To me, RMIT Vietnam is more than a graduation certificate or even the prestigious President's Award I received in 2013. It is the place that opened the doors to my own "parallel universes", where I explore the world and discover myself. During that journey, I learnt how to turn limitations into motivation, starting by empathizing with people, understanding the context before making a decision and always considering the long-term impact of each choice. At this turning point, I was fortunate to meet two teachers who lit the way and shaped who I am today. Steve Paris, who did not teach directly, yet embodied a vital core skill, Empathy and Active listening, the piece I was missing and am still refining every day in this fast-changing world. Through his approach to observation, asking the right questions and empowering others, I realised that developing people is not only about imparting skills but also about building trust and showing compassion.
Moreover, Paul Smith walked with me directly from academia to real-world research projects serving the community. From him, I learnt about integrity in design, honesty in academia and the unshakable resolve never to give up when ideas hit a wall or projects face obstacles. Both of them have since passed away, yet their lessons and spirit remain within me, like a flame that compels me to share and pass it forward.
Doan Ngoc Duy in his graduation gown, back in 2013
These lessons at RMIT Vietnam opened up three real-world universes for me. In the universe of my profession, I am in factories, offices and in the fields, facing real challenges and turning creativity into tangible products of value. In the universe of education, I nurture my passion for teaching by listening to students' questions, which allows me to relearn and renew my thinking continually. In the universe of community, I join social projects that remind me that design must create lasting value for people.
These three universes, born at RMIT, are like three strong pillars that have kept me grounded and growing, from my days as a student until now. For me, RMIT Vietnam has never been just a doorway. It's a community where lecturers, classmates, alumni and partners truly listen to one another, work with transparency and discipline and continually raise the bar, from classrooms to companies to the broader society. That collective energy gives every RMIT Vietnam student the confidence to step into whichever "universe" they choose.
To me, the RMIT Vietnam legacy is something that no one owns, yet everyone builds through small, meaningful acts. This is achieved by living authentically every day, constantly learning alongside inspiring people, embracing diverse knowledge and growing stronger together. I'll carry that spirit with me, live fully in my universes and keep chasing my dream of proudly bringing Vietnamese brands, products and cultural legacies to the world stage.
I'm forever grateful to my parents, who believed in me and walked besides me every step of my RMIT journey, sharing in both the challenges and the proudest moments.
