Nguyen Duc Phuc: Steadfast in Sowing Seeds of Knowledge from the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam

Some paths seem shaped by chance, but are truly guided by determination and passion. For Nguyen Duc Phuc—a K42 alumnus of International Economics from the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam—choosing DAV at age 18 was not merely a university decision, but a pivotal moment that opened an entire journey of scholarship, diplomacy, and teaching.

More than ten years later, whether serving as a Ministry of Foreign Affairs official, pursuing doctoral studies in the Russian Federation, or lecturing at the Faculty of International Economics, he remains unwavering: "If I could choose again, I would still choose DAV."

The Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam - Where Two Passions Converge

From his high school years, Phuc was captivated by natural sciences. Logical thinking, analytical ability, and curiosity about the world's underlying principles constantly drove him to seek a field where he could apply these skills. International economics became his choice for exploring socio-economic currents, analyzing global economic movements, and finding solutions for the country's sustainable development.

But for him, economics alone was not enough. Diplomacy was his other great passion—the aspiration to contribute to his country on the international stage. DAV was where both converged: not merely teaching pure economics, but placing economics within the broader canvas of politics, law, and international relations; training economic diplomacy—a vital pillar of modern Vietnamese diplomacy. He shares: "The Diplomatic Academy is the best environment for training, striving, and contributing a small part to the nation's development and integration."

As a student, Phuc's greatest goal was encapsulated in one simple principle: to study truly well, because solid knowledge is the foundation for later contributing most effectively to country, society, and family. He always volunteered for the most challenging tasks in group projects, persisting through research topics to completion. He recalls: "There were times when collaborators withdrew one by one, but I simply thought: this is shared work, and if I've identified the problem, I must take responsibility to solve it—I can't pass it off to others."

This sense of responsibility became his hallmark in the eyes of faculty. From a collaborator, he was retained for internship at the department, then gradually ventured into research. The major turning point came in his third year, when he joined a ministry-level research project with professors—an arduous but meaningful challenge. This experience not only affirmed his academic passion but also opened deeper insights into the research path, young people's responsibility toward knowledge, and above all, helped him recognize DAV's role as a solid foundation that nurtured his research spirit and gave him motivation to pursue long-term academic endeavors.

At DAV, Phuc also matured through Student Association activities. His most memorable experience was competing for the "Five-Good Student" title. Balancing academic pressures with association duties, he persisted in completing his final responsibilities before requesting withdrawal to focus on studies. This experience taught him a crucial lesson: comprehensiveness and responsibility are the most important foundations for development.

The "DAV Family" - An Environment Nurturing Dreams

When asked what aspect of DAV most influenced his career, Phuc readily responds: the learning environment and people there. "The Diplomatic Academy has a serious and healthy environment where students' genuine capabilities are valued. But most special is the faculty's dedication. The professors don't just impart knowledge—they ignite passion. That's why we always consider the Academy as one big family."

This environment gave him opportunities to engage in early scientific research, meet distinguished politicians and scientists, develop skills, and most importantly—discover his passion for teaching. His first "classes" weren't from an official podium, but from friends asking him to re-explain lessons. From those moments, a new love was born: sowing knowledge and inspiring others.

After graduation, Phuc served simultaneously as a Ministry of Foreign Affairs official while maintaining teaching at DAV. His love for the profession of "cultivating people" led him to officially return as a lecturer in the Faculty of International Economics. He likens this experience to returning to school in a different role: "Familiar because it's still those same lecture halls, corridors, and beloved faculty faces. But strange because my role has changed. It's like a mature version of the student: still curious and eager to learn as before, but now with added responsibility to guide the next generation."

For him, teaching and research are inseparable. Research deepens knowledge; teaching spreads that knowledge and brings it to life. He still remembers the Academy Director's words upon graduation: "It's not about really wanting to. Do you have determination?" And his resolute answer: "Yes, I am determined!" became the guiding principle for his subsequent career path.

Stepping Into the World - Carrying the Spirit of Diplomatic Academy Students

Currently, Phuc is a doctoral student and lecturer at the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation. He has published numerous articles in prestigious international journals, received awards for policy papers, and participated in academic conferences domestically and internationally. Yet he always affirms: "Success in research isn't for achievements, but to enrich knowledge, to teach students with updated and profound lessons."

The most challenging aspect, for him, is maintaining steadfastness. The research path is fraught with difficulties, requiring years of dedication. But the joy of seeing students engaged, of seeing his knowledge spread, has helped him keep his passion alive. More importantly, wherever he is, he carries DAV's characteristic thinking approach: always placing national interests as the guiding principle in all analysis and action. This is the "identity" that DAV has forged in him.

Looking back at his journey, Phuc has never regretted his decision at age 18. On the contrary, he considers it life's greatest turning point. "DAV didn't just give me a profession, but also the faith to remain steadfast in that profession. DAV is a big family where I received faculty love and friendship companionship. That's precious capital that follows me to this day."

For students currently studying and those who will study at DAV, he offers three simple but experience-rich pieces of advice: First, always be proactive and self-directed, because the knowledge journey only truly matters when you hold decision-making power and take responsibility. Second, don't fear venturing forth and experiencing, because only through stumbling, facing challenges and failures do you truly understand, mature, and discover your own character. Finally, be steadfast and nurture love for your profession, because only genuine love combined with persistence can give you strength to go the distance on your chosen path—thorny but fruitful.

He emphasizes: "Neither the academic path nor the diplomatic path is paved with roses. There will be many difficulties. Only true love for the profession, for the country, and persistent perseverance can help you achieve success." For him, success isn't measured by titles, but by contribution: contributing knowledge to practice, helping protect national interests, spreading the DAV spirit to future generations.

Nguyen Duc Phuc's story is living proof that DAV is not merely a diplomatic training school, but also a harbor, a foundation, a flame that forges ideals for countless generations. For him, DAV extends far beyond classroom hours—it's where his research aspirations were planted, where patient perseverance was cultivated, and where firm belief that knowledge can transform individuals and communities was instilled.

From an inquisitive student who gradually matured into an inspiring lecturer, then stepped into the role of diplomatic official, and today serves as an international doctoral student, this journey has never strayed far from DAV, because each path he's traveled bears the institution's founding mark. What connects throughout is a simple yet steadfast guiding principle: love of country, responsibility to community, and dedication to knowledge.

These values, forged through every experience at DAV, have helped him stand firm before challenges and continue advancing on both academic and diplomatic career paths. He once shared: "The Diplomatic Academy didn't just give me knowledge, but also a family, an ideal, and a path to follow." This is not only a simple yet profound expression of gratitude from an alumnus to his alma mater, but also sincere faith extended to today's DAV generations: that from this institution, with love, character, and responsibility, you can confidently step into the vast world, but no matter how far you go, you'll always carry DAV's indelible mark in your heart.