Pham Quang Vinh was once a student struggling to find his voice - failing competitions, doubting his ability, unsure if he belonged. He is now a voice of the creative youth of Vietnam, using design and storytelling to creatively connect people with history, culture and context. His journey captures what RMIT is all about - getting the next generation ready for what’s next.
RMIT alumnus Pham Quang Vinh, ready for his next creative journey.
Vinh started at RMIT as a Professional Communication student, where joining industry competitions is an unspoken tradition at RMIT. Although a tall challenge for first year students, Vinh was inspired by the graduates who had made their mark at these events and was eager to follow in their footsteps. He poured his energy into many student contests in creativity and communication but was met with disappointment. For a time, he saw these failures as proof he didn’t have what it takes to succeed in the creative industry.
Instead of walking away, Vinh decided not to let defeat define him. He approached each setback like a case study – he analysed what went wrong, sought feedback from lecturers and practiced the art of storytelling and presentation. This methodical approach to failure became his foundation for success.
Slowly, that dedication began to pay off. “At RMIT, I met lecturers and classmates who didn’t just teach or compete, they cared. They helped me see that failure wasn’t an ending, but a beginning.” Bit by bit, the door to self doubt gave way to something more powerful: purpose.
Vinh’s breakthrough didn’t come from a single win, but from shifting his mindset to focus on gaining confidence and adaptability through hands-on experiences.
By immersing himself in RMIT's hands-on learning environment, Vinh discovered that tackling real-world challenges accelerated his growth in ways traditional study couldn't match. Vinh’s award winning “Flatten the Plastic Curve” campaign is a clear example of using creativity to take on a pressing environmental issue. Launched to raise awareness about the environmental impact of online delivery packaging and promote sustainable alternatives, the project reached over 40,000 people on social media despite the challenges of lockdown. It went on to win third prize in the ASEAN Youth Social Journalism Contest 2021 and secured additional funding from the ASEAN Foundation.
Since then, he has continued to expand his imagination in applying what he’s learned to solve real-world problems and make a meaningful impact. This growth transformed both his confidence and his creativity, and opened him up to new forms of collaboration. He teamed up with fellow students Quach Tan An and Nguyen Le Duy to create “Hear the Arts”, a concept that uses AI to transform famous paintings into music. This campaign for Bang & Olufsen earned global acclaim, placing in the Young Ones One Show award - a first for any university in Vietnam.
“Hear the Arts” followed an earlier campaign in the D&AD New Blood Quickfire, where the team’s idea for reducing e-waste through smartphone longevity earned second place worldwide. That project also marked the first time that RMIT students placed in the competition. The string of wins validated the path of “impactful creativity” that Vinh had discovered.
Vinh’s philosophy of 'impactful creativity' was also reflected in a 2024 project that went viral across Vietnam: the rebranding of the Ho Chi Minh City History Museum
Working alongside his RMIT friends, Vinh led a two-year collaboration with museum leadership to bring its identity into the modern era. “We were inspired by a flower motif hidden in the museum’s architecture,” he explained. “To us, it looked like a ray of light from history - a spark of discovery.”
Pham Quang Vinh standing among his team’s creative work for the Ho Chi Minh City History Museum.
The museum rebrand included a new logo, signage and a full suite of branded experiences, from merchandise to wayfinding. The project sparked public interest, and the museum quickly became a a social media sensation. Visitor numbers surged as the museum became a hotspot for Gen Z visitors, and this was reflected in the museum’s commercial success. More than a facelift, the project shifted how people, especially younger audiences, engaged with heritage.
“At RMIT, I learned that creativity should bring real value to the community,” Vinh said. “This project showed me what that looks like.”
The museum rebrand marked the unofficial launch of Zám, a creative agency founded by Vinh and like-minded alumni. Their mission: to bring brands closer and more relevant to their target audience through innovative storytelling and insightful communication.
Since launching, Zám has attracted clients eager for fresh, story-led approaches. Their latest campaign with WWF for Earth Hour 2025 tapped into digital culture and climate awareness – a perfect fusion of purpose and youth insight.
From pitch decks to public exhibitions, Zám is turning heads. But for Vinh, the greatest impact is more personal, “we’re creating a space where young creatives can believe in their ideas. That’s the real win”.
In 2023, Vinh graduated as RMIT Vietnam’s Vice-Chancellor’s Award winner, recognised not only for academic excellence, but for his spirit of creativity with purpose. It was a moving moment - not just because of the accolade, but because of everything he overcame to get there.
Vinh received the RMIT Vietnam Vice-Chancellor’s Award at his graduation ceremony.
Once wracked with self doubt, Vinh rose to become one of the most inspiring talents in his field. His transformation exemplifies what RMIT stands for - providing students with the environment and tools they need to discover their strengths and passion for making a difference.
“The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to become your own best friend,” he said. “Once you stop closing the door on who you are, confidence will follow.”
At RMIT, students thrive amid uncertainty, opportunity and change. Vinh’s story is still unfolding – but one thing is clear: he’s ready for what’s next.
