Valedictorian of Marketing, Class 27: The Pioneering Spirit of a Generation Mastering Technology

Nguyen Dinh Duy Khanh, Valedictorian of the Marketing major, Class 27, represented the graduates in delivering his speech at Van Lang University’s Commencement on the morning of August 17, 2025. From his learning experience during the pandemic to his research orientation toward artificial intelligence, Khanh shared lessons of growth, gratitude, and the aspirations of Van Lang University’s student generation.

Dear distinguished lecturers, honored parents, and fellow graduates,

My name is Nguyen Dinh Duy Khanh, Valedictorian of Marketing, Class 27. Today marks an important milestone for me and for all of us - a celebration of recognition and maturity, opening a new chapter of our lives. We are gathered here to reflect upon the book we have studied so diligently over the past years, a book entitled ‘Van Lang—The University Journey’. 

Four years ago, as we stepped through the gates of VLU, we were welcomed not by bustling classrooms but by virtual screens, as the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped our learning. At times, I thought that was a challenge, even a loss - an unexpected disadvantage that deprived us of opportunities and social experiences we might have enjoyed. We missed gatherings with friends after classes, the close bond between students and lecturers, and the sense of belonging within Van Lang University’s vibrant campuses.

Nevertheless, the university continuously promoted online academic activities, talk shows, workshops, and sharing sessions to provide students with the best possible support. The bond between lecturers and students was maintained through pioneering orientations in online teaching and technological innovations, ensuring that no student was left behind.

Now that we can finally gather here together after those challenging years, I realize that the period of online learning has, in fact, trained us in valuable ways. It strengthened our self-learning skills—in a field like marketing, where knowledge is vast and passive learning alone is never enough. It also instilled in us self-discipline—a trait essential in a market that demands consistency and progress control.

Although social distancing kept us apart, technology served as the bridge that drew us closer together. I became close to peers whom I first encountered in online classes, and together we have journeyed through nearly every course throughout four years. My teammates and I were honored to win Third Prize at the Vietnam Creative Advertising Awards 2024, organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism - a distinguished recognition of our relentless effort and our ability to apply acquired knowledge into tangible practice. This achievement has further crystallized my aspiration to pursue the career path of a strategic planner. 

We can confidently call ourselves a pioneering generation - one that has demonstrated unparalleled adaptability and technological fluency. These strengths did not come from privilege or luck, but were honed in the crucible of unexpected trials and sudden upheavals.

Speaking of technology, the world has recently witnessed the remarkable rise of artificial intelligence. Many of us, during our undergraduate years, may have wrestled with questions like: “Could AI ultimately replace human labor? What can we, as newcomers in the field, do to manage digital tools effectively?” These contemplations gradually awakened in me a deep-seated passion and intellectual curiosity.

I had the opportunity to engage in deeper explorations through Student Research projects and my Graduation Thesis entitled ‘The Influence of AI Streamers on the Customer Purchase Journey via Mediating Amplifying and Inhibiting Factors.’ From this research, I realized that without human guidance and control behind the system, AI would struggle to embody true ‘essence’ and ‘spirit’.

Through this journey, I came to realize that VLU students are not only trained in the ‘substance’ that enables us to keep pace with digital transformations, but also cultivated in the ‘spirit’ - the skills and attitudes required to withstand the rigor of a competitive labor market. In that sense, it is not technology that controls us; rather, we are the true stewards of marketing technology.

There are three lessons I wish to remind myself of, and also to share with you today:

One, face change with courage. Do not run away from problems - run toward them, and show them who truly holds the power.

Two, practice makes perfect. Honor the process, instead of expecting perfection overnight.

Three, in addition to the four ‘fires’ we often hear about - ‘Career,’ ‘Family,’ ‘Friends,’ and ‘Learning’ - I believe in a fifth fire: ‘Yourself.’ Always love yourself!

I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to my family, friends, companions, and teammates who have always stood by my side and supported me along the way. My sincere thanks go to the Faculty of Commerce and all the professors of VLU who have steered the ship of knowledge for over 30 years. I am deeply indebted to Ms. Le Vu Lan Oanh, who guided and supported me at the very beginning of my academic research journey. Through her rigorous feedback and her relentless reminders of deadlines, I learned what true discipline in scholarship means.

Everyone has to start somewhere. And for us, that starting point is right here —  the Marketing Major, Faculty of Commerce, Van Lang University. With heartfelt respect, I bid a farewell to our lecturers, say goodbye to my friends, and see you again someday in a brighter, greater future. Thank you, everyone. Thank you, Van Lang University!

NGUYEN DINH DUY KHANH
Valedictorian of Class 27
Marketing Major, Van Lang University