"I realized that as long as you dare to step out of your comfort zone, the world will open up before your eyes."
— Lý Phi Lân, President of the Student Association, University of Information Technology, representative of Vietnam at AUN Summer Camp 2025
In mid-June, under the vibrant summer sun, Lý Phi Lân set off for Brunei to participate in the AUN Summer Camp 2025 – a regional summer program for university students from ASEAN countries. This year’s theme, “Green Stewardship: Preserving Biodiversity and Advancing Sustainable Development,” brought together youth committed to shaping a better future. For Lân, a fourth-year student at the University of Information Technology (UIT), the trip not only represented Vietnam on the international stage, but also marked the beginning of an inspiring personal transformation — a journey of a young person carrying the proud “UIT spirit.”
STEPPING OUT OF THE COMFORT ZONE – MEETING A NEW VERSION OF YOURSELF
As the President of the Student Association at UIT, Lý Phi Lân is no stranger to local student activities. But for the first time, setting foot in another country, living and working in a multicultural environment, was something completely new. The moment he boarded the plane to Brunei, he told himself: “This is where I’ll learn how to grow — in a different way.”
Representing UIT and Vietnam at an ASEAN-level summer camp was not only a great honor but also a true challenge — from adapting to new cultures, presenting in English, to even stepping into the unfamiliar world of acting in a media production. Yet each activity opened a new door for Lân — a space where confidence was built through the willingness to speak, to try, and to push boundaries.
Brunei welcomed Lân with tall palm trees, quiet streets, and the beautiful Universiti Brunei Darussalam, often referred to as the “academic heart” of the nation. Lân shared that what impressed him most wasn’t the advanced facilities or technology, but the way people there deeply respected nature — making environmental consciousness a core part of their education. Every seminar and lecture on sustainability felt like a new window opening in his mind.
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM – STORIES THAT STAY
The journey extended beyond university halls. Lân visited traditional fishing ports, golden royal palaces under the setting sun, and wandered through Kampong Ayer, the iconic water village that felt like a living museum. Each destination told a story. Each story revealed a new perspective on culture, the environment, and the soul of Southeast Asia.
REPRESENTING VIETNAMESE CULTURE – THROUGH SIMPLICITY AND SINCERITY
Without needing anything extravagant, Lân represented Vietnam with authenticity: a traditional performance, a presentation on protecting marine ecosystems, and heartfelt conversations introducing Vietnamese culture to international friends.
Throughout his days in Brunei, he portrayed the image of a UIT student who is dynamic, confident, knowledgeable, and proud of his roots. Whether under the flowing áo dài on stage during cultural exchange or while visiting the Vietnamese Embassy, the spirit of “I am part of this nation” shone clearly in his eyes, gestures, and every story he shared.
THE MOST VALUABLE SOUVENIR: THE DESIRE TO CONTRIBUTE
Lân returned with a certificate of participation, countless memorable photos, and dozens of new international connections. But what he truly brought back wasn’t something in his suitcase — it was a fire in his heart: the strong desire to give back to the UIT community, and to further engage in meaningful student initiatives across Southeast Asia.
From group discussions and sustainability seminars to immersive local experiences, Lân came to a powerful realization: young people don’t just study to excel — they learn to make a difference. And when each student takes initiative to connect, learn, and act, the dream of a sustainable Southeast Asia will no longer be distant.
The University of Information Technology believes that Lý Phi Lân’s journey is not just a memorable experience, but a spark that will inspire many others. Keep dreaming big, stepping out, and building connections — because the world is vast, and your youth will always have UIT standing behind you. Congratulations, Lý Phi Lân, for proudly carrying the vibrant “UIT color” to your ASEAN friends. May the doors that AUN Summer Camp has opened continue to lead you toward new horizons — where knowledge, connection, and purpose grow stronger every day.
