Growing through competitions: RMIT graduates share their journey

As RMIT University Vietnam celebrates its newest graduating cohort, three outstanding students share how competitions have shaped their personal growth journey.

Future-proof skills for an AI world

Nguyen Cu An Khang – Bachelor of Business (Economics and Finance), 2025 Class Representative of The Business School, RMIT Vietnam - Saigon South campus

In a world where AI is rewriting the rules, Nguyen Cu An Khang has learned to ask better questions, not just give better answers. And he has cultivated that skill in part by joining nearly 20 student competitions while studying at RMIT.    

Khang and his team notably represented Vietnam in the 2023 IIBD International Case Competition, placing third globally out of 42 countries – a first for Vietnam. But for him, competitions were never just about accolades.

“Each competition transformed me in a different way, like collecting puzzle pieces that eventually revealed the bigger picture of who I am today,” he said.

Early on, he developed a knack for storytelling through slide decks and logical frameworks. Later, he honed leadership and an instinct for understanding people’s unspoken needs. That’s when he landed on what he now calls his guiding mantra: client-centricity.

This client-first mindset became the foundation of his approach as a mentor, guiding around 50 students from over 20 teams across Vietnam to success in competitions. He was further entrusted by AIESEC and other institutions to advise and deliver training on future-ready skills for students.

“Whether it’s judges, teachers, teammates, or future clients – if you can understand them, you unlock the key to winning. And this applies far beyond competitions,” he explained.

By tackling real-world challenges and engaging with industry leaders in competitions, Khang also realised that the skills he gained in the process – like listening deeply, asking the right questions, and thinking creatively – are exactly the ones that will remain relevant in an AI-driven world.

“AI can analyse, generate, and optimise, but it can’t wonder. It can’t feel a gut instinct or sense the deeper ‘why’ behind human behaviour. That’s our edge.”

Currently a management trainee at Avery Dennison, Khang believes curiosity is the most important human strength that he brings into an AI-driven world.

“In every new space – whether it's a competition or a workplace – curiosity has been my compass,” he said. “If you're stepping into a future shaped by AI, don’t just bring your skills. Bring your questions. It’s how we stretch knowledge, spark innovation, and live a much more meaningful life.”

Finding purpose beyond the pitch

Luong Thao My – Bachelor of Information Technology

Graduating with a 3.7 GPA and a resume that spans hackathons, business case competitions, and youth sustainability forums, Luong Thao My’s journey shows how competitions can help bridge technical knowledge with a larger purpose.

An IT graduate with a minor in AI, My said her immersion in competitions truly reshaped her future aspirations in sustainability and technology.

"Initially, my ambitions were self-focused – maximising career progression and salary. However, my perspective shifted during the ASEAN-China-India Young Leadership Summit, where I worked with RMIT peers to address Vietnam’s textile waste pollution. This experience gave me a broader vision.”

This shift deepened during the McKinsey & Company Young Leaders for Vietnam 2024 program, where My consulted for a Vietnamese NGO that transforms discarded textiles into products crafted by workers with disabilities.

“I discovered how business acumen could unlock meaningful opportunities – reviving both materials and lives. These experiences made me realise that I want to work on purpose-driven initiatives,” she said.

Looking ahead, My aspires to be a pioneering voice among global sustainability advocates, driving innovative, solutions for future generations while championing Vietnam’s and ASEAN’s green transformation.

She currently runs two social initiatives: one focused on youth mental health, and another on sustainability. Her next step? Getting a master’s degree in Sustainability Engineering in Europe, eventually followed by a PhD at the intersection of AI and climate innovation.

Her advice to current students is clear: “Competitions demand time and effort, so reflect deeply: Why are you drawn to them?”

“For me, they were a sandbox to test bold ideas and push boundaries. For others, they might support a job application or expand networks. Your motivations are unique – define them.”

Building impact, one idea at a time

Huynh Duy Thong – Outstanding Graduate of the Bachelor of Business (International Business) program in 2025

Over his time at RMIT, Huynh Duy Thong built a track record that few could match. He participated in more than 30 competitions and winning high accolades in 13, including second place globally in the ASEAN-China-India Youth Leadership Summit 2024 and eight champion titles.

One competition was particularly close to Thong’s heart. In 2024, he and his team won the International Organization for Migration’s “Youth Communication Initiatives for Safe Migration and Human Trafficking” competition. That win led him to co-found and lead Gen Zi Cư, a three-phase social initiative educating youth on safe migration.

The project’s highlight was Gen Zi Nói, an eloquence competition designed to empower young people with critical thinking, public speaking, and practical knowledge for safe migration, especially in the context of studying abroad. It drew over 70 participants and secured more than 200 million VND in sponsorships.

“Your pitch deck today could be a startup tomorrow. Your case solution could evolve into policy. Your hackathon prototype could empower a local community,” Thong said. “The world is waiting for your ideas – but more importantly, it’s waiting for your action.”

He describes competitions as a “LAB” for life:

• Learn deeply – absorb skills, insights and feedback like a sponge.
• Act courageously – apply your knowledge, even when it feels messy.
• Build authentically – create relationships and projects that last beyond the awards.

Thong admits the road wasn’t always smooth. “Some competitions ended in rejection and silence. But those moments taught me that failure isn’t the opposite of growth – it’s the raw material of it.”

Now working full-time in his family’s business, Thong continues to apply the skills he developed through competitions. “They gave me the tools to become a better leader, a strategic thinker, and someone driven by purpose and passion. The relationships I built and growth I experienced will always be part of my foundation.”

Competitions are opportunities for transformation. As these three graduates demonstrate, taking on challenges, learning from setbacks, and applying skills in practical ways can make all the difference. For students considering whether to step into the arena, the message is clear: the real victory lies in personal growth.

Story: Ngoc Hoang