I chose DUE: I chose DUE not only to learn, but also to grow

With a perfect admission score of 30/30, first-year student Huynh Le Bao Ngan, from Class 52K01.2-E of the Faculty of Tourism and International Business, has been named valedictorian of the full English-taught programme at the University of Economics - The University of Danang for 2026.

Bao Ngan was previously a student at Chu Van An High School. She was admitted to DUE through an admission pathway combining a foreign-language certificate with her high school academic results. In addition to being recognised as an “Excellent Student” for three consecutive years, Ngan holds a VSTEP score of 8.5, equivalent to C1 level; won first prize twice in school-level English excellent-student competitions and received two consolation prizes in provincial-level English excellent-student competitions. In Grade 10, she was also recognised as the top-performing student in her grade.

Behind her perfect admission score is a journey built on self-directed learning and determination to move forward. As she did not attend a specialised or key high school, Bao Ngan understood that she needed to work harder to move closer to her goals. Throughout her three years of high school, she focused on her studies, took part in excellent-student competitions, pursued foreign-language qualifications and actively participated in extracurricular activities to develop soft skills and practical knowledge.

The journey was not always smooth. During preparations for the National High School Graduation Examination, there were days when Ngan spent hours trying to understand a single concept or struggling with a difficult exercise. Practice tests in which she scored only 6-7 points also caused her considerable concern. However, thoughts of the future, the ambitions she had nurtured and her desire to study in DUE’s dynamic environment helped Ngan persevere to the end.

Among the many options available to her, Bao Ngan chose DUE because she wanted her four years at university to extend beyond classroom learning. She wanted opportunities to gain experience, challenge herself and meet young people who share the same positive energy.

“I chose DUE not only because it is where I will study, but also because I want it to be where I grow,” Bao Ngan said.

As she enters a new environment, the valedictorian hopes to become a proactive, dynamic student who is ready to contribute. Ngan hopes to take part in a wide range of activities, build connections with lecturers and fellow students, explore new fields and spread positive energy throughout the DUE student community.

During her four years at university, the value Bao Ngan wants to preserve is initiative: taking the initiative to learn, to gain experience and to step beyond her comfort zone. She also hopes DUE will help her develop multidimensional thinking, have the confidence to ask questions and seek answers, and gradually define her future path.

Drawing from her own journey, Bao Ngan shares: “Scores may open a door, but they do not determine how far we will go.” More important than an impressive result, she says, is understanding one’s strengths, not being afraid of failure and continuing to strive to become a better version of oneself.

Huynh Le Bao Ngan’s achievements:

- Named an “Excellent Student” at Chu Van An High School – Da Nang (formerly Quang Nam Province) for three consecutive years

- First prize in the Grade 10 school-level English excellent-student competition

- First prize in the Grade 11 school-level English excellent-student competition

- Consolation prize in the Grade 11 Da Nang city-level English excellent-student competition (formerly Quang Nam Province)

- Consolation prize in the Grade 12 Da Nang city-level English excellent-student competition (formerly Quang Nam Province)

- VSTEP 8.5 certificate (C1)