Khanh Huyen and the team excellently won the second prize, officially winning tickets to the global finals, which will be held in Singapore in the near future.

Ms. Ho Thi Khanh Huyen received the second prize at the contest - Photo: ĐHDT

Language students "win" in business

While studying for a master's degree at Yangzhou University, China, Ms. Ho Thi Khanh Huyen, an alumnus of Chinese language and a teaching assistant at  the Department of Chinese Language,  School of Languages and Social Humanities (LHSS), DTU, participated in the "International Student Business Elites Challenge" in 2025.

The contest is jointly organized by the China Commercial Commission (CCPIT), the China Chamber of Commerce Culture Association and the China Association of Commercial Economics for international students studying at universities and research institutes.

With the form of a group competition, the teams participate in building: A brand development strategy for a legally operating brand with the goal of penetrating the international market and developing sustainably and strongly on a global scale.

The competition not only helps students consolidate their professional knowledge but also helps develop practical skills in the field of business and international trade.

There are 65 best teams from universities across China competing in this competition.

Khanh Huyen's team chose the project of restructuring the Liuli Teahouse brand - a chain of teahouses imbued with Chinese cultural identity, inspired by the classic literary masterpiece Red Castle Dream.

Liuli Teahouse features traditional desserts and unique Chinese teas, integrating unique rituals into the culinary and cultural experience, giving customers the opportunity to enjoy exquisite flavors while immersing themselves in Chinese cultural heritage.

Facing challenges in the process of brand development, the team has built an upgrade strategy, focusing on four pillars: strengthening communication on social networks and cooperating with KOLs to expand the level of recognition, building a brand associated with cultural heritage, etc  optimize the O2O marketing model, and improve user experience through themed store chains and product diversification.

The project helps Liuli Teahouse change comprehensively with a new and different image, with a lot of potential to reach far in the domestic and international markets.

With the values and content of the project with high applicability and sharp presentation and persuasive arguments in both Chinese and English, Khanh Huyen's team conquered the Jury and was awarded the second prize.

The joy of Khanh Huyen (far right) and other teams awarded at the contest - Photo: ĐHDT

Khanh Huyen said: "The members of the team are all bachelors of social sciences and humanities, so participating in an economic-commercial contest like this is both a challenge and a journey of self-discovery.

Since the launch of the contest, we have made a serious plan, looking for businesses to cooperate with and have a clear division of work. This award is a worthy 'sweet fruit', a motivation for us to firmly step in the upcoming global finals."

Step Out of Your Comfort Zone

Khanh Huyen affirms that her experiences as a student have become a solid foundation for her to confidently conquer challenges: "The group projects when I was studying at DTU trained me to think analytically and logical reasoning.

The presentation and critique sessions that seemed to be quite heavy on theory suddenly became an advantage, helping me to present my ideas coherently, persuasively and highly appreciated by the judges.

In particular, the academic competitions in the clubs when I was a DTU student are also the place where I train my bravery to confidently step out of my comfort zone and be ready to take on all challenges," Khanh Huyen shared.

Khanh Huyen received the Duong Kiet Scholarship - Photo: ĐHDT

Khanh Huyen is also 1 of 6 excellent international students who have received the Duong Kiet Scholarship sponsored by Duong Kiet Duong Chau Electronic Technology Co., Ltd., in order to encourage the comprehensive development of international students.

Currently working as a teaching assistant at the Faculty of Chinese, Khanh Huyen is determined to go to China to study, get a master's degree to return to continue teaching. Khanh Huyen said: "Since the days when I was a student at the DTU lecture hall, I have been inspired by the teachers in the Chinese Language Department, lighting the fire of the profession.

Therefore, my biggest wish is that after completing my thesis and earning my master's degree at Yangzhou University, I will return to DTU to teach classes, and I will do my best to inspire the next generation of students in the process of conquering knowledge."