Overcoming adversity, many outstanding students from underprivileged backgrounds have reached their academic dreams with determination and the support of initiatives like the Nang Buoc Thu Khoa scholarship programme.
The relentless pursuit of a dream
Born and raised in a poor rural district of Soc Trang province, Nguyen Thi Van Anh, now a final-year student at the University of Information Technology under the Vietnam National University in Ho Chi Minh City, exemplifies resilience and determination.
As the second child in a family of three siblings, Van Anh grew up in challenging circumstances. Her mother managed a small makeshift store selling whatever she could, while her father worked as a construction laborer, often without stable income except during the year-end construction boom.
Van Anh’s house in Soc Trang province.
Despite these hardships, Van Anh’s passion for learning never wavered. During high school, she cycled 10 kilometers daily to attend classes at Ke Sach High School. Without the means for extra tutoring like her peers, she sought knowledge by joining competitive academic teams. Her diligence and eagerness to learn earned the admiration and support of her teachers, who encouraged her to pursue higher education in Ho Chi Minh City, where greater opportunities awaited.
Nguyen Thi Van Anh at the self-study room at the Domitory of Vietnam National University of Ho Chi Minh City.
Yet, her dream of university almost slipped away. Upon receiving news of her acceptance to a prestigious university, her family held a meeting to convince her to study closer to home to save costs. “My parents wanted me to stay near home to reduce expenses and avoid hardship, but I knew that giving up would mean losing my dream forever,” Van Anh recalled of the pivotal family discussion four years ago.
At her lowest point, the Nang Buoc Thu Khoa scholarship became her lifeline. “When I was on the brink of abandoning my dream due to financial struggles, the scholarship not only covered my tuition but also gave me the motivation to push forward,” she shared.
Empowering dreams through education
The Nang Buoc Thu Khoa programme, co-organised by Tien Phong newspaper and the Fund for Young Talents, has been a beacon of hope for top-performing students from underprivileged backgrounds. It celebrates extraordinary efforts while providing financial and moral support to help students achieve academic success.
Ms Dam Suyen Nhu (fifth from left), Head of Sales, Marcom & Customer Experience, Real Estate (Vietnam), Keppel Ltd., represents Keppel to receive a token of appreciation at the Nang Buoc Thu Khoa 2024 event.
This year marks the fifth consecutive year that Keppel, a global asset management and sustainable development leader headquartered in Singapore, has sponsored the programme. Committed to advancing education, one of its three CSR focus areas, Keppel has provided 75 scholarships to date through Nang Buoc Thu Khoa. These scholarships are not just financial aid; they inspire students to overcome obstacles and contribute to their communities.
University students and valedictorians, partners and sponsors of Nang Buoc Thu Khoa 2024 at the scholarship award event.
For the fourth year, Van Anh has received the scholarship thanks to her exceptional academic performance. Like many other recipients, she continues to prove that perseverance and belief can transform dreams into reality. Programmes like Nang Buoc Thu Khoa are turning what once seemed impossible into achievable futures.
“I am incredibly grateful for the scholarship from Keppel, which has allowed me to continue my education and reach this point. After graduating, I hope to work hard and pay it forward by supporting students in situations like mine,” Van Anh said, reflecting her determination to give back to society.