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Mr. Văn Xuân Thiện – Architect of a Human-Centered Educational Vision at The American School (TAS)

I. Visionary Leadership for a New Era of Education

“Education is not merely about teaching—it is a journey of inspiration that empowers each student to discover who they are and realize their full potential.”

Mr. Văn Xuân Thiện, Chairman of the School Board and CEO of The American School (TAS), is the driving force behind the school’s remarkable transformation in recent years.

With over two decades of experience in international education, Mr. Thiện is not only a strategic leader but also a devoted father of four children who have all attended international schools. This personal journey has given him a deep understanding of what parents truly seek for their children: not only a world-class education, but an environment that nurtures kindness, cultural understanding, compassion, and respect for one’s roots.

II. From Founder to Vision Builder

Before joining TAS, Mr. Văn Xuân Thiện was the co-founder of Hanoi Toronto International School and the owner of the ISHCMC secondary campus, along with several other reputable education initiatives.

Through years of building and operating international education models, he came to a defining realization:

“An international school should not be measured by reputation or diplomas alone, but by the human values it nurtures in every individual.”

When he assumed leadership at The American School (TAS), Mr. Thiện carried a clear aspiration: to transform TAS into one of Ho Chi Minh City’s leading international schools—where students thrive globally while remaining deeply rooted in Vietnamese identity.

III. A Philosophy of Human-Centered and Global Education

“I believe education is a journey, not a destination. Every student carries a unique light within. Our mission is to nurture that light—so it can shine and spread goodness to the world.”

Mr. Thiện’s educational philosophy is built upon three core pillars:

Developing Thinking Skills

Fostering curiosity, creativity, and independent thinking, while placing strong emphasis on technology education and artificial intelligence (AI), enabling students to keep pace with the digital era and global innovation.

Building Character

Cultivating compassion, kindness, integrity, and a strong sense of responsibility toward oneself, the community, and society.

Preserving Vietnamese Identity

Within TAS’s international environment, students are encouraged to embrace global perspectives while remaining deeply connected to and proud of their Vietnamese heritage. They are guided to practice gratitude toward parents, respect for teachers, and appreciation of traditional values such as ritual, righteousness, humanity, wisdom, and trust—forming a solid foundation for strong character development.

IV. Leadership in Action – Turning Vision into Reality

Under Mr. Văn Xuân Thiện’s leadership, TAS has entered the most dynamic and sustainable growth phase in its history.

Within just two years, student enrollment increased by over 200%, reaffirming parents’ trust and confidence in the school. This growth is not solely the result of sound academic strategy, but also of Mr. Thiện’s commitment to building a happy, supportive community—where every individual feels valued, empowered, and inspired.

He often emphasizes:

“A happy school nurtures happy people—and that is the true success of education.”

Under his guidance, TAS has achieved significant milestones:

• Successful implementation of IB PYP and IB DP, marking an important step toward global educational standards.
  
  
• Expansion of Advanced Placement (AP) offerings, opening broader pathways to top universities worldwide.
  
  
• Investment in an outstanding international faculty: 42% hold Master’s degrees, and 100% are certified with relevant international credentials such as IB and AP certifications.
  
  
• Comprehensive upgrades to campus facilities, including Innovation Labs, open libraries, green learning spaces, and community-focused environments.
  
  
• Establishment of a happy, human-centered school culture where parents, students, teachers, and staff are heard, respected, and grow together.
  
  

TAS has become a place where everyone is truly “happy”: students enjoy learning, parents feel assured, teachers are recognized, and staff take pride in being part of the community.

V. A Vision for the Future – TAS, the School of Global Citizens

“I hope TAS will be a place where students can proudly say: I am a global citizen, and I remain deeply rooted in my Vietnamese identity.”

With this vision, Mr. Văn Xuân Thiện and the TAS leadership team continue to shape a modern, international, and human-centered learning environment—where every student is empowered to explore themselves, shine in their own way, and grow with kindness at heart.

VI. Conclusion – Education as a Journey of the Heart

Under the leadership of Mr. Văn Xuân Thiện, TAS is more than just a school—it is a human-centered community where every individual finds meaning in the educational journey.

From tangible achievements to a deeply rooted philosophy, Mr. Thiện is steadily guiding TAS toward becoming one of Ho Chi Minh City’s finest international schools—where students unlock their full potential, parents find peace of mind, and Vietnamese values are preserved through every step of global integration.

The American School (TAS) – where education becomes a journey of potential discovery, nurturing global citizens with Vietnamese souls.