Thang Nguyen

Thang Nguyen spent several years working in business and technology in Vietnam and Malaysia before deciding to come to New Zealand to consolidate his experience and broaden his perspectives with a new framework and global insights.

Now a graduate of the Master of Business and Management (MBM) programme, Thang chose the University of Waikato for its “strong reputation” for international students and business programme opportunities that are practical and well- connected to industry.

“I hope to apply the knowledge and skills from my master’s in workplaces that value teamwork, clear thinking and continuous improvement, and to keep growing professionally from there,” Thang says.

Now living in Auckland, Thang is working full-time as a sourcing specialist for a company that connects businesses in New Zealand and Australia with suppliers in China and Vietnam.

He says the one-year MBM master's programme strikes the right balance between academic and hands-on learning.

A highlight for Thang was the paper EXMBM511 Communication and Collaboration in Organisations, which taught him how to work effectively with people from a range of countries and cultures, strengthening his understanding of global business.

He also valued the EXMBM533 Integrative Learning Project where students design and develop real business ideas – applying what they’ve learnt to create practical strategies, outcomes, and bringing business ideas to life. 

As a recipient of the Vice-Chancellor's International Excellence Scholarship, Thang encourages other students to seek out practical experiences where possible.

“It reinforces what you learn and builds confidence. Don’t be afraid to try new things: you’ll realise you can do far more than you expected.

“Studying at Waikato has been an important chapter of my life. I’m grateful for the friendships, the supportive lecturers and the opportunities that shaped both my personal and professional growth.”