southeast Asia – now a hub of regional surgical excellence.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, FTW and its Vietnamese partners continued operations despite travel disruptions, demonstrating the resilience and effectiveness of its localised model. In the next five years, FTW aims to support 40,000 surgeries and sponsor another 200 Vietnamese doctors for international training.
Katrinโs contributions have earned widespread recognition. She was awarded the Vietnamese Presidentโs Medal for Friendship, the Medal for Peace and Friendship Among Nations, and a Certificate of Merit from the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations. In the UK, she received the Points of Light Award, personally commended by the British Prime Minister.
As VIS continues to champion knowledge exchange and capacity building between the UK, Ireland, and Vietnam, it takes pride in supporting initiatives like FTW. Katrinโs work is a shining example of how enduring friendships and visionary leadership can drive long-term social impact. VIS looks forward to deepening its engagement with FTW and similar organisations that contribute to Vietnamโs health, education, and innovation ecosystem.
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For VIS, supporting the Vietnamese people, especially the most vulnerable, is not only a mission but also a heartfelt commitment. Katrinโs journey reminds us of the power of compassion, collaboration, and the global Vietnamese communityโs responsibility to give back.