Lien Vy Lam, a freshman in Fulbright University Vietnam’s Class of 2028, stood out in his application by embodying the university’s core values: pioneering spirit, intellectual curiosity, and care for others.
Vy Lam’s journey began with his discovery of the Artemisia plant’s unique properties, leading him to spearhead research and production of a hair-nourishing shampoo. Through persistent exploration and learning, he transformed an innovative idea into a promising startup project that caught the attention of various organizations.
Fulbright’s interdisciplinary educational environment appealed to Vy Lam as his next academic destination. He believes it will equip him with the comprehensive knowledge needed to unleash his creativity in product development. His aspirations include delving deeper into Biochemistry and Engineering for new product creation, studying Economics to understand market dynamics, and exploring Psychology to gain insights into consumer behavior.
Beyond his entrepreneurial pursuits, Vy Lam’s high school years were marked by numerous fundraising initiatives. His genuine concern for his community fuels an ongoing desire to support those facing hardships.
Vy Lam’s habit of staying informed led him to discover the Artemisia plant, known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
He uncovered its potential, yet underexplored, application in hair care and scalp fungus treatment. Intrigued, Vy Lam and five classmates embarked on a research project to produce an Artemisia-based hair-nourishing shampoo.
Developing a novel product posed significant challenges for Vy Lam and his team. As 10th-grade students, they lacked specialized knowledge, research experience, and laboratory access. Despite setbacks in numerous competitions, Vy Lam maintained his courage to think boldly, act decisively, and persevere through failure.
Proactivity emerged as a crucial lesson in developing this “brainchild.” Vy Lam took initiative in contacting ethnic households to source Artemisia plants, collaborating with Da Lat University professors to access laboratory facilities, and participating in competitions to find project mentors.
“Our first attempt at product creation resulted in fungal infections due to inadequate specialized equipment. Subsequent trials failed to meet biochemical standards. It wasn’t until our 19th attempt, when we finally connected with Da Lat University and Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, that we accessed suitable laboratory conditions and successfully extracted standard-compliant shampoo,” Vy Lam recounts, reflecting on his product research journey.
Despite resource limitations, Vy Lam consistently demonstrated a pioneering spirit and willingness to seek guidance from experienced individuals.
Vy Lam’s pioneering spirit and thirst for knowledge
“From kindergarten, I accompanied my parents on street outings, practicing sign reading to understand our surroundings. In early middle school, driven by an innate passion for business, I launched a small venture selling handmade items like bracelets and slime,” Vy Lam enthusiastically shares. However, academic pressures in his later middle school years temporarily suppressed this spirit of exploration and learning.
The Artemisia project reignited Vy Lam’s pioneering spirit and thirst for knowledge. Not content with competition success alone, he aimed to channel his entrepreneurial passion into further developing the shampoo product. Vy Lam seized every opportunity to learn, accumulating valuable experience through each competition.
“These experiences introduced me to business models, product research and development processes, and even university-led training on intellectual property,” Vy Lam recalls, highlighting these pivotal learning moments.
After three years of building on feedback and guidance from competition mentors, Vy Lam’s efforts culminated in representing his province at the national round of the Students with Startup Ideas 2022 competition. He further secured the Second Prize at Lam Dong Innovation and Startup Day 2023 (TECHFEST Lam Dong 2023).
Memory-filled high school years
During periods of project-related uncertainty, Vy Lam found solace in his passion for travel and new experiences. A trekking expedition on the Ta Nang – Phan Dung trail led to a chance encounter with Mr. Nha, a homestay owner who had left city life to support local tourism development in his hometown.
Mr. Nha’s empathetic insights and dedicated efforts opened Vy Lam’s eyes to the challenging realities faced by people in his homeland. Witnessing the material and spiritual hardships, particularly through the innocent gazes of impoverished highland children, Vy Lam realized his own lack of awareness and empathy for the world around him.
This emotionally charged and enlightening journey inspired Vy Lam to initiate charity projects supporting those in need. He organized numerous high school fundraisers benefiting local church children, a widow battling cancer, and a university student grappling with a severe illness.
Through deeper observation, Vy Lam gained a heightened awareness of life’s misfortunes. Each contribution he made represented love, empathy, and a sincere desire to assist others within his means.
Vy Lam’s high school experience became truly fulfilling as he pursued his entrepreneurial passion while actively spreading compassion throughout his community.
