From Auckland to Ho Chi Minh City: How PCF Prepares Pacific Women for Cultural and Economic Exchange

We recently hosted a meaningful onboarding session for our inaugural all-female cohort of Pacific entrepreneurs comprising budding talents and established business leaders. These women are set to embark on an eight-week journey to Ho Chi Minh City under the Prime Minister’s Scholarships to Asia program, representing New Zealand and the Pacific in this first-of-its-kind experience for PCF.

Our onboarding day was crafted to go far beyond a standard introduction—it was a carefully curated experience that fully immersed the participants in PCF’s mission, built camaraderie, and fostered personal and collective goal setting. With these elements, we have created a strong foundation for the cohort’s journey, reinforcing PCF’s commitment to exceeding expectations and ensuring the programme’s success. Below is a snapshot of the day’s highlights and how PCF went the extra mile to deliver on our objectives.

Welcoming and Aligning with PCF’s Mission and Objectives

We began the day by bringing our participants into the heart of PCF’s vision and strategic goals, emphasising their role as cultural and business ambassadors for New Zealand and the wider Pacific. This unique program supports our broader mission of strengthening Pacific-Asia relationships and exploring opportunities for trade and growth, especially with Vietnam. Our discussions highlighted Vietnam-New Zealand trade cooperation and economic partnerships enabled by various agreements, setting the stage for the cohort to understand the economic landscape they’re stepping into.

The session highlighted the significance of each woman’s individual contribution, establishing clear connections between their entrepreneurial aspirations and PCF’s strategic objectives. This introduction was especially appreciated by the group, with many expressing gratitude for the chance to understand their role within the program and to connect deeply with one another before the trip rather than just meeting for the first time at the airport.

Gaining Insight from a Vietnamese Perspective at Standing Room Espresso

One of the highlights of the day was our coffee meetup at Standing Room Espresso, where the cohort met with a local ‘James’ from Ho Chi Minh City. This encounter brought their upcoming experience to life as they asked burning questions about Vietnamese culture, city life, and business etiquette. It was a dynamic opportunity for the entrepreneurs to gain firsthand insight, receiving practical tips on everything from navigating bustling markets to understanding Vietnamese customs.

This engaging conversation wasn’t just an introduction to Ho Chi Minh City but a reassuring experience, grounding their expectations and helping them feel more prepared for what lies ahead.

Amazing Race Activity – A Taste of Vietnamese Life in Auckland

In the spirit of Ho Chi Minh City’s vibrant and fast-paced energy, we organised an Amazing Race-style activity around Auckland. Teams navigated local markets, practised ordering Vietnamese coffee, and completed tasks designed to echo the dynamism and complexity of a typical day in Ho Chi Minh.

The activity fostered trust and teamwork, allowing the group to connect in a fun, high-energy environment. By working together in real-time challenges, they tested their adaptability and resilience—qualities they will need to thrive during their time abroad. The cohort expressed appreciation for the chance to bond in such a unique setting, deepening connections that will support them throughout their eight-week journey.

Vision-Setting and Goal-Planning Workshop

Returning to the PCF office, we held a Vision-Setting and Goal-Planning Workshop to encourage personal reflection and collective purpose. Each participant outlined her personal goals for the program—goals we will revisit upon their return, fostering a sense of accountability and personal growth. Together, they created a shared “vision board” that captured their collective intentions, aspirations, and anticipated impact, both for themselves and for the Pacific communities they represent.

This session also laid the groundwork for their return journey. Upon completing the program, each participant will be encouraged to share their experiences publicly, with PCF assisting them in delivering presentations to peers, communities, or workplaces. We’re providing flexible options—be it in-person or virtual—to ensure each woman feels empowered to share her journey in the format that best suits her.

Exceeding Expectations for Stakeholders

This onboarding day powerfully reflected PCF’s commitment to ensuring success. We designed this session to surpass contractual obligations, offering robust preparation, deep cultural immersion, and comprehensive goal-setting that will enable each participant to meet and exceed the program’s aims of fostering international relationships, building cultural intelligence, and identifying commercial opportunities between New Zealand and Vietnam.

This onboarding experience demonstrates PCF’s dedication to impactful program delivery, showcasing our alignment with national policy objectives and our unwavering support for Pacific entrepreneurs. We will watch with excitement as our cohort embark on their journey and remain focussed in supporting them, from their time in Ho Chi Minh to their reflections and presentations upon returning.