RMIT alumni. Photo: RMIT

Nguyen Thanh Vinh and his daughter. Photo: Provided by the family

RMIT University Vietnam, an international campus of the 138-year-old RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia, was established in 2000 at the invitation of the Vietnamese government. Together with generations of lecturers, students, staff, parents, and partners, it has built a significant educational legacy. The university supports over 12,000 current students and 25,500 alumni contributing worldwide. It has also profoundly impacted the thinking, learning styles, and lifestyles of many young generations.

The university's legacy is defined by academic knowledge and the personal growth journeys of individuals, contributing to positive community change. This foundation of values is formed through thought-provoking lectures, faculty advice, extracurricular experiences, and soft skills development from support staff. Many alumni return to mentor subsequent generations. Parents also play a vital role in supporting their children's education. These factors contribute to a unique legacy, passed down in various ways.

Duong Thu Giang's family. Photo: Provided by the family

Jodie Altan, RMIT Vietnam's executive vice president of external relations, stated that for the past 25 years, RMIT Vietnam has remained steadfast in its mission to equip students for the future. The university not only unlocks learning potential but also inspires students to create change.

Melvin Fernando with business partners and alumni. Photo: RMIT

Phuong Linh participating in student activities. Photo: RMIT

At RMIT, lecturers impart knowledge and create a learning environment for students' holistic development, from professional skills and emotional intelligence to global thinking and intercultural connection. These qualities are cultivated through classes, discussions, and students' personal growth journeys.

"Education at RMIT Vietnam doesn't just prepare students for a job, but for a purposeful life, with the ability to adapt and create value. We empower them with the confidence to lead, the empathy to connect, and the courage to make a difference," said Professor Robert McClelland, head of the School of Business, RMIT Vietnam.

During his eight years in Vietnam, Professor McClelland, along with other RMIT Vietnam lecturers, has witnessed the transformation of young people in the student-centered learning environment. Values such as imagination, empathy, and global thinking are nurtured daily. Thus, the legacy of RMIT Vietnam's lecturers is generations of students confidently stepping into the world, equipped with knowledge, emotional intelligence, and the desire to create positive change.

"A university's legacy goes beyond a degree; it's a way of life," said Le Tuan Anh, an RMIT alumnus, trainer, and career counselor. His work exposes him to many graduates with high grades but uncertain about their future paths. He feels fortunate that over 10 years ago, RMIT provided him with the perspective to understand the world, himself, and make his own decisions.

RMIT alumni. Photo: RMIT

This is one of four key aspects RMIT provides students, establishing a foundation for how individuals want to live and define their careers. First is a flexible learning path fostering student independence and responsibility for their choices. Second, the university employs an open teaching method without standardized answers, cultivating a lifelong learning attitude.

RMIT fosters a multicultural environment and a student exchange network with over 200 international partner institutions to cultivate a globally minded, locally engaged perspective. Finally, the university instills values of respecting individual identities, enabling students to define their own success and design their careers.

Over 25 years, RMIT has supported 25,500 graduates, including multiple generations within families. Many parents have witnessed their children's growth, achievements, and bright futures stemming from their education at the university.

Nguyen Thanh Vinh (Master of Business Administration) and his daughter Nguyen Tue Nhi are a "two-generation" RMIT Vietnam family. They shared that both having the opportunity to study at RMIT is a small family legacy.

Nguyen Thanh Vinh and his daughter. Photo: Provided by the family

"There are two values I'm proud to pass on to my daughter, further nurtured at RMIT: a lifelong passion for learning and a global mindset. Seeing her confidently acquire knowledge and skills each day, I feel my legacy continues through her," Vinh added.

For Duong Thu Giang, mother of student Nguyen Giang Ngan, RMIT is a bridge fostering understanding between them, not to change each other, but to build a small family legacy together. As a journalist with over 30 years of experience, Giang inspired her daughter's career choice, but she still learns from her daughter's knowledge and experiences.

Duong Thu Giang's family. Photo: Provided by the family

"My daughter learns in a modern environment, interacts with excellent lecturers and dynamic peers, and grows through competitions, campaigns, and projects in her field of passion. Each day, she becomes more confident in her thoughts and actions. By listening, trusting, and supporting her, I've given her the chance to build her own legacy at RMIT," Giang added.

At RMIT, a student's growth journey extends beyond the classroom. Behind each step and their confident emergence into the world is the quiet support of the staff, who, while not lecturers, play a crucial role in creating a holistic learning environment.

This team facilitates student development through student life activities, skill development programs, mentoring, coaching, international competitions, and connections with a network of over 2,000 businesses.

Melvin Fernando with business partners and alumni. Photo: RMIT

Melvin Fernando, senior manager of career services and industry relations, shared that his and his colleagues' work goes beyond teaching or career counseling; it's about helping students truly transform. "We help them connect knowledge with practice, their present selves with their future aspirations, so they are confident and ready to build their desired futures upon graduation," he emphasized.

Phuong Linh participating in student activities. Photo: RMIT

For Nguyen Thi Phuong Linh, student activities manager, who has worked with students for years on community development activities, the most valuable aspect is witnessing their transformation. From shy freshmen hesitant to speak publicly, they become confident leaders, organizing professional events in over 60 school clubs.

"Some legacies don't need to be left behind. Some legacies just need to be blended in, lived authentically, and present," she said.

These stories are from the "Your Story, Our Legacy" sharing event commemorating RMIT Vietnam's 25th anniversary. Each story reflects the enduring legacy built daily by the RMIT community. "This legacy will continue to be written in the years to come, fulfilling our mission to prepare generations of Vietnamese students for the future," a university representative emphasized.

Content: Nhat Le - Design: Thai Hung