I learned about the SIM Master’s program through a poster at my university (SUP’PTIC, Cameroon) in my final year of undergraduate studies.

After graduating in 2018, I always wanted to pursue a Master’s degree. However, by 2019, I hadn’t had the opportunity to continue my studies in Cameroon. So, I looked for other options and decided to apply to the Master’s program at the International School in Vietnam.

To get a clearer picture of life here, I watched many videos on YouTube. That curiosity helped me realize that Vietnam is a beautiful country with great potential, which further motivated me to apply for the SIM program. I was truly excited to set foot here.

However, after being admitted, our cohort (SIM P25) had to face the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, for the first academic year, we had to study online, each in our respective countries. It wasn’t until April 2022 that we officially came to Vietnam.

Despite facing numerous difficulties, the program management team was always attentive and supportive, assisting us promptly to meet our learning needs. Overall, I can affirm that the program exceeded my expectations.

During your Master in Computer Science, specializing in Intelligent Systems and Multimedia (SIM) studies, do you have any special memories regarding your lecturers or learning experiences?

On this occasion, I want to extend my sincere gratitude to Mr. Ho Tuong Vinh, who accompanied and guided us like his own children. He always knew how to motivate us, especially during the most challenging periods.

I was also particularly impressed with Dr. Nguyen Manh Hung, the lecturer for the Modeling and Simulation of Complex Systems course. He was quite strict, but that very strictness instilled in us an important value: success must come from worthy effort. He taught us that to achieve results, we need to work very hard.

Furthermore, I would like to thank Ms. Hong Rosy, an English lecturer, who trusted me and provided me the opportunity to teach French to children at her center for about two months. This experience not only helped me step out of the dormitory but also allowed me to understand Vietnamese culture more deeply.

After graduation, what motivated you to stay in Vietnam to start a business and found the company Asia-Africa Exchange?

Through numerous workshops that the International Francophone Institut, International School, Vietnam National University, Hanoi co-organized, I had the opportunity to learn more about Vietnam’s economy. I quickly realized that this is a market rich in potential and development opportunities.

These events also made it clear to me that Vietnam is a dynamic economy, attracting a large number of investors from all over the world. However, I also noticed that while trade activities between Vietnam and other continents are very vibrant, Africa is not yet adequately represented.

Based on this reality, I worked with a classmate to build a shared vision. First, we wanted to contribute to promoting trade between Vietnam and Africa. Beyond that, we aimed to strengthen Africa’s connection and integration within the Asian exchange network. To realize this vision, we decided to establish a business to act as a bridge for cooperative activities: Asia Africa Exchange.

Looking back at your journey, from an international student to an entrepreneur, and concurrently a husband and father in a Vietnamese family, how do you feel about this change?

When I first arrived in Vietnam, I didn’t think things would develop in the way they have. My initial plan was to continue my studies in France after completing my Master program.

However, today, I feel very happy to have chosen to stay in Vietnam and wish to build a long-term life here with my small family. Everything happened quite quickly, but also very interestingly, to the point that I almost didn’t clearly perceive the transition between being a student and an entrepreneur.

Additionally, my Vietnamese business partners are always open and appreciate collaborating with me, which has helped me integrate more smoothly into Vietnam’s business environment.

Do you have any message you’d like to send to international students, especially young people from Cameroon, who are considering Vietnam as a destination for study and career development?

The message I want to send to international students, especially young people from Cameroon, is very simple: no path is easy. Wherever you choose to study, the most important thing is to continuously strive to build your future.

If you choose Vietnam, take the time to thoroughly research life here, not just in terms of academics but also culture and living environment. Always remain curious and open-minded, because Vietnam offers many opportunities as well as surprising and interesting experiences.

However, to seize these opportunities, you need to stay focused, dare to dream big, and most importantly, believe in yourself. Self-belief in your abilities and dreams is the crucial key to success.

Thank you, Junior Nitcheu, for your incredibly valuable insights!

By: Hanh Nguyen, Hoang Long