Van Lang University Student Wins Third Prize at the 2025 National Korean Speaking Contest

Surpassing competitors from 77 institutions across Vietnam, Nguyen Thi Phuong Trang, a Class 27 student of the Faculty of Korean Language and Culture at Van Lang University, achieved Third Prize in the specialized category (for colleges and universities) at the 4th National Korean Speaking Contest – Korean Ambassador’s Cup 2025.

On October 11, 2025, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Vietnam, in collaboration with the Korean Cultural Center, the King Sejong Institute, and Korean Language Centers in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, organized the Final Round of the National Korean Speaking Contest – Korean Ambassador’s Cup 2025. The final featured 16 outstanding contestants who advanced from the Northern and Southern regional semifinals.

This year’s competition focused on two themes: “My Future Self” and “What I Like Most.” Contestants showcased their Korean language proficiency through presentations on family, daily life, interests, and dreams, while also sharing their self-perceptions and future ambitions. Beyond enhancing language skills, the contest also provided a valuable platform for students to demonstrate creative thinking, self-confidence, and a passion for Korean culture.

With dedicated guidance from Dr. Shin A Young, a lecturer in the Faculty of Korean Language and Culture, Nguyen Thi Phuong Trang – Class 27, Korean Language major (specializing in Translation and Interpreting) – successfully secured Third Prize in the specialized category (for colleges and universities). Choosing the topic 나의 미래 모습 (translated as My Future Self), Trang’s presentation centered on her aspiration to become a professional interpreter who is not only linguistically proficient but also committed to connecting people and spreading shared values between the two countries.

Notably, she demonstrated a strong awareness of the humanistic values within the medical and judicial fields and expressed her intention to expand her interpreting expertise into these areas in the future. Trang also shared her hope of one day publishing a book recounting her journey to becoming an interpreter, as a way to inspire young people with the message: “Dreams may begin with imagination, but if you dare to pursue them and keep striving, they will come true—because each of us is the main character in our own life story.”

Trang’s outstanding achievement at the National Korean Speaking Contest – Korean Ambassador’s Cup 2025 represents a source of pride for the Van Lang University student community. Sending a message to students who are learning Korean, Trang shared: “In my opinion, learning Korean well requires not only talent but, more importantly, perseverance. Make the most of every opportunity to use Korean every day—practice speaking, watch films, follow the news, join clubs, or take part in competitions. Don’t be afraid of making mistakes, because mistakes help you improve. As long as you dare to start, you’ve already completed half the journey.”

In addition to enhancing the quality of teaching and training, the Faculty of Korean Language and Culture actively promotes collaboration with reputable partners in Korea, providing students with practical exposure and opportunities to develop public speaking and intercultural communication skills. By effectively applying their academic knowledge and competencies, Van Lang University students have consistently achieved high results in foreign language speaking competitions, thereby affirming their confidence and capacity for international integration.

News: Khanh Huyen
Photos: Provided by the character