[FAIE: SV.STARTUP] A Journey of Self-Discovery, Surpassing Limits, and Developing Project Management Skills

Today, I – Vo Thi Hong Cuc – would like to share my reflections as a member of the project team “Chom Chom Rang Say – Rambutan Fairy” from Lac Hong University after participating in the competition “Pupils and Students with Startup Ideas – SV STARTUP 6th Edition.” It was a journey filled with creativity and passion, and I am extremely proud to have taken part in this important competition.

With an entrepreneurial mindset and a passion for business, we decided to develop the idea “Chom Chom Rang Say – Rambutan Fairy” – a unique and innovative project. The competition took place over three days, from 11 May 2024 to 13 May 2024 at Can Tho University. Attending the event were the Dean of FAIE, PhD Nguyen Van Tan, and students of FAIE: Pham Thi Vo Hong Dieu, Vo Thi Hong Cuc, Tran Thi Thanh Tuyen, Nguyen Nhu Quynh, and Pham Minh Tan. The event also welcomed contestants who were university students and high school pupils from various institutions nationwide, along with the presence of the Board of Rectors of Can Tho University, representatives of faculty leadership boards, and numerous lecturers and experts in the field of entrepreneurship. In total, the event attracted more than 500 students to participate and cheer, creating a vibrant and enthusiastic atmosphere. It was three days filled with excitement and anticipation, where we had the opportunity to present our idea before the judging panel and other startup enthusiasts. It truly created a platform for us not only to share our idea but also to learn from others, build networks, and gain invaluable experiences in the process of developing our project.

Participating in the competition was a memorable and emotional experience. For me, taking part in this competition was not merely an opportunity to demonstrate my abilities and knowledge, but also a journey of self-discovery and learning from new experiences. While preparing for the final round, I went through many different emotions. At first, there was excitement and anticipation, mixed with a little anxiety. I reminded myself that I had to do my best so as not to disappoint myself. On the evening before the final round, the entire team reviewed our materials and prepared the presentation script together to ensure the smoothest performance possible the next day; all of these moments have become unforgettable memories. Entering the competition room, I clearly felt the tension and pressure. At the same time, however, it was also when I realized that I needed to be more confident and stronger than ever. Facing the judges, I understood that not only knowledge but also composure, confidence, and time management skills played an extremely important role. When our team’s presentation concluded, a sense of relief and joy filled my heart. Regardless of the final result, I knew that I had done my very best, and that was what mattered most. The SV – STARTUP 6th Edition competition helped me grow, not only in terms of knowledge but also in spirit and resilience. I learned how to face pressure, overcome fear, and stand up again after every setback.

I, Vo Thi Hong Cuc – a member of the project team “Chom Chom Rang Say – Rambutan Fairy” – believe that participating in the SV STARTUP 6th Edition was not only about winning a prize, but also an opportunity to discover myself, surpass my limits, and develop skills in project management, communication, and creativity. I learned many valuable lessons from my teammates and the judges, and these experiences will continue to accompany me in the future. With the dedicated support and knowledge sharing from PhD Nguyen Van Tan – Dean of the Faculty of Business Administration - International Economics, we gained valuable insights into entrepreneurship and project management. His dedication truly inspired us, helping us overcome challenges and develop our idea into a concrete project.

Project team after receiving the award at the competition

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the organizing committee for creating such an exciting and dynamic platform, to the judges, and to my teammates who always accompanied and supported us throughout this journey. In particular, I would like to extend my deepest thanks to PhD Nguyen Van Tan, who has accompanied the team throughout this journey and wholeheartedly guided and supported us to achieve what we have accomplished today. The project “Chom Chom Rang Say – Rambutan Fairy” marks the beginning of our entrepreneurial journey. I believe that with creativity, passion, and support from the community, we will achieve even greater success in the future.