Thi Hong Van Nguyen

Thi Hong Van Nguyen, a Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship recipient from Vietnam, transitioned from a banking and finance career to pursuing a Master of Business and Management at the University of Waikato. Passionate about sustainable development, she sought to enhance her leadership and communication skills to make a broader impact in the business world.

Her academic journey was enriched by the University's supportive learning environment. A standout experience was participating in a consultancy project, which allowed her to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges.

“It helped me build practical skills and boosted my confidence,” she shares.

Van Nguyen also recalls a leadership course where her professor commended her for offering thoughtful, constructive feedback — a moment that reinforced her sense of belonging and acknowledged her academic growth.

Receiving the Manaaki Scholarship opened doors Van Nguyen never imagined. It not only fully covered her education, flight tickets and medical and travel insurance, but also connected her with a diverse, global community of scholars committed to creating positive change.

She encourages future students to gain work experience first, helping them discover their passions and define clear career goals.

“The more you understand what drives you, the more rewarding your studies will be,” she advises.

Van Nguyen hopes to leverage her enhanced leadership capabilities to drive sustainable development initiatives in Vietnam, blending her agricultural roots with newfound business expertise.