Vu Phuong Thuy was awarded the British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM 2025–26. She is currently studying for an MSc in Artificial Intelligence at Brunel University of London.
Can you share your personal journey into STEM field and what inspired you to choose this education path?
When I was in high school, I majored in social sciences and had a deep passion for graphic design. Everything changed when I discovered the incredible things that artificial intelligence (AI) could create in this field. It truly felt like witnessing a miracle. That moment inspired me to step into the world of AI, even though I had no background in mathematics or programming.
At first, the journey was challenging. Coming from a social science background, I had to start from zero and work hard to understand technical subjects. But as I gradually learned more about AI, I realised that every algorithm begins with a hypothesis which is originated from an existing problem. I came to see that AI is not a mysterious 'black box', it’s something we can understand and explain. Gradually, I love doing research in this field.
I want to help other students who are curious about AI, just like I once was. By deepening my expertise and pursuing this academic path, I hope to become a lecturer who can guide and inspire others, and ultimately contribute to the technological development of my country.
Are there any challenges or achievements that you would like to share with us while pursuing your STEM journey?
As I mentioned before, I came from a social science background, so when I first started studying STEM, I felt a lot of pressure. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t fully understand subjects like Machine Learning or Deep Learning. Sometimes I got so frustrated that I would just lie down and stare blankly at the ceiling, but then the fear of falling behind would push me to get back up and study again.
There was a time when I was so determined that I forced myself to wake up before 4:30 a.m. every morning, just to prepare lessons and keep up with my classmates, I spent my whole day being in class and in my lab. During exam periods, the pressure was overwhelming, I even called my mom crying, or sometimes left the classroom to sit on the stairs and cry at break time. But after every tear, I would wipe my eyes, take a deep breath, and go back to studying. Strangely enough, crying became my way of releasing pressure.
I’ve never been naturally gifted, so I knew I had to work harder than others. And eventually, things got better. Now, I’ve earned a scholarship, which to me is proof that as long as I don’t give up, effort will always lead to good luck.
Are there any tips or personal experience that you would like to share?
I don’t think I have any special tips, but there’s a quote I always remind myself of: 'The harder you work, the luckier you become.' I do believe that success is not just about talent. So, I always strive to be kind, disciplined, and determined.
How do you feel when you receive the scholarship and how has it helped to open doors for you?
I felt truly happy and proud – because it proved that all my efforts were worth it. I’m grateful for the opportunity to study abroad, to learn in a new environment, to meet new people who inspire me, and to grow into an independent and strong woman. More than that, it gives me hope that one day I can provide a better life for my parents and contribute back to the place that has shaped me.
What would you say to yourself 10 years back about pursuing your passion?
Ten years ago, I think I was still too young to truly understand what my passion was. At that time, I just loved pretending to be a teacher. I used to imagine my closet was a blackboard and taught 'students' who only existed in my imagination. I even told my mom that when I grew up, I wanted to study abroad – just like the seniors I saw on TV. So honestly, I don’t think I would have much to say to my younger self, maybe just this: 'If you love teaching that much, then study a little harder, and always be a kind person. I’m truly thankful to you, because without your dreams and imagination, I wouldn’t be who I am today. Just remember this: the harder you work, the luckier you become.'