[UEH Open Agora] Open Morning Talk – Slowing Down to Better Understand Yourself Amid the Pressure to Keep Up This Summer

22 Jun, 2026

On the morning of 5 June 2026, at the main entrance of Campus A, the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) hosted the inaugural session of the Open Morning Talk series under the theme "A Gap Summer, Not a Rushed Future." The event featured Hien (Kate) Nguyen, an HR professional at a multinational pharmaceutical corporation in Vietnam, and attracted more than 100 students to engage in meaningful conversations about productivity pressure, hustle culture, and the journey of self-discovery during the summer.

Does Every Summer Have to Be About "Leveling Up"?

In an era where social media constantly sets new standards for success, many young people find themselves comparing their lives with those of their peers. Questions such as "What are you doing this summer?", "Have you earned another certificate?", or "Have you started an internship yet?" may seem harmless, but they can unintentionally turn summer into a race of achievements.

From the perspective of a human resources professional, speaker Hien (Kate) Nguyen believes that the real concern is not that young people are moving too slowly, but that many make decisions about their field of study, careers, or life goals based on popular trends rather than a genuine understanding of their own aspirations and capabilities. She emphasized: "The faster the world moves, the more important it becomes to slow down and think deeply."

Being Busy Does Not Mean Being Effective

One of the topics that attracted significant attention during the session was hustle culture- the growing tendency to equate busyness with competence and personal worth. According to the speaker, employers are not looking for candidates with the busiest schedules or the longest list of extracurricular activities. Instead, they value individuals who have a clear sense of purpose and are able to create meaningful impact through what they pursue.

"Being busy does not necessarily mean being effective. Youth does not have to be lived in a rush. Youth should live with purpose."

Drawing on real-world examples from the corporate environment, the speaker encouraged students to actively learn, explore, and challenge themselves across different fields. However, every decision should begin with one simple question: "Why am I doing this?". When young people understand the purpose behind their actions, they are less likely to be driven by comparison and better equipped to build a personal development journey that truly reflects who they are.

Rest Is Also Part of Sustainable Growth

In addition to the keynote sharing, the event provided students with an opportunity to openly discuss their concerns about academics, career planning, and personal well-being. Many participants shared the challenges of balancing study, extracurricular experiences, work, and personal time.

Responding to these concerns, the speaker emphasized that rest, recovery, and mental well-being are essential for long-term growth. Taking a break is neither procrastination nor a step backward. When viewed positively, it becomes an opportunity for young people to better understand themselves, recalibrate their pace, and prepare for future decisions.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Summer does not have to be a competition.	Young people do not need to fill every summer with achievements or goals simply to prove themselves. What matters most is understanding what they truly need and how they want to grow.
Slowing down does not mean falling behind.	In a world filled with comparison and pressure, slowing down can help young people reflect more deeply and make choices that are more aligned with who they are.
Being busy does not mean being effective.	Employers appreciate individuals who understand their goals and create value through their work, rather than those who simply accumulate activities on their resumes.
Rest is an essential part of sustainable development.	Recharging and taking care of one's mental well-being enable young people to sustain their growth over the long term instead of burning out while trying to meet external expectations.

Through its inaugural theme, "A Gap Summer, Not a Rushed Future," Open Morning Talk created an open and welcoming dialogue where students could reflect on the pressures of self-development and discover a pace that better supports their own journey toward personal growth.

The Open Morning Talk - Genuine Conversations for Generation Z series is one of the three core components of UEH Open Agora, an initiative designed to foster open dialogue among learners, experts, businesses, and the broader community. Through the Open Space model, UEH is gradually building a learning environment where knowledge is created through listening, dialogue, and co-creation.

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