Duong Nguyen

Duong Nguyen, an international transfer student from National Economics University (NEU) in Vietnam, is embracing every opportunity the University of Waikato has to offer.

Between top academic marks, getting involved in student clubs, and community volunteering, she's ensured her time in New Zealand is unforgettable.

Waikato’s partnership with NEU allows students to either complete the Bachelor of Business in Vietnam; or transfer partway through to study at Waikato. Now in her third year, Duong jumped at the chance to travel overseas and finish her degree.

“I have a strong passion for learning and exploring the world,” she says. “I’m keen to grow my knowledge in an international environment and make new friends from different countries,” she says.

Majoring in Digital Business with a minor in Supply Chain Management, Duong has her sights set on a career in imports and exports between Vietnam and New Zealand.

“Technology is rapidly changing this sector. Studying at Waikato has given me a lot of helpful experience, and I’ve had a lot of support from my lecturers.”

One of Duong’s highlights at Waikato has been tutoring the paper MGSYS101 Digital Business and Supply Chain Management. “Helping students and seeing them improve is the happiest, most rewarding part of my university life,” she says.

Duong also led a team of classmates to victory in the KPMG Case Competition, and they reached the top 10 finals of the Strategic Risk Competition, judged by a panel of business leaders against 50 other universities from Australia and New Zealand.

"This experience holds a special place in my heart — it was the first time I had stepped up to lead a team in a competition setting,” she says. “We had to think critically, collaborate across cultures, and present innovative solutions under pressure.”  

As part of her degree, Duong gained hands-on work experience with an internship at Matriarch Media. "I met new people, learned on the go, and felt that mix of nerves and excitement that comes with new beginnings."

Duong has also thrown herself into campus life. As president of the Vietnamese Association Waikato, she’s organised cultural events and supported other Vietnamese students. She also serves as media director of the University of Waikato Tennis Club.

Driven by her zest for life, Duong hopes to inspire other NEU students to follow in her footsteps by studying at the University of Waikato.

“It’s a great environment with a lot of opportunity for you to study, experience rich culture and make new friends."