25 years of RMIT in Vietnam: a journey of parents and students reaching for success together

For a quarter of a century, RMIT has been more than just a university, it has been a trusted partner to students and their families, shaping future-ready graduates and building a vibrant community.

Throughout this journey, parents and families have played an important role. Parents are not only a source of encouragement for students but also trusted partners who share the university’s vision of empowering students to thrive and succeed. The stories of exemplary families below highlight the strong and enduring connection between RMIT, parents, and students: working together to empower students to thrive and be ready for what’s next.

RMIT: A place our family calls home

Mrs. Pham Thanh Huong – an alumna of Fashion program and mother of Nguyen Tue Nhi, a current Business student represents the strong connection between RMIT, parents, and students. “To our family, RMIT is not just a university – it is where all three of us experienced years of growth, effort, and joy.” Mrs. Huong shared.

Tue Nhi’s father, Mr. Nguyen Thanh Vinh, also shared that: “The learning experience with RMIT left me such a positive impact, which is why my family chose this place for Tue Nhi’s next chapter.” 

As a former RMIT student who balanced motherhood and higher education study, Mrs. Huong understands both challenges and values that come with an international learning environment, as well as the spirit of lifelong learning. Her proactive mindset and unwavering desire to grow are the greatest gifts she hopes to pass on to her daughter. Challenges she once faced, like working in diverse project teams or staying up late to work on assignments and deadlines, are now shared experiences that help Mrs. Huong and her daughter understand each other. “There is no perfect team – only the team that grows together,” she once told her daughter, and those words have stayed with Tue Nhi throughout her journey with RMIT. 

For Tue Nhi, carrying on her parent’s path and studying at RMIT has been a journey of pride and inspiration. Having witnessed both her parents graduate from RMIT when she was young, she dreamed of one day standing on that same stage herself. Now as an RMIT student, she holds a deeper appreciation for her parents’ journey and is grateful for their support – not only as emotional supporters, but also as two alumni who truly understand and encourage her. “When I compare my learning experience with my parents’, I can see that the ‘RMIT spirit’ remains unchanged: independent, practical learning and a dynamic student community. From group work to club activities and events, everything brings valuable lessons and unforgettable memories. Those things are just like what my parents used to tell me. I think that is why they had so much trust in me on this journey.”

One of the family’s most cherished memories was when Tue Nhi helped organise a student concert, which was exclusively designed for current students and alumni. She was the only performer who had both parents join the audience as alumni. It was only a moment, but for Mrs. Huong, it symbolised a continuing legacy shaped across generations. 

“Our family is proud to be part of RMIT, and RMIT has truly become part of our family” - Mrs. Huong shared emotionally “We hope that in the future, more students and families will share this special connection, so that RMIT can be a home for many generations.”

From this story of three family members studying at RMIT, we are further inspired by another journey – one where siblings learn side by side. Each family has its own unique bond with RMIT, and it is this diversity that shapes a vibrant, supportive community where generations grow together with shared values and a commitment to sustainable development.

On Chau Giang’s graduation day, her family shared the inspiring growth journeys of their two children, Tran Vo Chau Giang and Tran Phuoc Kien, at RMIT. Chau Giang, a former international business student transformed from a reserved individual into a more confident, proactive person, developing essential soft skills and laying a solid foundation for her career. Her parents believe that RMIT’s learning environment has empowered Giang to improve her communication skills and step out of comfort zone. Through the vibrant RMIT community, Giang had the opportunity to form both personal and professional connections. 

Her younger brother,  Tran Phuoc Kien, currently a Finance student at RMIT, shared that “My sister inspired me to choose RMIT, especially through her responsibility, clear separation between study and leisure, and her professionalism in every task. I have not seen these changes in her before she enters university.” While the siblings have taken different developmental paths, they are both growing in their own ways. Giang demonstrates outstanding academic performance and takes on responsibilities through part-time roles on campus, Kien leaves his mark through active participation in clubs and networking activities. What gives their parents the greatest peace of mind is that both students actively share their learning experiences, allowing parents to stay involved in the journey. 

One of the most memorable moments for the family was when Giang, a final-year student, and Kien, in his first year, took the same course and worked together on a group project. That experience strengthened their sibling bond and clearly highlighted how far they had both come. “The connection with a dynamic student community and a diverse network is what reassures us the most as parents,” shared by Mr. Tran Huu Phuoc and Mrs. Vo Tran Tran Chau, parents of Giang and Kien. “We hope that this vibrant community will continue to grow for generations.”

Closing remarks: RMIT Community - connect through generations

As RMIT celebrates 25 years in Vietnam, we take pride in being more than just a place of learning. We are a shared community that connects generations of students and families. From stories of parents and students studying at the same university to journeys of siblings learning side by side, each family has their own unique path. Yet, all are united by a shared belief in RMIT’s commitment to holistic student development and getting students ready for what’s next.

This shared belief is beautifully echoed in the heartfelt wishes from parents, captured in a special video during the 2025 graduation ceremonies. Their messages of pride, gratitude, and hope reflect the strong bond between RMIT and families - and inspire us to carry this legacy forward for the next 25 years and beyond.