RMIT scholarship winner vows to give back to rural communities

RMIT scholarship winner vows to give back to rural communities

For Nguyen Tan Dung, enrolling in RMIT’s Bachelor of Business (Economics and Finance) program on a full scholarship this October will be yet another chapter in his journey to promoting education in vulnerable rural communities.

At fifteen, Dung left his home in the mountainous province of Dak Lak to start high school in Ho Chi Minh City.

“I was born and raised in a struggling community, where most people work so hard only to earn just enough to make ends meet,” said the former mathematics major from Le Hong Phong High School for the Gifted.

“Education was our only way of salvation. So, I was determined to broaden my horizons to help them one way or another.”

The ensuing three years saw Dung not only excel in his academic performance, but also become a busy leader of his school’s Youth Union, helping to organise camps, festivals, and soft skills programs for his fellow students.

news-rmit-scholarship-winner-vows-to-give-back-to-rural-communities RMIT Vice-Chancellor Scholar Nguyen Tan Dung was a leader of his high school’s Youth Union.

It was through volunteering for “Science Fun”, a science playground project for young children, that Dung got his first experience with raising funds and managing finances.

As project leader, he realised that proper financial management was pivotal to running that particular campaign, and beyond that, it could be a key to help alleviate poverty in rural areas.

Dung was so captivated by the idea that he decided to apply for the Economics and Finance program at RMIT.

“I dream of one day becoming a financial expert, particularly in the fields of fund management and investment banking.

“Mastering finance will also be a stepping stone towards my end goal of founding a community fund to support less fortunate children in rural areas - much like my younger self - in their pursuit of knowledge,” Dung said.

thumbnail-rmit-scholarship-winner-vows-to-give-back-to-rural-communities Nguyen Tan Dung is among the eight Vice-Chancellor’s Scholars joining RMIT in 2020. The prestigious scholarship, which covers the full tuition fee for undergraduate programs, is awarded to students with exceptional academic results and leadership while at high school.

Nguyen Tan Dung is among the eight Vice-Chancellor’s Scholars joining RMIT in 2020. The prestigious scholarship, which covers the full tuition fee for undergraduate programs, is awarded to students with exceptional academic results and leadership while at high school.

“The scholarship is a major motivation for me to continue striving to have the best academic performance, as well as nurturing my life-time wish of serving the community,” Dung said.

“I am eager to expose myself to a new learning environment at RMIT University. The journey ahead might be challenging, but no matter how many times I get knocked down or how exhausted I might feel, I will keep going on the path that leads to my ultimate destination.”

Story: Ngoc Hoang

03 November 2020

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