When Phạm Khanh Nam Anh (Class of 2027) walked back through the gates of UNIS Hanoi, it was a full-circle moment. A former student from Grade 1 to Grade 7, he returned as a performer, guest speaker, and source of inspiration. Nam Anh began learning the piano in second grade, first exploring music at UNIS through a co-curricular class. What started as a way to fill his schedule soon became his passion.
His return to campus in May 2025 was an opportunity to lead a music theory session and deliver a live performance as part of a music class. He said a drive to support the learning over others was part of his identity as a UNIS Hanoi alumni. “It’s the sense of community and belonging,” he shared. “I left UNIS during the pandemic, not by choice. Today, I wanted to reconnect, see my old teachers, and perhaps inspire some younger students.”
What began as a casual offer to help evolved into a structured and uplifting experience. Nam Anh developed lesson plans, trialled them with friends, and led a session with clarity and confidence. “Music is one of the few universal languages,” he said. “It allows us to share emotions, even when words fail.”
Nam Anh’s connection to UNIS goes beyond music. In Grade 2, he founded the Curiosity Garden, a small, student-led project in B9 that blossomed into a popular initiative with over 40 members across year levels, helping younger students grow and care for plants. The group planted, mentored, and nurtured a small ecosystem together. On his return to UNIS Hanoi, Nam Anh was proud to witness the beauty of the Botanical Garden. “At the time, there weren’t many gardens on campus. I didn’t expect so many people to care about gardening, but they did.”
One of the most influential mentors during his time at UNIS was Mr Cody Taggart, who led the school's enrichment programme. “He didn’t know music, but he believed in me. He arranged for me to have a practice room every block. That gave me space to grow.”
Today, Nam Anh’s curiosity continues to thrive. Alongside his focus on classical, romantic and impressionist piano works, he also composes and arranges Japanese pop music, inspired by his anime-loving friends. “It started as a way to impress people,” he said with a smile, “but now I genuinely enjoy analysing how music is constructed.” Every Sunday evening, he dedicates time to music analysis: breaking down chord progressions, lyrical structure and compositional choices, and understanding the creative decisions behind each piece. His current favourite is Blue by Young KAI.
Looking ahead, Nam Anh is preparing for his ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music) certification. But his long-term dream lies in aviation. “I’ve never left Southeast Asia. I want to travel the world, and becoming a pilot is a dream that allows me to do that while maintaining discipline and purpose.”
Nam Anh’s future may still be unfolding, but it is already defined by depth, purpose and curiosity. Whether in the skies or on stage, he is composing a life filled with reflection, resilience and a deep love for learning.
- Alumni News