How My Journey Started season 2 in Ho Chi Minh City: Bridging borders through lifelong learning

In a warm corner in Ho Chi Minh city, Phuong Linh – the student host for this episode, and Angela Ngan Nguyen – a RMIT Vietnam alumnus, a former dedicated lecturer at Saigon South campus, and now an advisor in Australia – Vietnam Policy Institute – soon settled into a conversation that feels more like a reunion than a formal interview.

They sit across from one another – Linh in relaxed smart casuals and Angela in a soft white ao dai. The visual contrast between them mirrors their roles in the conversation: one just beginning her journey, the other reflecting on a 24-year relationship with RMIT.

From her earliest decision to choose RMIT over her childhood dream of studying in France, to holding influential roles across academia and policy in Australia and Vietnam, Angela’s story is a testament to embracing uncertainty, owning your journey, and using your platform to make an impact.

First leap of faith

Angela’s journey with RMIT began in 2001 with a moment of curiosity.

After joining the first cohort of RMIT Vietnam’s Bachelor of Commerce program, she received a full scholarship to pursue a Master of Business Economics at the University of Queensland. There, she thrived and earned the Dean’s Award and later extended her scholarship for an advanced master’s.

Still, her ties to RMIT remained strong, and when she returned to Vietnam, they grew even deeper.

Balancing ambition with purpose

Angela’s return to Vietnam in 2007 marked a new chapter. She joined KPMG, helping businesses enter the Vietnamese market through strategy and advisory work. But that same year, a surprise opportunity came calling.

“Mr Michael Mann, the founding president of RMIT Vietnam, offered me a lecturer position,” she recalled. “It was a shock. I became the youngest lecturer at the time.”

Balancing corporate life at KPMG, a demanding teaching schedule, and raising a family wasn’t easy. Eventually, Angela made a choice that would define the rest of her career: she chose education.

Thriving in uncertainty

Angela’s journey hadn’t been without challenges. Switching from French to English as a university-level academic, adapting to a new life as an international student in Australia, and taking on dual professional roles, each required grit, resilience, and a willingness to be uncomfortable. These experiences shaped her belief in perseverance and adaptability. She said:

Angela also credits much of her inner strength to her father, a lifelong educator and the founding principal of one of Vietnam’s top high schools.

“He dedicated 50 years to education. He taught me that education isn’t just about personal success. It’s about creating opportunities for others and making a lasting impact.”

Driving impact with many hats

Now based in Melbourne, Angela wears many hats – academic, researcher, and senior advisor – all of which allow her to make meaningful contributions across borders.

Beyond teaching, she embraced entrepreneurship and consulting. she founded an international preschool system, welcoming many children—including the little ones of our RMIT colleagues. She also invested in multiple businesses and led several consulting projects.

As a researcher, Angela is focused on telehealth and digital innovation in developing countries like Vietnam. She’s also a senior advisor at the Australia Vietnam Policy Institute and contributes to RMIT’s Asia Impact and Strategy team, helping shape academic exchanges and cross-country collaboration.

In recognition of her work, Angela recently received a Certificate of Merit from the Vietnamese ambassador in Australia. “Both Australia and Vietnam are home to me,” she said. “It means a lot to be able to strengthen the connection between them.”

Advice for the next generation

As the conversation drew to a close, host Phuong Linh asked Angela what advice she’d give to students stepping into their own uncertain future. Angela offered wisdom earned through experience.

“Take risks. Try different things. Failure is just another step forward," she emphasised.

She also urged students to build strong networks early. “The people sitting next to you in class today could be your clients or co-founders tomorrow,” she said. And most importantly, she reminded students to be present.

“Don’t just chase grades. Create friendships. Make memories. You don’t have to be the best, just give your best.”

24-year commitment with RMIT

From being a first-year student in a brand-new program to becoming one of the University’s recognised academics, Angela carries the RMIT spirit wherever she goes. Her story isn’t about picture-perfect success, it’s about showing up, again and again, with purpose.

For Linh and for listeners across the RMIT community, her story is a powerful reminder that growth comes from courage, and success is shaped not by perfection but by passion, persistence, and purpose.

Check out the full episode on RMIT Vietnam's Spotify and YouTube below.

This season of How My Journey Started Podcast is part of RMIT Vietnam's 25th anniversary and celebrates the remarkable journeys of our senior alumni – the pioneers who was with RMIT Vietnam from the early days and now have built careers across the world.

Whether to start a new job, get a new degree, or find one’s passion, always remember that you already have what it takes at RMIT Vietnam and your journey is uniquely yours to create.

Available on RMIT Vietnam’s Spotify and YouTube.

How My Journey Started season 2 in Ho Chi Minh City: Bridging borders through lifelong learning