Nurturing purposeful leaders: A journey of transformation at RMIT and beyond

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Nurturing purposeful leaders: A journey of transformation at RMIT and beyond

“In a world of complex social issues, we expect leaders to be transparent and committed to building a better future. For me, purpose provides the moral compass to navigate these challenges,” said Nghi Dinh, one of the awardees of the Student Leadership Recognition Awards 2025.

Where purpose begins its journey

Transcending prestigious titles or accolades, purposeful leadership is about acting with wholehearted conviction, using one's role to address community needs and spark positive change. This has been the North Star guiding the journeys of RMIT Vietnam students Nghi Dinh and Dung Nguyen.

Honoured with the Leadership Excellence Award 2025, Nghi and Dung attended the 13th USLS.

Nghi’s leadership story began with RMIT Pride Week 2023, where her passion for creating a more inclusive community fueled impactful initiatives for LGBTQIA+ students. Meanwhile, as President of the RMIT FinTech Club, Dung dedicated years to building a cross-disciplinary hub where students from diverse backgrounds could unite to innovate.

Their consistent devotion to impact-driven initiatives was recognised by the RMIT Student Leadership & Development Program and highlighted through the Student Leadership Recognition Awards 2025. This wasn’t the culmination of their achievements and concerted efforts, but a ticket to a new journey at the 13th University Scholars Leadership Symposium (USLS) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where they deepened their understanding of purposeful leadership in action.

Crossing thresholds to define purposeful leadership

Coming to Kuala Lumpur - a melting pot of cultures, ideas, and perspectives, Nghi and Dung had a chance to strengthen their sense of responsibility as emerging leaders. Through eye-opening workshops, meaningful dialogues with fellow changemakers from around the globe, and hands-on community activities, they not only broadened their perspectives of purposeful leadership but also put their campus-honed skills into action.

Nghi's most powerful moment came from a realisation — purposeful leadership is not always about measurable outcomes but about intangible impact: “The progress I make in fostering acceptance and inclusion can’t be quantified on a spreadsheet. It’s felt in the sense of belonging within a community, in a person’s renewed self-worth, and in the small, powerful moments of connection,” she reflected. Her insight underscored the role of young leaders as architects of spaces where people feel seen, valued, and empowered.

Nghi sparked a dialogue with a guest speaker on how to truly measure the impact of social initiatives.

Nghi sparked a dialogue with a guest speaker on how to truly measure the impact of social initiatives.

For Dung, a defining lesson was the idea of ‘margin for growth’ — the courage to step beyond comfort zones in pursuit of meaningful changes. He shared: “This lesson reminds me to embrace discomfort and take risks in order to create values that truly matter to society.” It was a reminder for him that leadership is not only about inspiring others but also about crossing new frontiers.

Dung shared his input on the role of emerging leaders in building a more sustainable future.

Dung shared his input on the role of emerging leaders in building a more sustainable future.

When purpose turns into lasting footprints

Beyond gaining inspiration, the students’ journey brought to life a core lesson championed by the RMIT Student Leadership & Development Program: impact often starts with simple acts of care. For Nghi, it bloomed when she brought refugee children to an amusement park to create a space free from fear or displacement. Witnessing their pure joy and sense of belonging, she realised: “When you feel something deeply, it means you care. And when you care, you commit. You push boundaries, challenge norms, and pursue your vision with relentless energy.”

Nghi spent a day at a theme park with refugee children, bringing them joy and a sense of belonging.

Dung’s impact came from a different, yet equally meaningful, experience: planting mangrove seedlings with his own hands. This simple act made him appreciate the extraordinary impacts on the planet made by non-titled people every day: “Even an ordinary Vietnamese like me can contribute to changing the world. I hope every aspiring changemaker can embrace this can-do mindset and remember that the world is shaped by people no different from us.”

Dung participated in mangrove planting to help mitigate climate change.

Dung participated in mangrove planting to help mitigate climate change.

Accompanying Nghi and Dung from their RMIT milestone to their development in Kuala Lumpur, Ms. Phuong Do – the Student Leadership & Development Program Coordinator – shared: “I witnessed how much they grew in their perspectives on global social issues and their understanding of purposeful leadership. With these experiences, I believe they are well inspired and prepared to continue shaping themselves into socially responsible and purposeful young leaders, both at RMIT and beyond.”

Phuong Do - Student Leadership & Development Program Coordinator with Nghi and Dung at the USLS in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Phuong Do - Student Leadership & Development Program Coordinator with Nghi and Dung at the USLS in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The journey Nghi and Dung embarked on is a living testament to the ethos of the RMIT Student Leadership & Development Program. It empowers students to identify what they stand for, step into challenges, and grow into leaders who lead with purpose.

Reflecting on his journey, Dung emphasized the core conviction needed for emerging leaders: “True leadership is not about vanity or self-interest – it is about caring for society. When your purpose extends beyond yourself, you find the courage to act boldly, take risks, and serve a higher cause. This program helped me to embody this mindset to become leaders who are not only successful, but also truly value-driven and impactful.”

Story by: Nhu Quach, with input and photos by Phuong Do, Nghi Dinh and Dung Nguyen

03 October 2025

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