Hosted at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok, the International Leadership Program brought together young changemakers, emerging leaders and innovators from around the world to explore leadership, diplomacy and international cooperation in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through leadership workshops, policy discussions and cross-cultural exchanges, delegates developed practical leadership skills while building international networks to address global challenges collaboratively.
For Truc, however, the most valuable takeaway was not the scholarship or the award, but a new understanding of what leadership truly means.
“Before this conference, I often saw leadership as the ability to influence others,” she said.
“I left realising that true leadership begins with the willingness to listen, question our own assumptions, and create space for perspectives different from our own. Through honest conversations with young leaders from diverse cultures and backgrounds, I discovered that while our challenges differ, our hopes for a more inclusive and sustainable future are remarkably similar.”
The defining moments came not during keynote speeches or workshops, but in the conversations that followed.
“Over lunch, during coffee breaks, or while walking back to the hotel, I had the chance to talk with delegates from different countries,” Truc recalled.
“We shared our projects, the challenges we were facing, and why we cared so much about the work we were doing. We started giving each other feedback, exchanging ideas and even talking about working together after the program. Even though we came from different countries and worked on completely different issues, from education and climate action to healthcare and youth empowerment, I realised we were all trying to make a positive difference in our own communities.”
Those conversations reshaped her understanding of leadership.
“It isn't about having all the answers or standing in front of a room. It's about being curious enough to listen, open enough to learn from people with different perspectives, and willing to work together to create something bigger than yourself.”
The experience marked another milestone in Truc's journey at RMIT Vietnam, where she has consistently sought opportunities to apply her learning beyond the classroom. Alongside her studies, she has served as a Student Ambassador and a Student Representative for the School of Communication & Design, participated in the International Student Support Team - Buddy Program, contributed to research on generative AI and public policy, supported social innovation projects and youth initiatives, and engaged in regional leadership initiatives.
Looking back, Truc said those experiences helped her realise that language was never the end goal.
“As a Languages student, I once thought my future would revolve around language itself. But over the past few years, I slowly realised that language was never my destination. It was simply the bridge that allowed me to understand people, cultures and the complex issues that connect them.”
Returning home from Bangkok, Truc said she brought back something even more valuable than international recognition.
“I came home with something far more valuable than a certificate or new connections: clarity.”
“For the first time, I felt certain that I want to move beyond studying language as a means of communication and into International Studies, where I can better understand global governance, diplomacy and international cooperation.”
Now in her second year at RMIT Vietnam, Truc plans to build a career in diplomacy or an international organisation. She also hopes to create more opportunities for young people to access international education, leadership programs and cross-cultural exchanges.
“I believe investing in young people today is one of the most meaningful ways to create lasting global impact.”
