helly tống
Lost in thought
It allows you to open the door. You try to run as far as possible until you realize it was a trap of your thought because this world or this space is gigantic. You go around and somehow come back to where you started.
“We must accept our reality in all its immensity.”
Perhaps we are lost in thought. Then I am concerned that understanding or accepting the loss would be a brighter path to open the door.
Getting to Know [her]
2011
began modelling
top 10 of X-Gen Competition
2nd place in the Lambretta Model Competition
fashion influencer of Her World Young Woman Achiever 2016
featured on various well-known magazine covers, including Đẹp, ELLE Vietnam, L'OFFICIEL, Harper's Bazaar, and more
2016 - now
Founded
Inspired by the belief that true happiness comes from within, Helly envisioned The Yên Concept as a sanctuary where individuals can find balance and rejuvenate their spirits after a busy day. The space promotes tranquility and positive energy, reflecting Helly’s commitment to fostering well-being in a fast-paced world, through green-oriented products and solutions.
Yên Space in 2016
installation in Uniqlo Store
in Hochiminh City, Vietnam
Brand film for DIY Terrarium Kit product
during Covid-19 pandemic,
where people spend most time at home.
2013
had her first businesses
Heverly Fashion Brand - Heverly Vegan Restaurant
In 2013, Helly launched Heverly, combining her love for veganism and minimal, elegant fashion.
She opened a chic vegan restaurant celebrated for its innovative dishes and created a clothing line that embodies simplicity and style. Helly's commitment to ethical practices inspires others to embrace a compassionate lifestyle through both food and fashion.
2018
Co-founded
Helly co-founded Laiday Refill Station, dedicated to sustainable living. The name "Laiday," meaning "come here, replenish" in Vietnamese, reflects the mission to promote conscious consumption and reduce waste through refillable eco-friendly products.
2020 - 2023
Feb 2020 - Oct 2021
Oct 2021 - Jun 2023
Became
Head of Communications
Later became as
Creative & Development Director
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Helly Tống first began her journey at Sống Foundation as Head of Communications and later became Creative & Development Director at Song Foundation, where she oversees communication activities and creative direction of three key projects.
Nha Chong Lu (Resilient Housing) focuses on crowdfunding resilient housing and electricity for communities in flood-prone and mountainous areas. Hanh Phuc Xanh (Green Happiness) aims to plant trees in the Mekong regions and regions affected by natural disasters, salt intrusion and drought. Lastly, River Oi promotes sustainable living and cultural initiatives, fostering dialogue and collaboration to propose innovative solutions for local challenges.
Through these efforts, Helly continues to drive positive change and empower vulnerable communities.
is a community program promoting tree planting to enhance connections between people and nature. It includes two main projects: Forest Symphony and Green Happiness Park.
Directed a film introducing
Forest Symphony project in Ninh Thuan
aims to build resilient housing and promotes sustainable livelihoods for impoverished communities affected by disasters and climate change, featuring two main projects: Resilient Housing and Happy Village.
2020
first release
Nàng
in collaboration with Phu Quoc City Tourism Board
2021
Awakening
2nd release
reflections during Covid-19 pandemic
notion
emotion
= actions
motion
NOTION
land
MOTION
flow
EMOTION
human
people
planet
profit
physical
resources
social
resources
psychological
resources
mental
resources
2023 - now
Founded
The (New) Yên Concept
After eight successful years, Helly embarked on a new phase by remodeling The Yên Concept (since 2016), launching Địa Phương, a coffee shop that celebrates local honey sourced from regional farms, emphasizing the vital role bees play in biodiversity.
In conjunction with this, she introduced Mèo Ngủ Trên Sách, a charming bookstore designed as a haven for literature enthusiasts.
Together, these new business initiatives reflect Helly’s vision for a harmonious blend of sustainability, community engagement, and cultural enrichment.
Dallas, Texas
Helly first encountered ‘The River Always Wins' book by David Marquis in July 2022 when she was in Dallas, Texas. It was like a calling for her, when she spent my time alone searching for inspiration in a random local Deep Vellum bookstore. She was so into this book from David Marquis, that she bought 4-5 copies for her close friends. And all in good time, 2 years later, she proofread and published a Vietnamese edition “Nước Chảy Đá Mòn".
2024
Published and Proofread A Viet Edition of
Nước Chảy Đá Mòn
The original book title of 'The River Always Wins' resonated deeply with Helly, echoing the Vietnamese proverb 'Nước Chảy Đá Mòn', which speaks to the resilience of water - gentle yet powerful enough to wear away stones.
In this book, she found not only a beautifully crafted story but also a reflection of her own cultural heritage. The proverb mirrors the collective tenacity she sees in her people, particularly of the Mekong River, which flows through her homeland, sustaining lives and shaping landscapes for generations. The river is not just a body of water; it’s a lifeline for many Vietnamese people, woven into the fabric of daily existence and cultural identity.
Founder & Product Manager
Started in 2024 Helly founded & involved herself as Product Manager at Mapme Asia, where she leverages her collaboration with professors and experts in the science of geography and geospatial data to create innovative solutions in Mekong Delta. With a deep understanding of ecosystems, economies, and the complexities of human behavior, Helly takes a holistic and systematic approach to map-building. She believes that by blending cutting-edge technology with a nuanced understanding of our world, we can drive meaningful change and make a positive impact on the current pressing climate change and environmental issues.
current release
Tưởng - Gió
close friends project - a symphony for 1x2 Exhibition (of Artist Tuan Nguyen)
about her
Tống Khánh Linh, known as Helly Tong, is a businesswoman, environmental and social impact advocate based in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Her passion for sustainability has drawn her to focus on the Mekong Delta, where local communities face threats to their livelihoods from salt intrusion and climate change.
Over 10 years, Helly has built different businesses herself, as the Founder of The Yên Concept, Địa Phương, and Mèo Ngủ Trên Sách, which promote sustainable business practices. She also serves as Head of Product Lead at Dear Our Community and Co-founder & Product Lead at MapMe Asia, integrating sustainability and impact communication principles into her work.
Using her storytelling skills, Helly inspires change and engages audiences in environmental issues. Her advocacy resonates across generations – especially the youth, motivating communities to embrace resilience and sustainability, aiming for a lasting impact on the Mekong Delta and beyond.