Dreaming Big and Serving Others in the Digital Age

"Success is hollow if it is not used to uplift others."

Foundations & Campus Life: Finding My Footing

I still vividly remember the mixed feelings of nervousness and excitement as I was walking through the gates of SJI International for the first time. As a scholar, I carried a sense of responsibility, acutely aware of the opportunity I had been given. However, that initial weight was quickly lightened by the warmth of a community that felt less like an institution and more like a family.

The campus hummed with a unique energy, harmonising world-class academia and service-oriented education. Nowhere was this more evident than in the crucible of Higher Level Mathematics. Under the guidance of Mr. Tony Scheelbeek and Mr. Renato Rainone, the classroom became a place where logic met grit. Beyond the formulas, those lessons taught me how to break down daunting problems into solvable parts.

Outside the classroom, my time was anchored by CCAs like Aikido (Japanese martial art), Gamelan (Indonesian heritage instrument), or Interact Club (Rotary-sponsored service club). From the rewarding experience of Challenge Week, which enriched my CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) goals, to the focused, late-night study sessions in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Lounge, SJI International was a safe harbour to test my limits. Whether it was the discipline of Aikido in the dojo or the collaborative spirit of my peers in Gamelan, the school gave me a foundation of resilience that I carry to this day.

Life After SJI International: Service in the Digital Age

After graduation, I moved on to Yale-NUS College, where I majored in Economics. The holistic liberal arts education I received there was a natural continuation of the inquiry-based learning I experienced during the IB. It allowed me to view global markets through a human-centric lens, eventually leading me to roles at global tech giants like Meta and, currently, TikTok.

While the academic rigour of the IB prepared me for the professional workload, it was the Lasallian values of faith, service, community, excellence and respect that truly shaped my professional compass. In my current role as a Business Development Manager, I strive to embody these values by empowering Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs) in Vietnam. By helping these entrepreneurs leverage digital tools to scale their businesses, I aim to turn technology into a bridge for economic mobility. SJI International taught me a vital lesson early on: success is hollow if it is not used to uplift others.

Today, my way of giving back is rooted in mentorship. I find deep fulfillment in providing career guidance to fellow Vietnamese scholars, helping them navigate the transition from student life to the global workforce.

Reflections & Looking Forward: Advice to the Next Generation

As I look toward the future, I am excited to continue deepening my professional and personal roots here in Vietnam. Coming back to my home country with the skills I have gained abroad feels like the completion of a circle that began on the SJI International campus.

To the current and prospective scholars just starting your journey: remember that your scholarship is not just a reward for your past achievements; it is a strategic investment in your future potential. Use this time to explore without fear.

My advice is simple:

Dream Big and Dare Greatly.

SJI International is a nurturing and enriching institution. Lean into the community, stay relentlessly curious, and always ask yourself how your unique talents can serve "the least, the last, and the lost." You are being prepared not just for a career, but to be a person for others.