Trung is an outstanding alumnus of the K53 advanced business administration program at Foreign Trade University (FTU). He recently marked an impressive milestone in his academic journey by graduating with a master’s degree from Harvard University.

Before becoming a talented economics student, Le Tuan Trung was passionate about piano at the Vietnam National Academy of Music. His childhood dream was to become an artist, fully immersed in the keys and melodies. However, curiosity and a desire for challenges led him to an unexpected turn.

“While learning and interacting with teachers and alumni, I gradually felt that the business environment was more suitable—dynamic, practical, and full of challenges,” Trung shared about his decision to pursue business administration at FTU.

With a program taught entirely in English, the early days at FTU were a significant challenge for Trung.

“My English was very poor back then; I spoke haltingly and couldn’t write complete sentences. However, thanks to my persistence and support from friends, I gradually caught up with lectures, became more confident in communication, and improved my learning step by steps, Tuan Trung said.

Harvard and the journey of self-discovery

After graduating from FTU, while working, Tuan Trung had the opportunity to connect and talk with colleagues who had studied at Harvard Business School (HBS). Through in-depth discussions, research from alumni, and online resources, he became intrigued by HBS’s distinctive educational approach: emphasizing practicality, dialogue, and critical thinking.

“The case method at HBS constantly places students in real-world scenarios, forcing me to make decisions with incomplete information and high uncertainty,” Trung explained.

In particular, HBS creates an environment for students to embark on a journey of self-discovery, starting with the question: “What do you want to do with your free and precious life?”

Trung described the application process to Harvard as a “difficult internal dialogue.”

The most memorable moment during the application process was one evening when he confided in his mother about his childhood. According to Trung, to reach Harvard’s door, beyond outstanding achievements, candidates must show “their true story and self.” This was challenging for Trung, who was naturally reserved about sharing personal emotions and dreams.

The moment he opened up and shared honestly with his mother helped Trung “connect the dots” of his memories, touching his deepest emotions and thoughts. This enabled him to authentically and emotionally tell his story of pursuing financial inclusion through education and financial technology.

For Le Tuan Trung, earning a business administration degree at Harvard was not just about acquiring knowledge but also a “transformation” in self-awareness and the courage to face himself.

Pressure 

Being accepted to Harvard was unexpected joyful news for Trung’s family, but alongside pride, he also felt pressure’.

“The real pressure came from myself. When I first started, I thought that as I received so much support and the privilege of studying here, I must achieve something worthy upon graduation, secure an impressive job, and not fall behind others. But Harvard is just a new beginning. It’s not the destination but a different starting point where I could reflect on myself, redefine my path, and, most importantly, learn to live more authentically,” Trung said.

The diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and nationalities among Harvard students creates an invaluable network. Trung shared that the relationships built at Harvard go beyond knowledge exchange, fostering companionship, support, and mutual learning in career and life.

Jungkiu Choi, CEO of Boston Consulting Group (BCG), who worked directly with Tuan Trung, commented: “With outstanding problem-solving skills, a vision to connect pieces for a holistic view, and a commitment to human development, he will undoubtedly become a respected leader with significant influence.”

Trung told VietNamNet that he is working in Singapore as an investor at a global fund, focusing on promising businesses in Southeast Asia in healthcare, education, finance, and technology, including the Vietnamese market.

“I want to support businesses tackling social issues in Vietnam, from helping them raise capital and develop strategies to managing operations and scaling up. For me, this is the most practical way to contribute to improving the quality of life for communities, especially vulnerable groups. I believe that business models creating social impact are the foundation for long-term sustainable development,” Trung said.

Tu Huy