[UEH Open Agora] Open Dialogue Series Continues to Engage Nearly 200 Learners in Conversations on Internships, Personal Finance, and the Journey of Growing Up

13 Jun, 2026

On the morning of 12 June 2026, at the main entrance of Campus A, the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) continued the Open Morning Talk series with two dialogue sessions: "Navigating the Internship Journey," featuring HR expert Pham Manh Khoi, and "Healing Talk or Money Talk?", featuring content creator Ly Thanh Co. The program attracted nearly 200 registered participants, creating a platform for meaningful discussions on the common challenges young people face in their academic journeys, career development, and everyday lives.

As one of the flagship initiatives under UEH Open Agora, Open Morning Talk is designed to create a respectful and open dialogue between learners and experts on topics related to education, career development, and personal growth.

Following the success of the first Open Morning Talk session, "A Gap Summer, Not a Rushed Future," the series returned with two new themes: "Navigating the Internship Journey" and "Healing Talk or Money Talk?", attracting nearly 200 learners.

Before the main dialogue sessions began, participants enjoyed a lively networking and engagement segment that fostered an open and welcoming atmosphere, encouraging learners to actively share, exchange ideas, and interact with the guest speakers.

MC Binh Chi hosts the interactive networking activities with participants

Singer Lina Nhat Linh delivers an energetic musical performance during the program

Navigating the Uncertainties of the Internship Journey

The dialogue series opened with the session "Navigating the Internship Journey," featuring Pham Manh Khoi, a human resources and career development expert with more than 30 years of professional experience.

During the discussion, many students candidly shared common concerns before beginning their internships, including having little or no work experience, fear of rejection during the recruitment process, lack of confidence in interviews, and the feeling of not being "good enough" compared with their peers.

HR expert Pham Manh Khoi discusses common concerns students face before their internship.

From a professional perspective, the speaker explained that these concerns are entirely natural for young people entering the workplace for the first time. However, what truly matters is not waiting until one feels perfect before taking the first step, but having the courage to step outside one's comfort zone to learn, experience, and grow. He also emphasized that employers increasingly value a candidate's learning agility, growth mindset, and cultural fit alongside knowledge and experience.

Beyond offering practical advice on CV writing, interview preparation, and workplace skills, the speaker encouraged students to view internships as opportunities for self-discovery: "In addition to developing professional knowledge, young people should identify their USP (Unique Selling Point) - in other words, understand their strengths, recognize what differentiates them from other candidates, and know how to communicate those values throughout their academic and professional journey."

Balancing Personal Growth and Enjoying Life

While the first session focused on career-related concerns, the second dialogue, "Healing Talk or Money Talk?", explored another familiar question facing today's young generation: Should we prioritize enjoying life or focus on pursuing financial and career goals? The session featured Ly Thanh Co - travel blogger, content creator, and author of the book The World Is Vast, Don't Explore It Alone.

Content creator Ly Thanh Co shares his perspective on finding balance throughout the journey of personal growth.

Drawing from his own experiences in learning, working, and traveling around the world, Ly Thanh Co shared his thoughts on the concept of "healing," which has become increasingly popular among young people: "Enjoying life doesn't mean spending everything you have, just as saving money doesn't mean denying yourself every joy in the present. What matters is understanding what you're spending your money on and whether that choice aligns with your long-term goals."

At a time when many young people are simultaneously navigating academic pressure, career development, financial responsibilities, relationships, and societal expectations, finding balance has become an essential life skill. Success is measured not only by achievements but also by one's ability to maintain mental well-being, enjoy a good quality of life, and find fulfillment throughout the journey.

The speaker's relatable stories and practical experiences resonated strongly with participants, particularly when discussing the challenge of balancing present-day enjoyment with building a solid financial foundation for the future.

Genuine Conversations for Generation Z

The spirit of open dialogue continued throughout the Q&A session, where students and guest speakers exchanged views on education, careers, personal finance, and the journey of growing up. Many students confidently raised questions about securing internship opportunities, overcoming self-doubt, dealing with the pressure to succeed, managing personal finances, and maintaining a healthy balance between work and mental well-being.

Students engage directly with the guest speakers during the open Q&A session

Through honest and meaningful conversations between experts and learners, the program provided not only practical guidance but also a supportive environment where young people could feel heard, build connections, and discover new perspectives on their personal growth journey.

Through the Open Space model of UEH Open Agora, UEH is gradually creating an open learning environment in the heart of the city, where knowledge is not simply delivered from experts to learners but is co-created through interaction, dialogue, and collaboration among members of the community./.

Guest speakers and students pose for a commemorative photo

Open Morning Talk – Genuine Conversations for Generation Z

Positioned as "Genuine Conversations for Generation Z," the Open Morning Talk series is one of the three core pillars of UEH Open Agora - alongside Open Knowledge and Open Experiences. The series provides learners with opportunities to express their perspectives, ask questions, and gain practical insights into issues that matter most to their academic journeys and personal development by exploring three key questions: (1) Does every summer have to be about leveling up? (2) Internships, CVs, and the fear of not being "good enough." (3) Short-term enjoyment or long-term financial security?

UEH Open Agora – A Gateway to Knowledge: A Space for Dialogue with the Future

Inspired by the Agora - the public square of knowledge in ancient Greec, UEH has reimagined a modern Learning Agora, where knowledge is openly exchanged, creativity is encouraged, and the future is co-created.

UEH Open Agora is a key component of the UEH City University Innovation Hub ecosystem, transforming UEH's campuses into public spaces for academic, artistic, and creative engagement.

Through UEH Open Agora, UEH's campuses become gateways to knowledge for urban communities, connecting learners, businesses, local communities, and international partners while reinforcing UEH's position as a multidisciplinary, sustainable, and globally connected urban university.

Three Core Components of UEH Open Agora

- Open Knowledge: Creating an open academic environment.
- Open Talks: Cultivating open-minded thinking among the learning community.
- Open Experiences: Connecting people through open experiential spaces and co-creating initiatives for the community.

Pillar: Education

News, photos: Department of Communications and Partnerships, Department of Student Affairs, School of Media and Design