Five outstanding international students who completed talent programs (HP) at the DTU Southstar Management Institute (SMi) officially graduated and received their bachelor’s degrees at the January 2025 graduation ceremony.
The international graduates receiving their degrees at this event are:
- Hamid Gul Khan (from the UK) and Sisavengsouk Douang (from Laos) in Marketing & Strategic Management, and
- Three students from Laos in Financial Management: Douangphachan Linda, Phommachanh Padthana, and Keoounkham Tithong.
Their efforts and determination throughout their studies further confirm the capabilities of DTU’s international students. Their bachelor’s degrees officially open the door to future career opportunities.
Four beautiful and talented Lao girls actively participating in various activities at DTU
Hamid Gul Khan: British student who fell in love with Vietnam
Before coming to Vietnam and choosing DTU to study, Hamid Gul Khan had graduated from high school, attended short-term courses, and quickly entered the workforce, taking on various jobs such as a delivery driver, construction worker, chef, and later a customer service representative at Marks & Spencer, a major retail brand in the UK. Hamid also spent four years teaching English online, combining his experience with management skills gained from the CELTA Cambridge course.
Hamid’s love for Vietnam grew over the two years he lived here. He became fascinated by the culture, people, and cuisine, while also recognizing the importance of enhancing his knowledge to meet the demands of his career development. After considering many options, Hamid decided to study the talent program (HP) of Marketing & Strategic Management at DTU, where he believed the international and high-quality environment would help him reach his full potential.
According to Hamid Khan, education is the pathway to new opportunities and success.
Although the decision to pursue a university degree as an adult initially raised concerns among his family and friends, Hamid's determination eventually changed their perspective. "I believe it's never too late to learn. Education is the pathway to new opportunities and success," Hamid shared.
“At DTU, I not only studied alongside Vietnamese students but also with people from the Philippines, Indonesia, Myanmar, Taiwan, Laos, and South Korea, in a multicultural learning environment,” Hamid adds. “I had put in a lot of time learning Vietnamese beforehand, and I believe this made my studies at DTU smoother and will also be of great help with my career development in Danang. With my bachelor’s degree from DTU and the knowledge I’ve gathered over the years, I hope to be able to work in marketing or to teach English in Danang, continuing to build my life in what I consider my second home.”
Phommachanh Padthana: A journey from Vientiane to DTU
Hailing from Vientiane, the capital of Laos, Phommachanh Padthana is a dynamic young woman with an optimistic spirit. Driven by a passion for self-development, Padthana enjoys reading, exploring new cultures, and experiencing diverse cuisines. Inspired by the motto, "Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever," Padthana constantly reminds herself to live life to the fullest and strive for growth every day.
Phommachanh Padthana cherishes her growth journey filled with memorable experiences at DTU
With a passion for finance, Padthana chose the Financial Management major, the DTU Talent Program (HP), impressed by its modern, friendly learning environment and the highly skilled, truly dedicated faculty. Padthana said: “Throughout my time living and studying in Da Nang, I not only gained knowledge but also immersed myself in the culture and vibrant rhythm of a modern, welcoming, and captivating city. All of these experiences have helped me grow, leaving me with many unforgettable memories. The four-year journey at DTU has provided me with a solid foundation of knowledge, professional skills, and valuable lessons from my teachers and friends. These will help me maximize my potential for a successful future career.”
Keoounkham Tithong: Dreaming of becoming a great manager
Keoounkham Tithong is an outgoing young woman from Houa Phanh province, Laos, brimming with positive energy and a love for communication. With her open and enthusiastic personality, Tithong easily makes friends and actively participates in social activities. Tithong chose DTU Financial Management (HP) program due to her strong trust in the quality of education, modern facilities, and the dynamic, friendly learning environment at DTU.
Keoounkham Tithong choosing DTU Financial Management (HP) program
Tithong said: “After studying at DTU, I’m even more satisfied with my initial choice. The practical and creative learning environment has helped me grow comprehensively in both professional knowledge and various soft skills. The combination of theoretical lessons and hands-on practice not only enhanced my logical thinking and reasoning abilities but also improved my problem-solving and teamwork skills. Upon completing the program, I feel incredibly proud of having overcome such a challenging journey. The diploma I received from DTU is a testament to my efforts and will serve as a gateway to new opportunities,”
After graduating from DTU, Tithong aims to return to Laos to make a contribution to the country’s development and become a top manager at leading companies, where he can continue to grow and create positive impacts.
Douangphachan Linda: Have a passion for Finance
Also coming from Vientiane, Laos, Douangphachan Linda chose to pursue the Financial Management (HP) program at DTU. Linda said: “I have a great passion for finance and I decided to study Financial Management (HP) at DTU because it is one of Vietnam's leading universities, ranked among the Top 500 Universities worldwide. I’m particularly impressed by the youthful, friendly faculty at DTU, who are always ready to support me in both my studies and daily life.”
Douangphachan Linda is impressed by the highly skilled and youthful faculty at DTU
Deciding to return to Laos for work, Linda aspires to apply the knowledge and skills she acquired in Vietnam to her professional endeavors, contributing to the economic and financial development of her homeland in the context of international integration. Linda extends her gratitude to DTU, her teachers, and friends, who have made her university journey truly remarkable.
Sisavengsouk Douang: Starting a business in his homeland
Nurturing a dream of owning her own business in her homeland of Laos, Douang decided to study Marketing & Strategic Management (HP program) at DTU. Douang believes that the knowledge and skills gained from this program would provide her with a solid foundation, not only to achieve personal success but also to support her family and contribute positively to the growth and development of her homeland.
Receiving a degree from DTU is a great source of pride for her
When discussing her plans and ambitions after earning a Bachelor's degree from DTU, Douang said: “Completing my studies and receiving a degree from DTU is a great source of pride for me. It’s not only the fruits of years of hard work but also a milestone that opens up new opportunities in my career and life. In the future, I aspire to establish a sustainable business that creates value for the community. The lessons I’ve learned in Marketing, Management, Budgeting, and the teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills gaining will serve as a solid foundation for achieving my dreams and success.”
(Media Center)