MiCatcher 2026: Young Presenting Talents from 30 Educational Institutions Take the Stage in Ho Chi Minh City
On June 14, 2026, Hoa Sen University became the stage for the showdown of MiCatcher 2026, where 12 outstanding contestants competed after an intense journey of selection and training.
In its fourth season, the competition continues to expand its reach, attracting over 80 contestants from nearly 30 educational institutions across Ho Chi Minh City. Beyond being a platform for aspiring young hosts, the competition provides contestants with opportunities to sharpen their communication skills, critical thinking, improvisation, and stage presence in a professional setting.
MiCatcher – MC Talent Discovery Journey
On the afternoon of June 14, 2026, Hoa Sen University (HSU) hosted the final round of MiCatcher 2026, bringing together the 12 most outstanding contestants who successfully advanced through a rigorous selection and intensive training journey.
During the Grand Finale, contestants took on a series of challenges designed to assess their situational handling, emotional control, audience engagement, and persuasive communication skills.
To qualify for the final round, contestants participated in professional training sessions conducted by MCs, industry experts, and media practitioners. This opportunity helped them develop their hosting skills while gaining a clearer understanding of the professional standards required in the modern media industry.
As a result, MiCatcher is more than a talent search competition; it is a practical learning environment where young people can discover their abilities and shape their future careers.
During the final round, Dr. Doan Thi Ngoc Thuy, Dean of the HSU Faculty of Marketing and Communication, stated that the Grand Finale was not the end, but the beginning of new journeys for the contestants. She also extended her congratulations to all participants for overcoming their limitations to reach the final round.
“Hopefully, MiCatcher will become a stepping stone that helps you move closer to your dreams. I wish you all to continue nurturing your passion, demonstrating courage in pursuing your goals, and continuously developing on your journey ahead”, she said.
Furthermore, Mr. Mai Quyet Thang, MA, Director of the HSU Public Relations Program, stated that MiCatcher was not merely a student competition but had grown into a large-scale platform, enabling students and parents to experience the university environment and professional standards of the industry.
He also expressed pride in the students of the Faculty of Marketing and Communication at HSU, who had directly organized and executed the competition with a high level of professionalism. Additionally, he believed that the experiences gained from the competition would enable the contestants and student organizers to accumulate experience, expand their networks, and build confidence in their future career paths.
Student-Operated Practical Training Environment at HSU
One of the defining characteristics of MiCatcher 2026 is its student-led organization model. Guided by lecturers from the Public Relations Program, students from HSU’s Faculty of Marketing and Communication are responsible for organizing and operating the competition. They actively participate in all stages, including concept development, planning, communications, sponsorship acquisition, partner collaboration, and event execution.
Through MiCatcher, students gain valuable exposure to professional working environments and opportunities to apply their academic knowledge to large-scale projects. Additionally, the competition helps them develop key competencies, including project management, teamwork, problem-solving, and professional networking with businesses and industry experts.
Professional and Experienced Judging Panel
Guiding and evaluating the contestants in this season’s Grand Finale was a distinguished judging panel of experienced MCs, directors, editors, and training experts from the media and arts sectors, including Mr. Do Quoc Trung, Film Director, HSU Lecturer in Media Technology Management at HSU; MC Thanh Thao; MC Hoang Tri; MC Tuyet Vinh; and MC Thanh Hang.
Through their professional feedback and industry insights, the judging panel offered contestants a clearer understanding of the MC profession and valuable guidance for their future development.
As a partner of MiCatcher for three consecutive seasons, MC Thanh Thao, Founder and CEO of Sun & Moon Academy, expressed her hope that the academy would continue working alongside the competition to nurture and create more opportunities for emerging MC talents.
Recognizing Excellence at MiCatcher 2026
With a total prize value of up to VN$600 million, MiCatcher 2026 recognized the most outstanding contestants of the season:
Champion:
- Ms. Hoang Thi Thien Nhien – Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics and Finance
Runner-ups:
- Mr. Truong Van Khang – University of Finance and Marketing
- Ms. Nguyen Hoang Truc Van – Van Lang University
Consolation Prizes:
- Ms. Nguyen Thanh Diem – HSU
- Ms. Le Ngoc Van Thu – University of Economics and Law, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City
Best Voice Award:
- Ms. Chu Vo Dan Thanh – University of Economics and Law, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City
Most Promising Contestant Award:
- Ms. Vo Ha Tuyet Nhi – Mac Dinh Chi High School
Most Favorite Contestant Award:
- Ms. Nguyen Hoang Truc Van – Van Lang University
The First Prize of the competition, accompanied by an internship and work program scholarship in Germany worth VN$189 million, a Sun&Moon Academy scholarship worth VN$10 million, and VN$5 million in cash, was awarded to Ms. Hoang Thi Thien Nhien of the University of Economics and Finance.
The Runner-up Prizes, along with an internship and work program scholarship in Germany worth VN$189 million, a Sun&Moon Academy scholarship worth VN$6 million, and VN$2 million in cash, was awarded to Mr. Truong Van Khang from the University of Finance and Marketing and Ms. Nguyen Hoang Truc Van from Van Lang University.
Bridging Classroom and Industry: HSU Students Operate MiCatcher 2026
After four seasons, MiCatcher has developed into one of the most prominent platforms for high school and university students in Ho Chi Minh City interested in hosting and media.
The year 2026 also commemorates the 35th anniversary of HSU’s founding and growth. Over the years, HSU has stayed committed to its applied training focus, offering students chances to participate in practical projects and gain early experience in professional settings while they continue their studies.
MiCatcher 2026 is a clear reflection of this spirit. The competition is fully organized by students from the Faculty of Marketing and Communication, under the guidance and professional mentorship of HSU lecturers from the Public Relations Program.
From idea development and planning to communications, fundraising, partner collaboration, and program execution, students take on key responsibilities throughout every stage of the project. Each task is not only an integral part of the competition but also a meaningful learning opportunity that helps participants develop project management thinking, teamwork, problem-solving skills, and adaptability in real-world contexts.
Through this journey, students are immersed in every stage of a professional media and event project, gaining not only operational experience but also valuable insights into the expectations of the marketing, communications, and public relations industries.
This represents one of the defining features of HSU’s training philosophy, which integrates academic learning with practical experience through real-world projects. These opportunities empower students to build essential skills, grow their confidence, and prepare for early integration into the professional workforce.
