RMIT alumnus works with Google to improve lives in rural Vietnam

RMIT alumnus works with Google to improve lives in rural Vietnam

In rural Vietnam, not all people are aware of or understand the opportunities that lie in the fast-moving digital revolution, particularly compared to their city dwelling neighbours. This is largely due to social context and limited access to innovative and globalised ideas.

RMIT Vietnam Professional Communication alumnus Vo Tuong Van Thuy joined Google’s community program Vietnam Digital 4.0 as a digital trainer to help improve the lives of Vietnamese people by creating opportunities to keep pace with the country’s digital transformation through free training sessions. 

RMIT alumnus Vo Tuong Van Thuy presenting as a Google digital trainer. RMIT alumnus Vo Tuong Van Thuy presenting as a Google digital trainer.

Thuy teaches soft skills, technical skills and business skills needed in the digital era to people in need, including final-year students looking to gain more skills, small and micro business owners, and women living in rural communities wishing to start their own online business.

“Unlike urban women who have access to higher education and globalised ideas, women in remote rural areas remain unaware about the opportunities in the 4.0 age,” Thuy said.  

According to Thuy, some of her students are stay-at-home mums and housewives who feel inspired to start a small family business online, but don’t know where to begin. Through Thuy, the women learn new hands-on digital business tips, ideas and opportunities that they have in industry 4.0.

“Digitalisation is a common practice to city-based business owners, but not people in rural areas,” Thuy said. “After classes, the students often come to me individually for more advice.”  

The RMIT alumnus hopes that the lessons delivered in training sessions will continue to empower rural women to earn a higher income and have a better life.

Vo Tuong Van Thuy graduated from RMIT Vietnam with a Bachelor of Communication degree in 2017. Vo Tuong Van Thuy graduated from RMIT Vietnam with a Bachelor of Communication degree in 2017.

During her student life at RMIT University, Thuy worked in different roles, including as a copywriting intern, account executive and assistant brand manager before discovering her passion for media planning. She joined GroupM after graduating and began her career at the largest media group in the world, Wavemaker.

“After challenging myself in different roles, I came to form my interest in data analytics, business intelligence and media strategy especially in the digital media field,” Thuy said.

“However, I still get to be creative when designing a digital media plan and keep a critical mindset when managing budgets for brands. Such skills have been well trained during my time at RMIT which gives me the confidence to apply for any job, at any company.”

When Thuy joined Wavemaker Vietnam, she had no experience in media. However, she proved herself by working hard and learning fast. After two years, Thuy had been promoted twice, from an entry-level position to Associate Digital Manager, and was selected as one of six representatives of Wavemaker Global to participate at the One Young World Global Summit in London..

Thuy (second from right) represented Wavemaker Vietnam at the One Young World 2019 Global Summit in London. Thuy (second from right) represented Wavemaker Vietnam at the One Young World 2019 Global Summit in London.

As well as media planning, Thuy enjoys guiding and inspiring others. After two years of working in the media industry, her teaching path took off when she returned to RMIT classrooms as a guest lecturer to share media tips and insights with current students. 

“I am happy to inspire students to pursue a career in the media field,” Thuy shared.  

Thuy returned to RMIT as an industry expert to share tips and insights with current students. Thuy returned to RMIT as an industry expert to share tips and insights with current students.

Speaking to RMIT students, Thuy encouraged everyone to build and nurture their network with staff, classmates and lecturers, as well as take full advantage of the university's exchange programs, study tours, seminars and workshops to gain more experience, knowledge and job opportunities. 

Story: Cindy Tran

26 November 2019

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