Trịnh Mỹ Anh, born in 2006 and originally from Pleiku Ward, has participated in the ASEAN Youth Conference, the United Nations International Leadership Program and the Youth Summit in Australia, reflecting the growing presence of Vietnamese youth in international dialogue on sustainable development, innovation and regional cooperation.
In 2025, Mỹ Anh, an International Banking and Finance student at Foreign Trade University in Ho Chi Minh City, was selected as one of seven Vietnamese delegates to attend the ASEAN Youth Conference in Kuala Lumpur after outperforming nearly 1,000 applicants.
The conference brought together outstanding young delegates from across the region to discuss ASEAN's future amid digital transformation and regional integration.
Participants from Vietnam, China, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar and Japan exchanged ideas, debated policy proposals and presented solutions aimed at strengthening the digital economy, regional connectivity and cultural exchange.
Mỹ Anh's team also proposed initiatives promoting green development by balancing economic growth with environmental protection and social welfare. Their work received the conference's Best Group Vision Award.
According to Mỹ Anh, one of the most valuable aspects of the conference was collaborating with participants from different countries, each bringing distinct perspectives and communication styles.
The experience strengthened her listening skills, adaptability and ability to communicate effectively in an international environment.
Alongside discussions on sustainable development, Mỹ Anh introduced Vietnamese culture through the traditional áo dài, conical hat-shaped souvenirs and Gia Lai coffee.
She brought Robusta coffee from her hometown and prepared Vietnamese-style drinks, including coconut milk coffee and bạc xỉu, for fellow delegates.
"I also introduced my friends to Gia Lai coffee and explained the differences between Vietnam's Robusta and Malaysia's Liberica coffee. Many delegates enjoyed the Vietnamese coffee, asked for recipes and wanted to know where they could buy it. I was delighted to help promote my homeland's culture and products to the world," Mỹ Anh said.
Inspired by her experience at the conference, Mỹ Anh applied to join the ASEAN Youth Organization and became an official member after passing several competitive selection rounds.
As a member, she participates in regional youth networking activities and engages with ASEAN leaders, experts and international business executives. She said these opportunities have expanded her understanding of digital transformation, green finance, sustainable development and public policy.
In 2026, Mỹ Anh was selected as one of 100 delegates for the Youth Summit in Australia after competing against nearly 7,000 applicants. She was also among 50 international participants awarded a scholarship to attend the program.
The summit focused on innovation, modern governance, the role of young people in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and building resilient communities capable of addressing global challenges.
Mỹ Anh also received a partial scholarship to attend the 2026 International Leadership Program at the United Nations Conference Center in Bangkok, Thailand.
The program brought together youth representatives, experts and leaders from multiple countries to exchange views on sustainable development, innovation and the role of younger generations in responding to global issues.
“Beyond academic knowledge, I always encourage my child to actively participate in activities to gain experience and prepare for integration. Each trip comes with its own challenges and difficulties, so our family always tries to accompany and support her, giving her more opportunities to learn and grow,” Mr. Sang shared.
According to Mỹ Anh, the greatest value of participating in international programs lies not in the certificates or scholarships, but in gaining broader perspectives on infrastructure development, digital transformation, innovation, the green economy and how countries balance economic growth with preserving cultural identity.
She credits both personal determination and strong family support for helping her pursue international opportunities.
Her father, Trịnh Văn Sang, said the family has always viewed education and skills development as essential preparation for global integration.
Beyond formal education, Mỹ Anh was encouraged from an early age to study foreign languages while developing communication, presentation and other soft skills through extracurricular activities.
"Beyond academic knowledge, I always encourage my child to actively participate in activities to gain experience and prepare for integration. Each trip comes with its own challenges and difficulties, so our family always tries to accompany and support her, giving her more opportunities to learn and grow", Mr. Sang said.
Years of language study, academic achievement and skills training have supported Mỹ Anh's participation in regional and international leadership forums. She is proficient in English, Chinese and French, enabling her to compete successfully in international selection programs and work confidently in multicultural environments.
From ASEAN youth initiatives to global leadership programs, Mỹ Anh's journey reflects the confidence, capability and commitment of a new generation of Vietnamese youth seeking to contribute to regional and global development while representing their country's culture on the international stage.
Before making her mark at international youth forums, Trịnh Mỹ Anh had already achieved numerous outstanding accomplishments in academics, scientific research, and youth union activities.
- Second Prize, National Science and Engineering Competition 2022.
- Second Prize, National Round of the 5th “Students with Startup Ideas” (SV-Startup) Competition, 2023.
- Participant at the 2022 Science Torch Conference, featuring Nobel Laureate in Physics 2016, Professor Duncan Haldane.
- One of three representatives from Gia Lai Province at the First National Youth Union Cadre Training Camp organized by the Central Youth Union in 2023.
- “Three-Good Student” at the Central Level for the 2023 academic year.
- Outstanding Citizen of Gia Lai Province, 2023.
