Celebrating the achievements of alumni in Viet Nam

When outstanding individuals receive a world-class education in the UK, the effects can last a lifetime. The Study UK Alumni Awards shine a light on the impact that international alumni of UK higher education institutions are making in their chosen fields, and how this was sparked by their studies in the UK. 

The British Council has launched the twelfth year of a prestigious award celebrating the outstanding achievements of the UK’s international alumni around the world.  

The Study UK Alumni Awards are open to alumni living anywhere outside of the UK. Award winners and finalists are leaders in their fields who have used their experience of studying at a UK university to make a positive contribution to their communities, industries and countries. The Study UK Alumni Awards celebrate and showcase the impact and value of a UK higher education and raise the international profile of UK alumni and their former universities. 

The awards are open to international alumni currently residing in any country outside the UK, who have within the last 15 years (i.e. 2010 - 2025), enrolled at an officially recognised body or received a recognised award from a UK higher education institution, at degree level or above (degree level is defined as band 9 and above on the UK ENIC band framework), either at a UK university in the UK, for a minimum of one term or semester, OR awarded a full UK degree level qualification (or higher), awarded by a recognised UK HEI, in their home country (Transnational Education - TNE/long distance). 

Benefits of finalists and winners

  • Finalists and winners of national prizes will be promoted in a month-long promotion campaign to raise their profile on British Council Viet Nam communication channels and external media channels - bringing new connections and business opportunities.
  • Opportunity to share their success, study UK stories with others in British Council events.
  • Opportunity to network with other experts, inspiring alumni in your country
  • The finalists and winners of the global Alumni Awards will be celebrated in a digital campaign that will raise the profile of their story and success. Winners of the global awards will be celebrated on a global scale and invited to the UK to re-connect with their universities, meet with the Study UK stakeholders and to support the ongoing development of their careers.

Award categories

Business and Innovation Award 

Recognising alumni who are active in initiating and contributing to innovative or creative new ideas, solutions or business opportunities, that have the potential for growth. 

  • Areas of work could include, but are not limited to: entrepreneurship, business, technology and finance. 

Culture, Creativity and Sport Award 

Recognising alumni who have carved a career for themselves in arts, culture and sport. We are looking for individuals who can demonstrate their artistic ingenuity, influence and creativity. 

  • Areas of work could include, but are not limited to: arts, design, humanities, traditional media, music, video, TV, sports and online content and audiovisual media creation (e.g blogging, vlogging including for YouTube and social media).  

Science and Sustainability Award

 Recognising alumni who have distinguished themselves through their career and achievements in the world of science and sustainability, and who can demonstrate the impact and scale of their achievements in their profession, and beyond. 

  • Areas of work could include, but are not limited to: climate action, clean energy, medicine, sustainable cities and communities, engineering, industry and construction. 

Social Action Award 

Recognising alumni who have made an exceptional contribution and commitment to creating positive social change and improving the lives of others. 

  • Areas of work could include, but are not limited to: education, peace and justice and reducing inequality, poverty and hunger and broader humanitarian work or work for social good. 

Have you studied in the UK and gone on to achieve exceptional success? If so, apply for one of the Awards. Applications open from 1 September 2025!  

Timeline

1 September 2025 Applications open
23 September and 8 October 2025 Alumni Awards 'How to Apply' webinar
16 October 2025 Applications close at 17.00 UK (BST)
October - November 2025 Shortlisting of applications
December 2025 - March 2026 Announcement of national finalists
6 March 2026 Viet Nam national-level winners announced
July - August 2026 Global finalists announcement and digital celebration
August  2026 Global Alumni Awards winners announced

Applications open on 1 September 2025 and close on 16 October 2025. Finalists and winners from countries hosting national awards, and all eligible applicants from countries not hosting national awards will be put forward for the global Alumni Awards. The finalists and winners of the global Alumni Awards will be announced in 2026.

How to apply webinars 

Join one of our webinars, where we will talk through the application process, help, and tips. 

Register now

Meet our previous national finalists and winners

Among stiff competition from a variety of strong applicants, these candidates stood out. Find out what makes their stories unique here.

National winner 

Nguyen Thi Hai Thanh, University of Huddersfield  

Nguyen Thi Hai Thanh is the co-founder of APAC DAO - Asia’s most extensive B2B network of over 2,000 blockchain projects through education and power business matching. As ASEAN Vice-chair at Global Impact Fintech think tank, she collaborates with visionary leaders, central banks and fintech associations to drive global fintech adoption. Thanh is instrumental to the launch of Tech Vietnam Advocates - the local chapter of Tech London Advocates, a UK-based unrivalled collection of the most influential tech leaders to foster tech collaboration among Vietnam, UK and the world. She is also an Honorary Advisor to BRIC Chamber of Commerce - Women Entrepreneurship Vertical where she joins global female leaders to inspire and empower prospective female entrepreneurs. 

National finalist 

Le Yen Linh, Staffordshire University 

Starting as a management trainee, Linh Le swiftly rose to Associate Manager of Digital Learning at Generali Vietnam Life Insurance (GVL) at an impressive age of 24. Leading a strategic 10-billion-VND project, she orchestrated the digitalization of training for over 20,000 agents, earning the project team GVL’s Best Innovation Team Award in 2022 and 2023. 

National finalist 

Pham Quang Tu, De Montfort University 

With the ambition to revolutionise the way people learn and prepare for exams, while making quality education accessible to everyone, Tu Pham founded PREP in 2020 - a smart self-paced learning and test preparation platform. Since then, Prep has rapidly emerged as a transformative force in online education, introducing unique AI-powered features, including the Virtual Speaking Room and Virtual Writing Room. These innovations have resulted in a remarkable 95% of users experiencing score improvements in as little as two months.

National winner 

Nguyen Phuc Minh, University of Bath  

Minh, an architect shaped by the transformative UK education system at the University of Bath, blends mindfulness with architecture, fostering originality and breakthrough. With nearly a decade at global top firm Foster + Partners in London, Minh co-founded MPN + Partners, infusing designs with depth and purpose. Award-winning and globally recognized, Minh champions meaningful architecture, emphasising environmental impact and community enrichment. Dedicated to advancing architecture with purpose, Minh fosters creativity, sustainability, and global collaboration. 

National finalist 

Le Minh Hoang , University College London  

Le Minh Hoang is an architect and the founder of Lê Studio Architects, a prominent architectural firm engaged in the practice of architecture and cultural research. Hoàng is also a distinguished lecturer at the Faculty of Architecture, Hanoi University of Architecture. 

National finalist 

Nguyen Hoang Anh Trung, Bournemouth University  

Nguyen Hoang Anh Trung (Billy) is a young award-winning film producer driven by a simple vision: to showcase Vietnamese cinema globally. Co-founding Spring Auteurs, he and his friends have built a talented worldwide Vietnamese filmmakers' community of over 1000 members, encouraging young talents to elevate their standards. 

National winner

Le Kim Phung, University of Sheffield Assoc Prof Dr Phung Kim Le, Director of Refinery & Petrochemical Technology Research Center (RPTC), and leader of Sustainable Process Engineering Group, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT), received her Ph.D. in Chemical Process Engineering at Sheffield University, UK in 2008. Since then, she has expanded her research interests in science and technology development and applications for the water-food-energy process system engineering field for sustainable development. Currently, as an associate professor at HCMUT, she has been awarded various global research grants from USA, Japan and Asia for her research interests including several emerging fields such as renewable energy, biomass, biorefinery, and bio recovery.

National finalist

Pham Minh Thanh, University College London

Dr Pham Minh Thanh is currently the Country Manager for Vietnam and Business Development Manager for South East Asia at Wärtsilä Corporation – a global company from Finland specialising in innovative technologies for energy and marine industry. His work has contributed to the addition of a new power generation technology called “flexible generation” into Vietnam’s National Power Development Plan 8 (PDP8)

National finalist

Ngac Linh Chi, University of Leeds

Chi Ngac, a University of Leeds alumnus, has over a decade of experience working for nonprofits serving vulnerable people, including disadvantaged children and victims of abuse and human trafficking. Her study in International Communications and deep commitment to ethical communications have propelled her work to share the stories of vulnerable children and women and make a lasting impact in communities.

National winner 

Trieu Thi Thanh Truc, University of Manchester  

Trieu Thi Thanh Truc is an ambassador for Breast Cancer Network Vietnam, BCNV. She was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 28. Having faced stigmas against cancer patients in Vietnam herself and with a healthcare professional background, Truc shared her story on many media platforms to raise cancer awareness.  20,000$ was raised in 2020 and donated to wig libraries across the country. In 2022, she started her project, Trookies, a vegan baking project and donated bake sale profit to local cancer education programmes. In the same year, she donated her hair after growing it for 3 years post-chemo and inspired many other young women. 

National finalist 

Le Duy Anh, University of Cambridge 

Dr Duy Anh Le is a distinguished higher education lecturer, researcher, and development consultant. Currently serving as the Head of the Public Policy Department at the University of Economics and Business, Vietnam National University Hanoi, and as a Senior Lecturer at VinUniversity. His impactful research publications in prestigious academic journals and consultancy projects focus on applying behavioral theories to solve development challenges in developing countries 

National finalist 

Nguyen Trong Hoang Nam, University of Bristol

Nam TH Nguyen, Managing Director of the UK Alumni Association in Vietnam (UKAV), is a social entrepreneur and advocate for education and social initiatives. His current focus is strengthening the UK alumni community in Vietnam, fostering connections, and driving collaborative initiatives. 

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