Trinh Nguyen Hong Minh, the 2015 winner of The Voice Kids of Vietnam, has become a freshman in the DTU program of Odonto-Stomatology and received a full scholarship.
Despite pursuing her passion for singing, she has always nurtured the dream of becoming a doctor. Hong Minh, dubbed “Cong chua Toc may” (Rapunzel), explains that she had her sights set on DTU since the summer she was in 11th grade due to her interest in dentistry. After receiving advice and information about the program from lecturers, she did some research and grew confident in the university’s investment in its facilities, curriculums, and lecturers to ensure a high-quality education.
Her chosen field involves both beauty and health, and so requires a lot of effort from students. Hong Minh therefore believes that, if she works hard and strives for excellence, she will achieve the success she desires, regardless of environment.
“Being enrolled and getting a full scholarship from DTU, I’m super excited about the important university journey ahead,” the young singer adds.
Hong Minh in Hoi An ancient town. Photo: Hong Minh
In 2015 when she was just nine, Hong Minh participated in The Voice Kids. Her clear voice captured the hearts of millions of viewers. With her long, flowing hair, she received the nickname Rapunzel, which has stuck with her ever since. After the finals night, she received more than 50% of the audience votes, proving her charm and talent and making her the youngest winner of the show ever.
With her performance of Fall in Line at the Sing Out Loud 2023 music competition, Hong Minh once again impressed the judges and won the contest. Her mother explains that Hong Minh started showing her singing talent from a very young age. Even before she could read and write, Hong Minh knew a great number of songs by heart. She was a regular in many programs in Danang already before she won The Voice Kids of Vietnam.
“Hong Minh’s idol is My Tam, an outstanding singer from Danang,” her mother added. “She hopes one day to equal her great artistic success.”
Hong Minh met Hero of Labor and Distingushed Teacher Le Cong Co
at the 2020 National Patriotic Emulation Congress in Hanoi. Photo: Hong Minh
Besides her artistic endeavors, Hong Minh has an outstanding academic record and actively participates in social activities. She maintained the title of skilled student throughout her twelve years of primary and secondary school. She has won top prizes in numerous competitions, from city to national level, such as first prizes in the city-level science & technology contests of 2021 and 2023, first prizes in the city-level youth informatics contests in 2015 and 2019, and the title of Exemplary Citizen of the city conferred by the city Chairman in 2017.
Hong Minh explains that her mother is always there for her and encourages her to prioritize her studies. Even after she won The Voice Kids of Vietnam in 2015, she only accepted singing engagements on days off or during holidays and festivals.
“Outside of that, I devote all my time to schoolwork and self-study, for the best possible results,” Hong Minh adds.
Hong Minh with her parents after she won a first prize in the 2019 city-level youth informatics contest. Photo: Hong Minh
Besides her focus on studying and music, Hong Minh devotes a significant amount of time to community activities. She takes part in charitable work both domestically and internationally, which has earned her numerous certificates of merit at the national and city levels. She donates the prize money from the many music competitions to help those in need. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Hong Minh appeared in many music videos for the community, using her voice to spread meaningful messages and uplift people’s spirits.
(Media Center)