Crafting Success: An HSU Salutatorian’s Work Gains International Recognition for Vietnamese Students

Mr. Nguyen Hoang Duc Thinh, the 2025 Graphic Design salutatorian of Hoa Sen University, has been chosen as one of 16 delegates to represent Viet Nam at the 49th Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Program (SSEAYP). Fully sponsored by the Japanese Government, this programme unites outstanding youth delegates from 10 ASEAN countries and Japan for its annual diplomacy initiative.

A Seven-Year Dream of Boarding the SSEAYP

To secure his place at SSEAYP 2025, Mr. Nguyen Hoang Duc Thinh successfully navigated a rigorous selection process. He impressed the council with two outstanding design projects from his time at HSU: his valedictorian graduation project, “Tho Dia”, and “Moving Vietnam”, a Brand Identity Design project officially used by this year’s Vietnamese delegation.

Duc Thinh and other participants

His dream of joining SSEAYP began at age 15 when he learned about the program from a former delegate. His passion was ignited three years later after he saw the ship docked in Ho Chi Minh City and was inspired by the international delegates. For 7 years, he persistently participated in international exchange activities in Thailand and Singapore, worked as an SSEAYP collaborator, and studied foreign languages, design, communications, and performing arts.

Sharing about this valuable opportunity, he noted: It is the right time to make an impact, as I have cultivated the specialized knowledge and mindset needed to succeed. Every skill I’ve gained at HSU will be put into action on board, whether cultural performing, document designing, communicating, or producing creative works”.

Duc Thinh’s unwavering journey with SSEAYP has shaped his growth and turned him into a proud image of dynamic, courageous Vietnamese youth on the global stage.

Personal Branding via Photography and Design

Before becoming the salutatorian of the HSU Graphic Design program, Duc Thinh studied the Information Technology program at the Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City, University of Science. Recognizing the path was unsuitable, he courageously shifted to design at 19, despite not being strong in drawing.

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.

Mr. Nguyen Hoang Duc Thinh, the 2025 Salutatorian in Graphic Design

Thinh’s decision quickly proved correct as he went on to achieve a series of outstanding results. His impressive record includes: Third Prize in the National Graphic Design Championship 2022 and Top Prize for his Graphic Design Graduation Project in July 2024, Second Prize in the Student Category of the Vietnam Creative Advertising Award 2024, and Second Prize at the HSU Graphic Design Graduation Ceremony 2025.

In addition to his excellent academic achievements, Duc Thinh also developed his passion for photography and personal branding, while continuing his freelance design work for brands. He claimed that: “By applying a graphic design-based perspective to my photography, I have cultivated a unique style that differentiates my work in the market”.

His selection for SSEAYP 2025 has become a key stepping stone towards his ambitious career goals. It has already helped him gain valuable international experience and has increased his scholarship opportunities, which will support his plan to build a photography studio and pursue a Master’s degree. 

His journey has been defined by a series of key milestones: choosing a major, mastering his skills, earning top awards, and becoming the SSEAYP delegate. Each step has helped shape him into a creative and courageous HSU Graphic Design graduate, poised to showcase the talent of Vietnamese students on the global stage.

Created: Tan Tai – Hoai Thuong

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