Chasing growth, not just gold: inside the journey to a global win

In June 2025, four students from RMIT Vietnam made history by winning the HSBC Business Case Competition Asia Pacific, the first-ever victory for a Vietnamese university. Yet, the real story lies in the transformation they experienced on the way there. This is a story of relentless preparation, emotional breakthroughs, and the courage to grow beyond limits.

Representing RMIT Vietnam’s The Business School, Nguyen Le Bich Khue, Nguyen Minh Han, Hung Phat, and Nguyen Minh Khoa began their journey as students from different academic backgrounds and majors. After seven months of intense preparation, they became Team Tsunami, and the journey began.

Bond through grinding

Although some members brought public speaking or club experience to the table, most had never taken part in big competitions before, but they didn’t wait to be ‘qualified.’ They took the leap and let growth catch up. What united them was a shared curiosity and a deep commitment to push beyond classroom walls and represent their university and country with pride.

Khue joined the team with little expectation but immense enthusiasm. “I saw it as a way to step out of my marketing comfort zone and explore a wider world of industries,” she said. While Han, who took on the role of analyst, echoed the excitement of diving into uncharted territory. “Each case gave us a chance to explore a new business landscape. I was never bored.”

The early phase of their preparation was far from smooth. It took them four to five hours to solve a single case, far beyond the competition’s strict three-hour time limit. Feedback sessions were intense, draining, and often humbling.

students-in-hsbc-competition-doing-case-preparation

“We trained six to ten times a week, even during Tet,” said Khoa. “It asked putting in the hours, and about learning something from every misstep.”

Gradually, the structure replaced chaos. Once they let go of control and played to each other’s strengths, their workflow became faster and their collaboration tighter. “We began celebrating small wins,” said Khue. “Those moments kept us going when things felt overwhelming.”

students-in-hsbc-competition-celebrating

That trust turned into a deeper bond. Han noticed a change in their dynamic too. “At first, we were all serious and distant. But after spending more time together, not just solving cases, but bonding, we became a real team.”

Breakdowns to breakthroughs

Like their team's name Tsunami, there were many waves of turning points that woven into a pattern of honest reflection and growth. One such moment came after receiving harsh feedback from alumni on a human resources case. “It hit us hard,” said Khue. “But we didn’t quit. We regrouped, revised our approach, and nailed the next HR case.”

For Han, the breakthrough came when a mentor sat through their full three-hour session. “That level of feedback reshaped how we worked. After that, we consistently finished on time and delivered with confidence.”

Khoa saw every setback as an invitation to improve. “Our low points made us stronger, if you lean into discomfort, it can lead to breakthroughs.”

Adaptability then became their superpower. They learned to stay calm and flexible even when facing unexpected challenges. “There were rounds when the case was completely different from what we’d prepared for,” said Han. “We didn’t panic. We adjusted and moved forward.”

Phat, who once struggled with change, found strength in discomfort. “The more we trained, the more I realized that adaptability wasn’t optional, it was essential.” Khue tied it all back to teamwork. “We had to break down tasks quickly, prioritize under pressure, and rebuild solutions when our first ideas didn’t work. That skillset was invaluable.”

Confidence Built from Preparation and Heart

By the time they arrived in Hong Kong for the final round, their confidence had been earned through months of dedication and teamwork.

“We had rehearsed so much that it felt natural,” said Khoa. “We knew our slides, our flow, and most importantly, we trusted each other.”

Instead of panicking before the final round, the team shared a quiet dinner and reflected on their journey. “That moment of calm gave us clarity,” Khue recalled. When the final case was handed out, they were called to present almost immediately after finishing it. Phat said it helped. “We didn’t have time to overthink. We just went in and gave it our all.”

Against 23 national champion teams from 20 countries and regions, team Tsunami stood out with sharp analysis and confident delivery — and brought home Vietnam’s first regional win.

More than a trophy

When Vietnam was announced as the Asia Pacific champion, the team burst into celebration. But their joy went beyond personal or team achievement; it was about representing something far bigger than themselves.

“It was for RMIT, for Vietnam, and for all the teams that came before us. Even other Southeast Asian teams told us they were cheering us on,” said Khue.

For Han, the experience brought lasting change. “I’ve become more confident, more logical, and more open to challenges. It really shaped how I see myself.”

Khoa saw the win not as a conclusion, but as a new beginning. “It wasn’t the end of a journey, it was the start of everything that comes next.”

students-in-hsbc-competition-showing-their-prize

Lessons for the next teams

As they passed the torch, the team offered advice for future students:

“Don’t wait until you feel ready,” Han shared. “Just start. You’ll grow into it.” “Be resilient, stay disciplined, and learn to love the process,” added Khue. “That’s how you find meaning beyond the results.”

Phat reflected on what mattered most. “Believe in your teammates. Support each other. And always remember why you started.” Khoa wrapped it up with the mindset that carried them through every challenge: “Stay curious. Stay committed. In the end, growth is the real trophy.”

Their journey shows that success isn’t only about talent or outcomes, but about the willingness to grow, to support one another, and to rise after every setback. As they pass the torch to future generations of students, their story stands as proof that when purpose meets perseverance, even the boldest dreams are within reach.

Story: Written by Pham Thanh Thao, a Professional Communication student at RMIT Vietnam. Featuring reflections from Nguyen Le Bich Khue, Nguyen Minh Han, Hung Phat, and Nguyen Minh Khoa. This article does not reflect the views of RMIT Vietnam.

07 July 2025

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Chasing growth, not just gold: inside the journey to a global win