HSU Graphic Design Salutatorian: A Representative for Vietnamese Talent in a Worldwide Showcase

Mr. Nguyen Hoang Duc Thinh, the 2025 HSU graphic design salutatorian, has been selected as one of 16 delegates representing Viet Nam at the 49th Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Program (SSEAYP). Fully sponsored by the Japanese government, the program brings together outstanding youth from 10 ASEAN countries and Japan for its annual diplomacy initiative.

A Seven-Year Dream of Boarding the SSEAYP

Thinh secured his spot in the competition by submitting two outstanding design projects he completed during his time at HSU. They were “Tho Dia”, the graduation project that earned the Valedictorian award in July 2024, and “Moving Vietnam”, a Brand Identity Design that was also chosen as the official identity for the Vietnamese delegation at the 49th SSEAYP.

Nguyen Hoang Duc Thinh, the salutatorian of the Graphic Design program at HSU, is one of 16 delegates representing Viet Nam at the Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Program (SSEAYP).

Chosen from thousands of applicants nationwide, the young designer impressed the selection committee with his seriousness, passion, and solution-oriented design thinking, a philosophy he has cultivated since his early days at HSU.

His journey to SSEAYP began at the age of 15, when a former delegate, who was also his trainee teacher, first introduced him to the program. The sight of the SSEAYP ship docking in Ho Chi Minh City three years later reinforced his dream, as he was captivated by the delegates’ energy and spirit of cultural exchange.

That moment ignited a dream in Duc Thinh to one day become an SSEAYP representative. Starting with a blank resume, he was resolved to build his experience and achievements steadily: Worked as a collaborator to welcome the SSEAYP ship; participated in international exchange programs in Thailand, Singapore…; improved English, gradually improved design, communication, and performance skills.

“It is the right time to make an impact, as I have cultivated the specialized knowledge and mindset needed to succeed. I am confident my skills are well-suited to a wide range of tasks: organizing cultural performances and preparing professional presentations to securing sponsorships, producing the official music video and theme song…”

Over the past seven years, his strong motivation to join the SSEAYP program has driven him to develop comprehensively in all aspects. On this trip, Thinh has a dual mission: to contribute useful initiatives to Southeast Asian countries and to elevate the reputation of HSU students and young Vietnamese people on the global stage.

The Story of Duc Thinh Photography Brand

In addition to his passion for travel and cultural exchange, his childhood was filled with performing arts (singing and dancing) and a record of outstanding academic achievements.

Initially, many assumed he was an Information Technology student at Ho Chi Minh City University of Science, Viet Nam National University. The change in his academic direction began when he realized the field was not his “true calling”. At the age of 19, he made the courageous decision to pursue a new path, starting over in Graphic Design at HSU.

He ultimately chose HSU after a thorough evaluation of many universities, believing it was the perfect place to pursue his passion. He noted that before entering HSU, he also heard many good reviews from seniors in the creative industry about the quality of HSU students. However, his decision initially faced strong suspicion from his family. It was his persistent efforts and confidence in his choice that gradually won them over.

“At the time, I felt I was being quite courageous by pursuing design, as I was not good at drawing. However, my time at HSU taught me that design was not just about technical drawing skills; it was about design thinking and the ability to create solutions. The lecturers were dedicated, always listening to our ideas and guiding each of us to develop according to our unique strengths. It’s true that at Hoa Sen University, every diversity is respected and valued”.

He felt like a fish in water in his Graphic Design program, and his learning journey quickly yielded many achievements. While working as a freelance designer and an English tutor since his first year, Thinh received many awards, typically the Third National Prize at the Adobe Certified Professional World Championship 2022, the Valedictorian of the Graphic Design Graduation Project in July 2024, the Second Prize in Vạn Xuân Awards, and the Second Prize in the HSU Graphic Design Graduation at the 2025 Graduation Ceremony.

His time at HSU was instrumental in two ways: it helped him prove himself to his family and, more importantly, led him to his true passion for photography. Currently, he manages his own photography brand, The Frame, while also doing freelance design work for various clients.

He claimed that: “Studying Graphic Design gives me a different vision on photography, something that not everyone has. That is also what makes me different in the market”.

The SSEAYP 2025 program is a key stepping stone in Duc Thinh’s ambitious plan to become an educator. While also focusing on expanding his photography brand and building a professional studio, he believed the program would significantly bolster his application for a postgraduate scholarship to pursue a Master’s degree or study abroad.

Every step and choice in his journey, whether successful or not, is instrumental in shaping him into a better designer. At HSU, he is able to cultivate a passion for art, logical thinking, a strong design foundation, and an appreciation for photography. These qualities combine to create a truly outstanding, well-rounded, confident, and courageous young professional.

Translated by: Mr. Do Tan Tai