16/06/2025
Recap event: Tell Me, Senpai! What's Next After Graduation?
On a warm Kyoto evening, the Vietnamese Society, in collaboration with the International Alumni Center (IAC), hosted an intimate and inspiring talk session titled "Connecting International Students at Kyoto U – Real Stories from International Alumni." The event brought together students, staff, and alumni for an evening of reflection, shared experiences, and future-building.
🌸 Opening Remarks
17:30 – Mitsuhashi Yukari-san welcomed the participants, setting a warm tone for the evening.
🎙️ Alumni Talk Session
17:33 – Dr. Vo Van Tuan, President of KUVS, opened the session with a heartfelt message:
“Whether you are a student, lecturer, or staff at Kyoto U, KUVS is your second home.”
🇻🇳 Alumni Talk I – Dr. Tran Thanh Duc
Rector, University of Agriculture and Forestry, Hue University
Education & Academia
A proud KU alumnus (GSGES ’08, PhD GSGS ’09–’12), Dr. Duc reflected on his years in Kyoto, which were filled with seminars, thesis research, academic publications, and unforgettable friendships.
“Kyoto University gave me not just knowledge, but a vision for building academic excellence back home.”
Now the Rector of HUAF, he is devoted to education and research in Vietnam and actively fosters collaboration with Kyoto University. After over a decade, his affection and respect for KU remain unwavering.
“I hope to deepen institutional cooperation between HUAF and KU for future generations of scholars.”
🌱 Alumni Talk II – Dr.Philip Nguyen
Co-founder & CRO, Sustainability Page
Entrepreneurship & Innovation
From Radiation Detectors to startup ventures, Dr.Philip Nguyen’s path has been anything but linear. After earning his degree from KU’s Graduate School of Agriculture (2011–2016), he ventured into research at the KU Research Reactor Institute and interned at the IAEA thanks to a fortuitous conference meeting.
But his curiosity didn't stop at research. After facing the challenges of launching Gochiso (a social good platform for nonprofits) and Mamoru (a sustainability-focused app), Philip finally struck a new chord with Sustainability Page- a platform centralizing corporate sustainability data.
“KU’s spirit of academic freedom empowered my entrepreneurial mindset. Innovation happens where conventional meets unconventional.”
Advice for students:
- Build genuine connections.
- Be honest, be curious.
- Keep learning and creating value.
💬 Q&A Highlights
Moderated by: Huyen D**g Lam
Dr. Duc on Leadership:
“KU nurtured my collaborative thinking and professional foundation. I grew not just in knowledge but in my role as a connector.”
Dr.Philip on Entrepreneurship:
“KU’s name opens doors, use it. Focus on your goals and let KU help you reach them.”
Advice to Aspiring Educators (Dr. Duc): Be passionate, stay healthy, plan ahead. Think for the future generation.
Advice to Future Founders (Dr.Philip): You can go high-risk early or build safely and return to entrepreneurship later. Both work-if you’re patient.
On AI & the Future:
- Dr.Duc: “Adapt quickly.”
- Dr.Philip: “Solve real problems as you learn.”
On Failure:
Dr.Philip: “Stay optimistic. Think of failure as a signal—not a stop.”
On Connection:
Dr. Duc emphasized ongoing collaborations between KU and HUAF, spanning over 20 years. The academic exchange of ideas, staff, and publications continues to grow “a generational legacy of learning.”
☕ Networking & Wrap-Up
18:30 – Break
18:40 – Networking Session, led by Dao Manh Duc, brought together new and old faces to exchange contacts, ideas, and laughter.
19:20 – Wrap-Up & Closing
19:30 – Group Photo, capturing a shared moment that promises more to come.
From inspiring journeys to bold futures, this evening proved that the Kyoto U community extends far beyond its campus-into classrooms, startups, and leadership circles across the globe.
(By LE Dang)
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