UNIS Hanoi’s very first scholar, Nam Nguyen has successfully joined the world of work after graduating from university this Summer.

The 24 year-old from Hanoi has gained employment as a Software Engineer at Microsoft, where he’s been tasked to devise new coding languages. Working as part of an innovative team from Microsoft’s mega office in Washington State, USA, Nam’s new career is a remarkable feat for the son of a motorbike taxi driver who could never have imagined a life outside of Hanoi.

Nam joined UNIS Hanoi in 2013 and graduated from the School in 2016 with a perfect score (45/45) in the IB Diploma. His high school success resulted in a full scholarship to William’s College in the United States of America where he majored in computer science.

Reflecting on his journey, Nam says he’s thankful to UNIS Hanoi for transforming his life. He added, “By accepting the offer to study at UNIS Hanoi, I had the opportunity to step outside of my comfort zone and really break through limits that were imposed upon me just because of my family’s financial background. The programme has helped me go further than I ever would have imagined.”

Although he works in the USA, Nam makes sure to return to his beloved Vietnam every single year – to see his parents and to mentor the 14 UNIS Hanoi scholars that have followed in his footsteps.

UNIS Hanoi has invited bright and talented teens from low income backgrounds in Hanoi to apply for a scholarship to study at the School from next academic year – 20/21. Nam urges students who qualify to apply, saying the sacrifice of friendships and familiar environments is well worth it. He concluded, “It’s really about the trade off. I’m convinced the rewards and benefits you get by studying at UNIS Hanoi is worth the trade off.