535 - Why Is A British Basketball Coach Fluent In Vietnamese? - Rob Newson

How does a basketball coach from the UK move to Saigon and end up speaking fluent Vietnamese?

In this episode of The Vietnamese Podcast, host Kenneth Nguyen sits down with British basketball coach and creator Rob Newson. Arriving in Vietnam in 2011 to coach international school programs, Rob quickly set out to learn the language—a decision that unlocked unique cultural connections and led him to become a pivotal early figure in the launch of the Saigon Heat and the development of the Vietnam Basketball Association (VBA).

Rob shares his journey from coaching youth programs across Vietnam to navigating the early days of professional basketball in Saigon, meeting his Vietnamese wife, and building projects like the Vietnam Basketball Experience Trip (VBET) to connect international players with local basketball communities.

Inside the Episode:

The Language Journey: Learning Icelandic first, moving to Saigon in 2011, and building fluency through daily interactions and coaching.

The Birth of Professional Basketball: Coaching early youth programs, working with local district teams, and helping launch the Saigon Heat franchise.

Coaching & Culture: Bridging communication gaps between foreign imports, local Vietnamese players, and international staff.

The Evolution of the VBA: How grassroots academies, proximity to pro players, and social media are growing basketball across Vietnam.

Personal Life: Meeting his wife in Saigon, navigating cross-cultural relationships, and staying connected to Vietnam from the UK.

Connect & Follow:

Instagram: @thay.rob

The Vietnamese Podcast: Instagram / TikTok @thevietnamesepodcast