24-year-old vu thi khanh linh, from thai nguyen, had a busy last week of august, starting her first week at tsinghua university's shenzhen campus. She is enrolled in the master's program for internet and innovation design, an interdisciplinary program focusing on management and technology with an emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI) applications.

Tsinghua university consistently ranks among the top universities globally, placing between 12th and 17th according to prestigious rankings like QS and times higher education. Linh received a full scholarship covering 100% of her tuition, approximately 33,000 CNY (around 120 million VND).

Vu Thi Khanh Linh. Photo: Provided by the subject

Vu Thi Khanh Linh. Photo: Provided by the subject

A graduate of the specialized chinese language program at thai nguyen specialized high school, linh's interest in business stemmed from observing her family's small trading business. This led her to pursue a degree in chinese for business at the foreign trade university, combining her language skills with her passion for business.

At university, linh explored technology and AI. Her first AI-related project, which examined the impact of tiktok's algorithms on student behavior, received an honorable mention at the 2022 Eureka national student research competition.

Around the same time, during the Covid-19 pandemic, linh co-founded a fruit tea project. Recognizing the demand for convenient tea options, she and her partners imported concentrated fruit tea blends that only required water for preparation.

"AI was used in customer research," Linh said.

While she had considered studying abroad, the idea solidified after graduation. Working in research and development at a cosmetics and household goods startup, linh recognized gaps in business operations, prompting her to pursue further education in management.

Linh's initial application to tsinghua university's internet and innovation design program in 2024 was unsuccessful. She attributed this to a less compelling application and an essay that merely reiterated her CV.

For her second attempt, linh chose doraemon as the central theme for her essay.

Using the adventures of nobita, doraemon, and their friends with their futuristic gadgets, linh illustrated the pervasiveness and impact of AI. She also cautioned against the potential consequences of over-reliance on this "gadget." She connected this narrative to her projects, work experience, aspirations, and post-graduate goals.

"I believe tsinghua values storytelling, so the essay was a highlight, distinguishing my application," linh assessed.

Linh's portfolio also included two projects in education and social work, utilizing AI to facilitate two-way communication for the hearing impaired. She focused on marketing, gathering customer feedback to refine the products.

Through these projects, linh demonstrated her commitment to the field and her ability to apply AI to improve lives.

Two days after clearing the application round, linh faced the interview panel. Initially intimidated by the 15 interviewers, she quickly regained her composure, finding them receptive and attentive. The focus was less on academic achievements and more on situational questions and problem-solving scenarios, assessing her critical thinking and perspective.

Khanh Linh at her Foreign Trade University graduation. Photo: Provided by the subject

Khanh Linh at her Foreign Trade University graduation. Photo: Provided by the subject

Dr. Nguyen Bao Ngoc, from the chinese language department at the foreign trade university, mentored linh throughout her studies, research, and application process. Ngoc described linh as meticulous and detail-oriented. With the application deadline set for 5 PM on 31/5, linh submitted just minutes prior, allowing Ngoc a final review to ensure everything was perfect.

According to Ngoc, while linh is fluent in chinese, holding an HSK 6 certificate, the program will be conducted in english. Ngoc is confident that linh's abilities and drive will lead to success in her studies.

After completing her master's, linh plans to spend 1-2 years on international projects in China, applying AI to supply chain management and market demand forecasting, to gain practical experience.

Long term, she intends to return to Vietnam, working in management consulting for small and medium-sized enterprises. She believes this is where AI can significantly enhance competitiveness, optimize operations, and predict consumer demand.

Thanh Hang