From Vietnam to the World: Cedric’s Inspiring Journey of Culture, Business, and Identity

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It’s me, Niall Mackay, the host of A Vietnam Podcast. I started podcasting in 2019, and have interviewed people around the world to share their stories and experiences about Vietnam. 

I had the pleasure of speaking with Cedric Le Quellec, whose story is one of the most unique I’ve come across. Cedric was born in Vietnam but adopted by a French family as a baby, which set him on a global journey. He grew up in countries across Africa, studied in Switzerland and the United States, and eventually found his way back to Vietnam in 2016.

In the links above you can listen now to explore a third-culture kid’s journey and his insight into his roots – Vietnam. 

Background – Vietnamese Roots and Living Abroad

Cedric was born in Vietnam but adopted by French parents, which set him on a fascinating path that’s deeply rooted in both cultures. I asked him to share more about his background, and he explained how his journey started over 30 years ago.

Cedric was adopted as a baby, less than a year old, by a loving French family. His adoptive parents took him to London, where they were living at the time. From there, Cedric’s childhood was filled with incredible international experiences. His father’s job with a large bank involved overseeing operations across Africa, which meant the family moved often. Cedric grew up in Kenya, Botswana, and Ivory Coast before eventually settling in Thailand for several years. After his time in Asia, Cedric went to boarding school in Switzerland, then attended college in the United States.

The story of Cedric’s adoption is just as touching. His family had deep ties to Vietnam long before his adoption, thanks to his grandfather’s humanitarian work as a surgeon general. Cedric explained that his grandfather often visited Vietnam to provide medical care, which built a connection between the country and his family. His parents, believing there were already many children in the world who needed love and care, chose adoption as a way to build their family. Cedric’s sister was also adopted from Vietnam a few years later, and while they aren’t related by blood, people often comment on how much they look alike—a remark Cedric lightheartedly chalked up to stereotypes about Asian appearances.

Cedric’s parents were always open with him about his adoption. He shared that while there’s a natural curiosity about his biological parents, he’s never felt the need to search for them. For him, life turned out great, and he sees no need to change or dig into the past.

Third-Culture Kid – The Citizen of The World

During the conversation, Cedric described himself as a third-culture kid, a term I first learned through this podcast. When I asked him what it meant to him, Cedric explained it beautifully. 

To him, being a third-culture kid is about feeling like a “citizen of the world.” For Cedric, home isn’t tied to a specific country—it’s wherever the people he cares about are. Growing up across multiple countries exposed him to so many cultures that he doesn’t see boundaries in terms of nationality or race. Instead, he sees people for who they are, regardless of where they come from.

We also discussed the assumptions people make based on appearance. Cedric mentioned that wherever he was, people often assumed he was from that country, especially within Southeast Asia. He has been mistaken for Singaporean, Thai, or Filipino in different contexts, though not as often for Japanese or Korean. He laughed about how this happened so frequently that it’s become an inside joke with his girlfriend.

I couldn’t help but share a funny connection—comedian Matt Tran, who’s been on the podcast before, jokes about being mistaken for every type of Asian, and even Mexican, despite being Vietnamese-American. Cedric could relate, and it’s a reminder of how perceptions of identity can vary depending on context.

Another Third-culture Kid Story: Nhi Mai, A Third Culture Kid’s Journey and Experience In Vietnam

Work Ethics in Vietnam – Dedication and Loyalty

When I asked Cedric about cultural differences in the countries he’d lived in, he pointed out that Vietnam’s work ethic stood out to him. He explained how Vietnamese people tend to be more influenced by Confucian values, similar to cultures in China or Singapore. This manifests in their dedication and hardworking attitude, which contrasts with the more relaxed approach of the Thais, who “work to live” rather than “live to work.”

He mentioned that people in Vietnam often see hard work as the path to a better life. This mindset stems from Vietnam’s history, which has instilled a strong sense of resilience. Cedric observed this firsthand in his own company, where his staff often work late into the evening. He’s even had to remind them to take breaks and enjoy their evenings, saying, “It’s dinner time. Please get off Slack!”

I couldn’t agree more with his insights. Having worked with a small team here, I’ve also noticed how dedicated and adaptable Vietnamese people are. My team, for instance, has no set hours—we all work on our own schedules—but they’re so committed that I sometimes catch myself messaging them on weekends. When I suggested creating strict boundaries around work hours, they were unfazed, saying they didn’t mind. That kind of dedication is remarkable.

Cedric and I also talked about how young people in Vietnam balance multiple roles, often holding down part-time jobs while studying or running small businesses. To them, this kind of productivity is second nature. Cedric added that many people finish their primary jobs by 5 p.m. and then use their evenings for additional work or side hustles.

The loyalty and drive Cedric described resonated with me. One of my team members, for example, has been with us for over a year while finishing university and preparing for a full-time job. When I asked about her future plans, she assured me she wanted to keep working with us part-time, even after starting her full-time role. It’s this kind of commitment that makes working in Vietnam so inspiring.

Development and Globalization

Cedric has lived in Vietnam since 2016, a little bit longer than I have, so I asked him about the development and modernization here in Vietnam. 

Cedric pointed out that when he first arrived, Saigon was still dominated by motorbikes, and cars were a rarity. Now, the streets are filled with cars, and services like Grab have transformed how people get around. The skyline has also changed, with new buildings and infrastructure popping up all the time.

It’s not just the city’s physical transformation—Vietnam’s culture and lifestyle have evolved, too. Cedric laughed about how there used to be just two or three cocktail bars when he arrived. Now, there’s one on practically every street. People’s living standards have improved significantly, which is reflected in their habits, behaviors, and even their leisure activities.

I totally agree with him. Coming here 8 years ago, we could hardly find somewhere like cocktail bars or craft beers to hang out, but now there are plenty of them.

When I asked him about how people’s mentality has shifted, Cedric offered a thoughtful perspective. The younger generation, he said, is very different from their parents’ generation. Millennials and Gen Z are more socially and environmentally conscious. They still work hard, but not just for money. Instead, they value learning, improving themselves, and experiences over material wealth. They’re also more open to international trends, enjoying everything from cocktails and wine to diverse cuisines.

Westernization in Vietnam: Good or Bad?

This naturally led to a question I’ve often heard: Was Vietnam becoming too Westernized? Cedric disagreed with that perspective. He explained that the Vietnamese had always been incredibly proud of their culture and history. While there were clear influences from abroad, especially with increased travel and exposure, Vietnam wasn’t losing itself. Instead, it was creating a “melting pot” of global influences while still holding onto its identity. He described how young Vietnamese who studied abroad, known as “sea turtles,” had been returning to Vietnam, bringing back new ideas and skills to help the country move forward.

Cedric also made an important point about Vietnam’s future. At that time, the country was trying to excel in multiple areas—manufacturing, technology, and tourism. However, it hadn’t quite defined a clear international identity yet. He compared this to Singapore, which had deliberately positioned itself as “the Switzerland of Asia,” offering safety, organization, and a reliable economy.

For Vietnam, Cedric believed the challenge lay in deciding what it wanted to be known for. Competing with Thailand, for example, as a tourist destination was tough since Thailand already had a well-developed service industry and more relaxed visa rules. Vietnam had incredible potential, but it needed clarity and focus in its long-term vision to truly thrive.

Listen More: Breaking Stereotypes & Empowering Gen Z in Vietnam 

Conclusion

This conversation with Cedric was truly a memorable one. His experiences as a third-culture kid, growing up in so many countries, gave him a unique perspective on Vietnam’s development and its place in the world. He painted a clear picture of how Vietnam has evolved—both culturally and economically—while still holding on to its pride and identity.

I hope you enjoyed this episode as much as I did. If you loved listening, please share it with someone else who’s passionate about Vietnam. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and become part of our community.

148 thoughts on “From Vietnam to the World: Cedric’s Inspiring Journey of Culture, Business, and Identity”

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