Nguyen Minh Thanh: From a contestant in the "Startup Idea Battle" to a delegate of the Singapore-Vietnam Youth Leaders Exchange Programme 2024

Achieving an IELTS score of 7.5; securing a 100% scholarship for six consecutive semesters; receiving commendations from the Executive Committee of the Youth Union of Provincial Enterprises for outstanding achievements in youth activities and movements in 2023–2024; being honored by the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union of Binh Duong Province in 2024 for exemplary contributions to youth activities and movements; and being one of 30 delegates to participate in the Singapore-Vietnam Youth Leaders Exchange Programme 2024 —these are just some of the remarkable accomplishments of Nguyen Minh Thanh, a student of Becamex Business School.

This time, we will meet and chat with Minh Thành to hear his sharing about his learning journey at Eastern International University (EIU).

Interviewer: Minh Thanh, can you share your journey from being a contestant in the “Startup Idea Battle” competition in high school to choosing to study at EIU?

Minh Thanh: In 2018, Thanh became acquainted with EIU through two competitions organized by the university: the “EIU Arena” and the “Startup Idea Battle,” where he achieved commendable results in both. Notably, during the “Startup Idea Battle,” Thanh had the opportunity to meet and listen to inspiring insights from Mr. Nguyen Tan Loi – Chairman, EIU. This encounter left a profound impression on Thanh, solidifying his decision to pursue his studies at EIU after graduating high school.

Interviewer: Can you share your learning journey at EIU from your first year until now? What challenges and advantages have you encountered?

Minh Thanh: I wouldn’t call my learning journey at EIU difficult; instead, I see it as a series of challenges. Challenges exist to help us grow, and at EIU challenges are always presented, no matter who you are. In addition to handling various assignments, I also had to completely change the way I approached learning compared to high school. At EIU, study groups are highly encouraged, and the university provides great support by offering spaces for students to discuss, both in the library and in classrooms. Moreover, I have received tremendous support and valuable guidance from lecturers and industry experts invited by EIU. This has been an incredible help for a student like me to develop my potential fully.

Looking back on the past three years, I have experienced the full range of emotions that come with being a student from the excitement of entering university; the exhaustion of late-night deadlines; and the overwhelming joy of receiving good grades, to the anxiety of stepping into an exam room. However, one feeling that has stayed with me throughout my journey is confidence. Being trained in such a dynamic environment has not only made me more confident but has also nurtured my desire to learn and improve myself. With EIU’s educational philosophy, I am always motivated to better myself to contribute more to society and my community.

Interviewer: What has impressed you the most about EIU and left you with the most memorable experiences?

Minh Thanh: One of the most impressive things about studying at EIU is the dedication of the university’s staff, lecturers, and leadership in realizing the vision of making EIU a university that prioritizes serving the community above all else. Every aspect of life at EIU revolves around this philosophy. Because of this, when people think of EIU, they will remember a university defined by two words: “Sustainability” and “Community.”