A Muong girl “walking beneath the radiant sky” overcomes prejudice, secures a VinUni scholarship with the aspiration to improve healthcare access in her hometown

Dinh Thuy Ngan, a Muong ethnic girl, was awarded an 80% scholarship from VinUniversity (VinUni). From her very first words, she captivated listeners with her bright and youthful spirit. Beneath that radiance, however, lies the thoughtful determination of someone yearning to step beyond the confines of her rural village to explore the broader world—driven by a powerful goal: to learn enough, achieve enough, and one day return to contribute to the development of her community.

A dream nurtured through meaningful journeys

Volunteer trips within her hometown exposed Ngan to the realities of limited opportunities. She saw women sacrificing their dreams to marry early, and children suffering from illness whose families turned to shamans due to the lack of medical services. These experiences stirred in her a profound question: “Why should the place where one is born determine their access to a healthy life?”

That question planted the seed of a burning ambition: to make healthcare accessible to everyone—regardless of their background or geographic location.

However, Ngan soon recognized that passion alone would not be enough. To bring about real change, she would need a world-class education, in a learning environment that values human dignity, compassion, and innovation.

Placing her trust in VinUni – a university for those who dare to drive change

Ngan began her university search with a spreadsheet she created herself, outlining criteria such as academic excellence, scholarship opportunities, community impact, and values alignment. After a period of thoughtful research, she identified VinUni as the university that best matched her goals. The institution not only trains highly competent doctors, but also emphasizes integrity, empathy, ethical conduct, and a mindset oriented toward change. VinUni’s focus on research further confirmed her decision.

Her solo journey to Hanoi to attend a VinUni Coffee Talk—where she met faculty and current students—was a courageous first step in pursuing her dream. The stories shared and the values expressed at the event affirmed her aspirations and strengthened her confidence in her chosen path.

The pursuit of VinUni scholarship – a testament to relentless determination

Coming from a family where no one had attended university—and where even her parents were unaware of institutions like VinUni—Ngan quietly submitted her application, keeping her worries to herself so as not to dampen her motivation. It was only upon receiving the official letter confirming her 80% scholarship that she shared the news with her loved ones, especially the individual who had supported her throughout the journey. That day’s joyful celebration marked not just a personal victory, but also a declaration of her continuous effort and perseverance.

A dream that extends far – a deep-rooted desire to return

Ngan’s ambition extends beyond becoming a clinical doctor. She hopes to become a medical researcher, someone who brings international healthcare practices closer to disadvantaged communities.

As she embarks on a six-year journey at VinUni, Ngan has set three major goals for herself:

1. To excel in clinical internships at VinUni’s partner institutions, including the Vinmec International Healthcare System and top public hospitals such as Bach Mai Hospital and the 108 Military Central Hospital.
2. To participate in academic exchange programs at leading partner universities, such as the Perelman School of Medicine (University of Pennsylvania) and the University of California, San Diego.
3. To take part in research projects and international conferences, gaining comprehensive knowledge, experience, and practical insights into international medical standards. These will prepare her to return to her hometown and help build a healthcare system where even residents in the most remote villages can access high-quality, internationally accredited healthcare services.

If you too hold a big dream, do not hesitate to pursue it

At VinUni, no matter who you are or where you come from—if you carry a dream and the will to pursue it—the door will always be open to welcome you.