Valedictorian of Class 27 in Public Relations: The lesson of “Firm in objectives, flexible in strategies and tactics” in a world of uncertainty

On August 15, 2025, representing the Public Relations new graduates, valedictorian Pham Minh Thu (Honors Program) delivered her graduation speech at Van Lang University (VLU). In her remarks, she shared the values of resilience, wisdom, and faith that she cultivated during her four years at the university, qualities she believes are essential to thrive in today’s rapidly changing world.

Good morning, distinguished faculty, parents, and fellow graduates, 
My name is Pham Minh Thu, valedictorian of Class 27 in Public Relations, Honors Program. Today feels like a dream - a moment that is both an honor and a blessing, filled with pride and gratitude.

Dear fellow graduates,
We are graduating at a time when the world is changing faster than ever: economic shifts, climate challenges, the explosion of technology — especially AI, which is rewriting the rules in many professions, including Public Relations. Jobs once considered “safe” can now be replaced. We cannot stop the waves, but we can choose how to stand firm in the current.

The guiding principle that has shaped my four years is “Di bat bien, ung van bien” (Firm in objectives, flexible in strategies and tactics) — to adapt to change with unchanging values. For me, those unchanging values are wisdom, resilience, and faith. These are the qualities I have been able to nurture and strengthen throughout my journey at VLU.

The Faculty of Public Relations and Communication gave me a safe environment to grow, where mistakes were not judged but respected. If my presentation was not good, I was encouraged to try again. Whenever I lacked a skill, no one laughed at me; instead, I was gently guided to improve, step by step.

No class ever felt boring, and no subject was just about textbooks. Every course was a project that required countless skills: planning, content writing, photography, design, video editing, research, surveys, news writing — an endless list. Through it all, I felt genuinely happy in the process of learning, discovering the beauty of words, and appreciating the true value of knowledge.

At VLU, theory and practice always go hand in hand. Thanks to our lecturers, the Honors Program, and the Faculty of Public Relations and Communication, I had opportunities to gain real-world experience that shaped my confidence. I served as project leader in a campaign promoting green tourism in partnership with the Quang Nam Tourism Association, raising awareness of sustainable travel and cultural heritage of Hoi An. I also had the privilege of visiting Google Singapore, where I exchanged ideas with international institutions and broadened my horizons on education and communications from a global perspective.

I would also like to share a personal story. At 18, my brother and I started a small business: Bep Xuyen Viet (Cross-Vietnam Kitchen). But after a while, I realized I was too inexperienced to lead it forward, so I paused. By senior year, equipped with stronger knowledge in the communication field, I decided to restart the business. The market, however, had changed dramatically: new sales channels, shifting consumer habits, and new waves of AI were reshaping the entire playing field.

I boldly adjusted strategies, streamlined operations, explored new approaches, and expanded into e-commerce platforms. The brand was systematically rebranded to strengthen its presence and visibility. Thanks to the professional knowledge and strategic mindset I had accumulated through my studies in Public Relations at VLU, Bep Xuyen Viet had taken on a fresh identity and achieved growth beyond expectations in just over a year. For me, this was not only a business success but also clear proof that when your core values are strong, no matter how unpredictable the world becomes, you can remain steady and overcome.

Dear fellow graduates, our generation lives in an era of data and disruption. I believe our key lies in two words: “Consistency and Adaptability”. Consistency keeps us grounded, and adaptability ensures we are never left behind. Four years at VLU have trained us to endure: to dare to start even when unprepared, to dare to try again after failure, and to dare to speak up for what we believe in. The world changes fast, but I believe our generation will not only keep pace but also dare to shape that change.

What I treasure most at VLU is that despite our individual differences, we are united by three timeless values: Morality – Will – Creativity. Perhaps it is thanks to these values that no matter where we go, we remain part of one community, one spirit. And on this journey of growth, none of us could go far without the good fortune and unconditional love of those who have always stood by our side.

On this special day, I want to thank my family. Thank you for giving me the chance to study at the university I had always dreamed of, even when at the beginning, you were not sure what “Public Relations” really meant. Yet you trusted me completely. In four years, you never once questioned how I was studying, whether I was serious enough, or how my grades were. All you knew, from my text messages, was that I was trying my very best. Thank you, Mom and Dad, and my family.

I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to Van Lang University, the Faculty of Public Relations and Communication, and the Honors Program for providing us with an open, inspiring, and nurturing learning environment that has prepared us with the knowledge and confidence to step firmly into the future journey.

My heartfelt thanks also go to all the lecturers of the Faculty of Public Relations and Communication for your dedication, inspiration, and encouragement throughout these four years. In particular, I wish to sincerely thank Mr. Tran Quang Thien. We are truly grateful for all the support and guidance you have devoted to Class K27PR01 of the Honors Program.

Fellow graduates, let us take pride in being part of this year’s PR graduating class, celebrating the 30th anniversary of Van Lang University. May you shine brightly and succeed!

We are the generation that will carry the VLU’s spirit far and wide. We are the generation of a rising Vietnam.

PHAM MINH THU
Valedictorian of Class 27 
Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations (Honors Program)