A passionate student from Lam Son Gifted High School in Thanh Hoa, Vietnam. Aspiring psychologist, community volunteer, young entrepreneur, and lover of art and animals.
I am Do Thu Phuong, born on 5 November 2008, a student at Lam Son Gifted High School in Thanh Hoa, Vietnam. From an early age I have been fascinated by the complexity of the human mind and why people think, feel, and behave the way they do.
Growing up watching my father navigate the human challenges of running a business, and listening to stories of individuals whose mental health went unsupported, I found my calling: to become a psychologist who bridges the gap between human insight and real community well-being.
I am applying for the Bachelor of Psychology scholarship at RMIT University Vietnam because I believe great education, placed in service of others, can truly change lives.
"I chose Psychology not only to improve community health but to guide vulnerable individuals toward decisions that truly serve them."
Led a team of four to design and launch VNG Mart — a solution for supplying and promoting Vietnamese agricultural products and local specialties to foreigners living, working, and travelling in Vietnam. Conducted field surveys at OCOP fairs, interviewed foreign customers to understand their needs, collaborated as a team, and earned Third Prize at the Provincial Youth Entrepreneurship Competition 2024.
VNG Mart is a fully multilingual online shopping platform available in English, German, Chinese, and Thai, supported by a 24/7 customer service team — enabling foreigners to experience safe, fast, and convenient shopping in Vietnam and Thanh Hoa. The project opens promising new markets, establishes a professional distribution channel, promotes cultural exchange with international customers, and serves as an innovative business model that inspires entrepreneurial energy among young people and the broader community.
Provided Vietnamese and English interpretation and assisted VinaGreen in working with foreign business partners. Toured the production warehouse with international clients, conducted product introductions, and co-developed a proposal on emission reduction for agricultural production which earned Third Prize at the Provincial Science and Technology Innovation Contest 2025.
Active member of Lam Son's Fine Arts Club La-Painture. Participated in club exhibitions, school events, and community art activities. Personal artwork spans digital illustration, character design, and botanical painting — all signed under the name Phuong.
Contributed to provincial youth cultural celebrations for two consecutive years. Took part in traditional teamwork activities including wrapping banh chung, tug of war, outdoor team games, and other community challenges that strengthened bonds and brought joy to the wider Thanh Hoa community.
Three years of growth, friendship, and unforgettable memories
The things that make me who I am
Though largely self-taught, drawing has been my lifelong companion. From lavender illustrations to character design and calligraphy, each piece reflects something I feel but cannot always put into words. Art has taught me patience, observation, and the courage to express myself freely.
Animals have always brought out my gentlest, most patient self. My love for them is deeply connected to the empathy and care I want to bring to my future work as a psychologist. Caring for a living being, listening to what they need without words, is its own kind of therapy.
Giving back is not something I do alongside my life — it is part of it
Volunteered distributing rice porridge to young patients and families at Thanh Hoa Pediatric Hospital.
Personally preparing and serving nutritious porridge to children in need.
Organized handcraft stalls and festive activities for underprivileged children during the Mid-Autumn celebration.
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Organized and delivered gifts to underprivileged fishing village families and children during the Lunar New Year.
If awarded the RMIT scholarship, these are the initiatives I commit to pursuing
I believe education only fulfills its purpose when it is given back to the community. At RMIT, I plan to pursue two concrete initiatives that reflect both my professional ambitions and my values.
I will establish a peer support network at RMIT that creates a safe, judgment-free space for students to seek psychological help. In Vietnam, the stigma around mental health still holds too many people back from reaching out. This initiative aims to normalize the conversation and make early support accessible to every student on campus.
Mental health advocacyPeer supportCampus communityI plan to develop a community outreach program that brings basic psychological literacy to entrepreneurs and small business owners in Thanh Hoa. Understanding what motivates people, what builds trust, and how teams function can transform the way local leaders make decisions and relate to their customers and employees.
Applied psychologyBusiness communityThanh HoaA record of consistent excellence across academics, competition, and community
Thanh Hoa Department of Education, 2026
Thanh Hoa Provincial Youth Union, 2024
Thanh Hoa Federation of Science Associations, 2025
Lam Son Gifted High School, 2023 to 2024
Lam Son Gifted High School, 2025 to 2026
School Youth Union, 2024 to 2025
"I am ready to learn, to lead, and to give back. RMIT represents the environment where I can grow into the psychologist and community contributor I aspire to be — and one day help build a Vietnam where mental well-being is understood not as a privilege, but as a right every person deserves."Do Thu Phuong, 2025