Portrait of Hoang Tra Ly — Journalist, Lecturer and Career development advisor
Hanoi · Vietnam & JapanFrom 2014
01Journalism · Education · Career development

Hoang
Tra Ly

International news journalist & editor · Lecturer · Career development and communications advisor

I combine journalistic thinking, an academic foundation and advisory experience to help individuals and organisations turn complex information into clear content, turn experience into a compelling story, and turn goals into plans they can act on.

02

About

Who I am

I am an international news journalist and editor at Vietnam News Agency, and also a lecturer, career development advisor and project communications specialist.

More than a decade of working with information, people and international issues has shaped a consistent way of working: research deeply, express clearly and always keep the audience at the centre.

Journalism trained me to identify what really matters and to verify what I share. Teaching trained me to turn knowledge into content people can actually use.

Advisory and project work help me translate ideas into a roadmap and tangible outcomes — whether that is an analysis piece, a lecture, a career profile or a communications plan.

“The value of knowledge lies not in how much we know, but in our ability to convey it clearly, responsibly and in a way that truly serves the audience.”

i.

Deliver information people can trust.

ii.

Communicate knowledge in ways that are easy to grasp.

iii.

Help people grow with intention and resilience.

03

Areas of expertise

Where I focus

i.

International journalism & analysis

Following, editing and developing coverage of global politics, international relations and cross-border issues, with a keen interest in how world events shape policy, society and everyday lives.

ii.

Teaching & capacity building

Designing and supporting curricula on social media, online reputation, academic skills and career preparation — always aimed at helping learners apply knowledge to real situations.

iii.

Career advisory

Walking alongside students and professionals as they clarify direction, refine their CVs, prepare for interviews, shape their career story and articulate personal value.

iv.

Project & communications management

Planning, coordinating and overseeing communications for projects — especially in innovation, climate and sustainability — connecting project goals to clear, coherent messaging.

04

Career journey

A path connecting journalism, education and human development

  1. 2014 — present

    Vietnam News Agency

    International news journalist & editor

    Producing and editing news, analysis and commentary on world politics and international affairs. Developing rapid research, source evaluation and the ability to distill complex issues into clear, accurate reporting.

  2. 2023 — present

    ISBA

    Visiting lecturer

    Teaching the Social Media and Online Reputation course; advising students on CVs, applications and how to prepare for the transition into the workplace.

  3. 2022 — present

    KLINOVA Climate Innovation & Consulting

    Project Manager & Communications Specialist

    Planning, coordinating and overseeing marketing and communications activities across projects in climate innovation and sustainable development.

  4. 2019 — present

    Independent personal-development advisory

    Freelance career advisor

    Supporting students, scholarship candidates and working professionals in defining direction, building their personal profiles and preparing for study and career opportunities.

  5. 2018 — 2020

    International Christian University, Japan

    Research & teaching assistant

    Preparing course materials, lecture plans and tutorials; collaborating with faculty on research, writing and academic outputs.

05

Education & Milestones

A cross-disciplinary academic foundation

2018 — 2020 · Japan

Master of Arts in International Relations

International Christian University

  • Japanese Government (JDS) scholarship recipient
  • Best Master's Thesis Award, 2020

2009 — 2013 · BAV

Bachelor of Finance & Banking

University of Sunderland · International programme

  • Graduated with First Class Honours
  • Scholarship for outstanding graduates

A background in Finance & Banking taught me to approach problems with logic and analysis. International Relations gave me a wider lens on policy, power, cooperation and global affairs.

06

Research & Publications

From research to policy dialogue

Macdonald-Laurier Institute · 2021

policy brief

“Cooperative Middle Power Approaches for Infrastructure and Connectivity Development”

Focused on the role of middle powers in cooperating on infrastructure development and regional connectivity.

My research centres on international relations, regional cooperation, foreign policy and how states respond to shifts in the international environment.

Read the paper
07

Advisory services

How I can walk with you

i.

CV & application story

For students, early-career professionals and candidates changing direction. Mapping experience, identifying competitive strengths and reshaping the CV and application message around the target role.

ii.

Interview preparation

For candidates preparing for critical interview rounds. Structuring answers, presenting experience and communicating with confidence throughout the process.

iii.

Career direction

For students and professionals looking to reposition. Defining goals, taking stock of current capabilities and building a realistic development roadmap.

iv.

Personal branding

For professionals who want to communicate their value more clearly. Sharpening the core message, refining the bio and building a coherent presence across online platforms.

v.

Research proposal coaching

For JDS scholarship applicants and postgraduate students. Walking through the development of research proposals and Master's theses.

08

Working philosophy

Clear in thought. Responsible in communication. Practical in action.

I believe depth doesn't have to mean complexity. Content only truly delivers value when the audience can grasp the message, trust the information and see the next step they need to take.

i.

Accurate

Verify information, separate fact from opinion and fully respect the context.

ii.

Clear

Structure information logically, strip away unnecessary complexity and focus on what matters.

iii.

Human-centred

Design content and solutions around the audience's needs, situation and ability to act.

09

Let's collaborate

Let's shape what you want to create.

Working on a piece of content, a training programme, a communications project or a career transition? I'm ready to help you clarify the problem, define the direction and build the next steps.

  • International journalism & content
  • Teaching & training
  • Career advisory
  • Project communications
  • Research & content development
  • Programmes for students and young professionals

Have an idea, a project or a career goal that needs sharpening? Let's start with a conversation.

From information to understanding. From experience to value. From goals to action.