When Passion is Found through Daring to Try — Storyteller of the Stage

From the moment he set foot in the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, Son-Anh Dao — an alumnus of Class K45, International Communication — began a journey of self-discovery through constant challenges. Starting out as an enthusiastic student actively involved in clubs and extracurriculars, he gradually uncovered his passion for emceeing across a wide range of events. His story isn’t just about finding a calling; it’s a testament to the growth that stems from experience, perseverance, and the courage to pursue one’s dreams.

The Academy – Where Discovery and Growth Began

Reflecting on his early memories at the Academy, Son-Anh vividly recalls the whirlwind of activity during his freshman year — staying up late to meet deadlines while juggling multiple commitments. From organizing the “Chào khoá mới” event to preparing for the “DAV Leader” competition and attending countless club interviews, he realized: “University life isn’t short on challenges, but it’s brimming with exciting opportunities.

Looking back, he remembers the thrill of being a first-year student — eager to seize every opportunity, no matter how small. Over time, he learned to strike a balance between academic life and personal passion. As President of MIC Club and later Vice President of the Student Union, each role brought new lessons — from leadership and teamwork to self-discipline amid a fast-paced environment. Through it all, he built not only experience but also a meaningful network of mentors and peers, many of whom continue to walk alongside him today.

To Son-Anh, the Diplomatic Academy gave him three invaluable “treasures”: A network — from mentors and classmates to younger students, who continue to support and inspire him; Knowledge — gained from courses in international relations, history, and culture, which now serve as a strong foundation for his bilingual hosting career; Skills — honed through student union and club activities, including teamwork, event planning, and public speaking, which have empowered him to adapt confidently to any situation.

A Passion Named: Falling for Emceeing from the Very Start

Son-Anh’s stage presence didn’t begin in college. As a child, he was already familiar with public speaking through flag ceremonies and student activities. But it was at the Diplomatic Academy — and especially through MIC Club — that he truly entered the professional arena. It was a space where his dedication was both cultivated and rewarded with real-world experience. Since then, he has hosted over 300 events, ranging from academic forums and conferences to government-organized programs. “No event is ever the same,” he shares. “Every stage brings a new challenge that demands preparation and constant adaptability.”

One unforgettable moment came during his second year of university, while emceeing an economics event at Foreign Trade University. Mid-program, the LED screen behind him suddenly went dark. With no visual aid or backup script, the entire stage froze. But instead of panicking, he quickly composed himself and kept the momentum going, speaking continuously for 10–15 minutes to keep the audience engaged.

“That was when I truly understood the importance of soft skills — from handling unexpected situations to mastering language and staying calm in front of a crowd,” he says. His ability to improvise wasn’t accidental. English-for-IR courses at the Academy not only sharpened his language proficiency but also trained him in quick thinking and effective communication. The combination of academic training and real-world experience has helped shape a poised, professional version of himself — something he believes many DAV alumni can relate to.

Whether at educational seminars or international programs, the young emcee from DAV has never stopped learning, growing, and fueling his passion. But above all, he holds one principle close: “No matter how many shows I’ve hosted, I never let myself get complacent. Every stage is a new experience — and I must always be ready.”

Maturing through Perspective: Communication and Emotional Intelligence as Keys to Success

If he had to name the two most essential qualities for entering the workforce, Sơn Anh would choose communication and foreign languages. Communication here goes beyond public speaking — it’s about empathy and clarity in expressing oneself. “It doesn’t matter if you’re introverted or extroverted. What matters is your ability to connect,” he says. Struggling with limited vocabulary in English early on, he read extensively to improve. “Being a great communicator is the result of constant practice.”

In addition to IQ — or academic knowledge — he emphasizes the importance of EQ, or emotional intelligence, which can only be developed through real-life encounters: interacting with diverse people, managing difficult situations, stumbling and learning to rise again. “Every time you dare to try something new, you learn something. Passion doesn’t always show up at the beginning — sometimes, you find it along the way.”

When asked to offer advice for aspiring students, to become bilingual emcees, Son-Anh underscores three key points. First, to know one's strengths. Emceeing isn’t limited to live events. There are opportunities in radio, podcasting, voice-over work, and more. Understanding your voice, interests, and intellectual foundation will guide you towards the most suitable path. Secondly, consistent practice. From classroom presentations to leading small events, or joining clubs, every experience is a valuable chance to hone your skills. “No course can replace the lessons learned from hands-on experience”, he affirms. Finally, Son-Anh especially underscores the importance of linguistic capabilities—a defining advantage of DAV students pursuing emceeing. But learning English shouldn’t feel like a burden. Instead, immerse yourself in the language through things you love — movies, podcasts, or familiar topics in English. When you learn out of passion, progress comes naturally.

From his first classroom presentations to the spotlight of hundreds of events, Son-Anh’s journey is one of a young person striving to become the best version of himself. The Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam didn’t just provide him with knowledge and skills — it opened doors for growth, challenges, and transformation. To Sơn Anh, being an emcee — especially a bilingual one — is more than a job. It’s a way to tell stories, build connections, and spread positivity. And most importantly, that journey began with one simple decision: to dare to try. Because only by stepping outside your comfort zone can you truly discover your passion.

Thu Huyền