Celebrating the achievements of alumni in Vietnam

When outstanding individuals receive a world-class education in the UK, the effects can last a lifetime. The Alumni Awards shine a light on the impact that alumni of UK higher education institutions are making in their chosen field, and how this was sparked by their studies in the UK.

The British Council has launched the eighth year of a prestigious award celebrating the outstanding achievements of the UK’s international alumni around the world. 

The Study UK Alumni Awards are open to alumni living anywhere outside of the UK. Award winners and finalists are leaders in their fields who have used their experience of studying at a UK university to make a positive contribution to their communities, industries, and countries. The Study UK Alumni Awards celebrate and showcase the impact and value of a UK higher education and raise the international profile of UK alumni and their former universities.

The awards are open to alumni currently residing in any country outside the UK, who have either studied in the UK, at an officially recognised provider of UK university degree level study for a minimum of a term or semester or who have been awarded a full UK degree level qualification (or higher), by a UK university through a local institution overseas, within the last 15 years. 

There are four award categories:

  • Science and Sustainability Award recognising alumni who have distinguished themselves through their career and achievements in the world of science and sustainability, and who can demonstrate the impact and scale of their achievements in their profession, and beyond. Areas of work could include Climate action, clean energy, medicine, sustainable cities and communities, engineering, industry and construction. 
  • Culture and Creativity Award recognising alumni who have carved a career for themselves in arts and culture. We are looking for individuals who can demonstrate their artistic ingenuity, influence and creativity. Areas of work could include Arts, design, media, video, TV, music, bloggers, vloggers, Youtubers and the humanities. 
  • Social Action Award recognising alumni who have made an exceptional contribution and commitment to creating positive social change and improving the lives of others. Areas of work could include: Reducing inequality, poverty and hunger. Education and upskilling. Peace and justice. 
  • Business and Innovation Award recognising alumni who are active in initiating and contributing to innovative or creative new ideas, solutions or business opportunities, that have the potential for growth.  Areas of work could include Entrepreneurship, business, technology.

Some of the benefits of winning a prestigious Alumni Award:

  • Raise your international profile through the global press and digital coverage
  • Build your professional networks and business connections
  • Having a platform to be able to share experiences of UK education/career with others (particularly young people).

Timeline

1 September 2021 Applications open
29 October 2021 Applications close at 16.00 (BST)
October – November 2021 Shortlisting of applications
December 2021 – January 2022 Announcement of finalists
18 March 2022 Vietnam national-level winners announced
April – August 2022 Global finalist announcement & digital celebration
September 2022 Global Alumni Awards winners announced 

Meet the 2021-22 winners and finalists

Among stiff competition from a variety of strong applicants, there are six outstanding finalists and three excellent winners. Find out what makes their story unique.

Science and Sustainability Award

Dang Huu Man - Finalist
University of Stirling

At the age of 36, Dr Man is the youngest associate professor and head of the Research Management & International cooperation Department, the University of Danang - University of Economics. His research interests include several aspects of information asymmetry, agency problems, and firm policies in M&A. Dr Man has successfully completed 03 national- and ministry-level funded research projects, and published 15 articles in leading international journals (Q1-Q2/SSCI). He is also a recipient of prestigious awards and recognitions, some of which includes the title of Emulation Fighter of the ministerial-level, the certificate of merit from Chairman of the Danang City People’s Committee.

"I acknowledge that, you get what you pay for, and the University of Stirling in particular and the UK education generally deserves its reputation since it provided me with the right push to shape the foundation of my research career."

Nguyen Khanh Dieu Hong - Winner
University College London

Dieu Hong is a highly rewarded female chemical engineer, a professor in renewable energy, an author, and an educator. After getting her PhD in Chemistry at University College London in 2008, she built a curriculum and researched clean fuel and green chemistry to teach undergraduates, masters and PhD students in Vietnam. 

Her achievements have been honoured by the Prime Minister of Vietnam in 2020. Since 2015, she has been the CEO of Go-Green Vietnam Fund, supporting young scientists, inventors and students. Dieu Hong’s time in the UK helped shape her characters in scientific research and inspired many young students in Vietnam to pursue their education and career in STEM. 

"From a female chemical engineer in Vietnam to a Professor in renewable energy and STEM, UK education has changed my life. The time I spent studying in the UK is what I call "the most beautiful time of my youth", a period of time that created who I am today, a time that helped me shape my characters, built my confidence and maximize creativity in scientific research."

Nguyen Phat - Finalist
Keele University

Nguyen Phat developed his interest in renewable energy through his childhood in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Gaining a scholarship to study LLB focusing on renewable energy at Keele University and then working as a lawyer, Phat and his team have supported Vietnam government agencies to learn about international experiences in renewable energy auction.

His life-changing experience in the UK with lots of support from his professors has contributed to his success today. His training to law students at many Vietnam top law schools has inspired them to pursue higher education in law in the UK.

"Keele University gave me a strong mind, a lion heart and limitless passion for renewable energy which make me successful today."

Culture and Creativity Award

Nguyễn Linh Chi - Finalist
University of the Arts London

Linh Chi studied Illustration - Visual Communication at Camberwell College of Arts, University of the Arts London. She practices with mixed-media works, ranging from collage to installation. Chi has participated in some projects and exhibitions in Hanoi. One of her collage illustrations was awarded by Goethe-Institut Hanoi.   

In 2020, she co-founded Collective Sonson and their “Stillness Corner” collection won First Prize at Vietnam Design Week 2020. The diverse and rich arts and culture in the UK have influenced and broadened Linh Chi in her practice. The progressive study programme in the UK with lectures, discussions, and tutorials has expanded her way of thinking and tackling difficult professional situations until now.

"My UK education has played a substantial part in influencing my path as well as my life-long study and practice journey in art and design.
The UK provided a unique environment and irreplaceable experiences that both its pros and cons have helped me carve my own path."

Trang Trinh - Winner
Royal Academy of Music

Trang Trinh is a pianist, an educator and a leader who wants to contribute to society. In 2013, she co-founded the Miracle Choir & Orchestra, giving free music lessons to underprivileged children. The impact this project made on the life of children led to her recognition by Forbes 30 under 30 in 2015. Trang Trinh’s work is informed by her time at the Royal Academy of Music in the UK, building her confidence and passion in music.  

In 2017, she became one of the youngest authors for primary school music textbooks. She also founded Wonder, a social enterprise that focuses on SDGs in quality education and reducing inequality. She has recently been appointed CEO & Educator of the Vietnam Youth Music Institute, in strategic partnership with the Vietnam National Symphony Orchestra to establish far-reaching educational programs for the community.

"My current career is shaped by my experience of studying in the UK. With my activities as an artist and educator, I have and will continue to have opportunities to inspire others to study in the UK. I believe that this is a life-changing opportunity, having experienced it myself."

Nhat Vu - Finalist
University of the West of England - UWE Bristol
University of the Arts London

Nhat Vu is a fashion designer, lecturer, design consultant and expert in the fashion industry. He has guided many young students, helped shape their future education and career choices. His work contributed to the celebration of May 10’s 75th anniversary - one of the first apparel manufacturing company in Northern Vietnam.

Nhat’s studies in the UK have emerged in the professional and market-oriented studying and working environment, which shaped his working style in his later work in Vietnam. He has inspired students to work in responsible and environmentally friendly ways. His work to promote UK education has been welcomed by a large number of audiences and received positive feedback.

"Not only the UK education and experience brought me world class education, it also provides me well-rounded subject knowledge to succeed in various aspects of the fashion industry and create bigger impacts on my community."

Business and Innovation Award

Dinh Thuy Phuong - Winner
University of Northampton

Thuy Phuong has developed a strong passion for the zero-waste industry since she studied MA in Management (Marketing) at the University of Northampton. In April 2020, she co-founded Mana.st – a company specialised in manufacturing and trading Mana.st friendly-environmental straws made of reeds. 

Phuong’s UK education set a foundation for a higher standard of learning to transfer knowledge to others. Her work as a teacher at rehabs of drug addicts has inspired some graduate students to take the position of associate trainers, transferring what they have learnt to other learners and obtaining self-study skills benefitting in their life-long learning journeys.

"If it was not for the critical thinking lifestyle I experienced from the UK educational methodology, I could had never succeeded in co-creating a brand-new friendly-environmental nature-designed product: to have a vision and to question myself how to make a vision come to reality."

Luu Minh Hien - Finalist
The University of Manchester
The London School of Economics and Political Science

Hien is the founder and CEO of WISE Group with a mission of helping the young generation in Vietnam study English in the fastest and most effective way. More than 3,000 students have trusted his company in their English learning journeys with the support of more than 50 staff.   

Hien’s time in the UK provided him with a solid foundation, significantly contributed to his achievements in Vietnam. His book series on IELTS and his informative speeches have inspired thousands of Da Nang City students. He has also given training courses to more than 200 businesses and young start-ups in Da Nang in Marketing and business management to help them survive and thrive through the Covid-19 pandemic. Particularly, he provided training for Vietnam Airlines, Office of Central Vietnam.

"It is undeniable that pursuing higher education in the UK at two prestigious UK universities is instrumental in my present-day success.
It has given me countless sources of knowledge in business, finance, and accounting, helping me understand the role of effective financial management in business survival and growth, have a sound grasp on investment alternatives and economic forecasting."

Tran Thao - Finalist
University of West London

Thao is a start-up co-founder, English teacher, university lecturer and business leader. Her work has helped create jobs and inspired hundreds of young students in Vietnam. Her lifetime experience in the UK helped shape her leadership philosophy and made Thao a better version of herself. Thao has met many inspiring lecturers and classmates, making her journey in the UK unforgettable. Her study at UWL has helped her develop and excel at her job in Vietnam. 

She also supports the Bong Sen Foundation as the leader of the Board of Advisory to help raise funding for schoolgirls and household women in Mekong Delta.

"The UK offered overseas students amazing opportunities to work and experience the society itself. The work environment in the country was highly dynamic and diverse, which provided real life lessons to those who want to be a better version of themselves, which I found mine."

See also

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