Nguyen Hong Phong's path to his current field of study was not a random choice; rather, it was nurtured by his long-standing interest in writing and photography from his high school years. "For me, journalism is not merely about going into the field to gather information and deliver news to the public. It is also a profession that helps me develop sensitivity, situational problem-solving skills, and the ability to work under considerable pressure," shared Nguyen Hong Phong, a student of the 2022 cohort majoring in Multimedia Communications.
Proactively auditing classes to update knowledge
In the field of multimedia communications, Phong believes that practical experience must be continuously enhanced. For this reason, he actively asks lecturers for permission to sit in on classes whenever he has free time, even if he has already completed the course.
Phong and his classmates practice filming and editing skills after class
"To me, knowledge is like a modern product. To remain modern and up to date, one must continuously accumulate new knowledge day by day through classroom learning. There are courses I take today, but only a few months later, the lessons and teaching materials may already have been updated substantially. That is why I often ask lecturers to allow me to audit certain courses," Phong said.
In addition to his studies at the university, Phong takes the initiative to explore new techniques and technologies by watching videos and research presentations produced by students around the world on YouTube. He also proactively contacts lecturers in the Faculty to arrange conversations with them. Although these teacher-student discussions are often filled with laughter, Phong skillfully incorporates academic questions into the conversations to seek clarification and guidance from his lecturers.
Through self-directed learning and regular exchanges with lecturers, Phong has gained a clearer understanding of the content production process, from idea development and information gathering to editing, refinement, and professional self-improvement.
Initial Challenges in the Reporting Process
Phong's early days of exposure to a real journalistic environment were also a period in which he faced numerous difficulties and pressures. Unlike classroom assignments, field reporting requires agility, adaptability, and a strong sense of responsibility for every piece of information published.
Nguyen Hong Phong during his first days working in a real journalistic environment
In particular, when reporting on issues related to public security and order, traffic accidents, or events taking place at the scene, Phong often had to deal with unexpected situations and potential safety risks. Harsh weather conditions, such as intense heat and heavy rain, were also frequent obstacles during field assignments.
Nguyen Hong Phong conducts an independent reporting assignment on the 2026 Lunar New Year
"There was one time when I accompanied police officers to report on a drug inspection at a market. After the police detected a case of drug use, I immediately asked to interview the drug user to collect information. After completing the assignment and returning home, I was required the following morning to undergo blood and urine tests to prevent the possibility of HIV exposure, as a police officer had previously informed me that drug users could carry a high risk of transmitting the disease," Phong recalled.
Beyond the pressure of the working environment, time constraints have also been a major challenge for a student gradually entering the field of journalism. Collecting information, verifying data, and completing articles within a short timeframe require strong concentration and effective task management.
Making His Mark through Certificates of Merit and Awards
It is Phong's willingness to embrace challenges in the reporting process, together with his curiosity and eagerness to learn at university, that has helped him mature and gradually make his mark through various awards and competitions.
Most recently, Phong and his colleagues won Third Prize in the Radio-Television category of the 2025 Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Journalism Awards. In 2022, one of his photographs won the "Journalism Moments 2022" Award organized by the Vietnam Journalists Association.
Nguyen Hong Phong receives an award at the "Shining Vietnamese Values" competition
In addition, Phong won Third Prize in the "Buddhism for Peace" photography contest, jointly organized by the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha and the Ho Chi Minh City Photography Association. In 2024, a video work created by Phong and his friend was also honored at the second-stage award ceremony of the "Shining Vietnamese Values" competition, launched by Sai Gon Giai Phong Newspaper and the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union Central Committee.
Beyond his achievements in professional competitions, Phong also received a Certificate of Merit at the "Young Pen 2023" Awards organized by the Ho Chi Minh City Youth Union. He was also awarded a Certificate of Merit by the Ho Chi Minh City Youth Union for his active contributions to communication and publicity work, particularly through outstanding articles and photographs supporting campaigns, programs, and summer volunteer activities.
Nguyen Hong Phong receives a Certificate of Merit from the Ho Chi Minh City Youth Union
In addition to the aforementioned awards, several photographs taken by Phong during his professional activities have been selected for publication in books, scientific research articles, and tourism communication materials for various localities.
From the knowledge accumulated in the classroom to long nights of reporting for social news sections at newsrooms, Nguyen Hong Phong, a student majoring in Multimedia Communications under the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Van Hien University, is gradually affirming his presence as a young reporter.
Some of his Certificates of Merit and Media Communication task ID cards
Written by Faculties of Social Sciences and Humanities
(Photos were provided by the character)