A Journey Sparked by a Big Question
Kien An’s academic journey began in an unexpected place: online gaming. By Year 5, he had mastered every challenge a game could offer - an accomplishment that prompted reflection rather than celebration.
“I started to ask God the meaning of life,” recalls. “Why am I here? Is this a prize just like my mom always said?”
This moment pushed toward real-world exploration. He began discovering interests in logic, drawing, and science, and connected with peers who loved learning as much as he did. “I found that I was really curious about the things around me,” he says. “And I enjoyed exploring those interests with others.”
A World Scholars’ Cup Triumph at Yale
Among 33 medals and 5 trophies from various subjects: art and music, literature, science and technology, special area, social science, history, debate, collaborative writing, team bowl, and challenge, Kien An achieved from Ho Chi Minh city round to Bangkok Global Round then to the grand final Tournament of Champion at Yale University, one holds a special place in his heart: finishing Top 1 in the Bowl event at the Tournament of Champions at Yale University.
Calling it “the best happy ending in my life,” Kien An explains that the award represents the total sum of his growth throughout the World Scholars’ Cup journey.
“It’s the award that tells me all of my hard work is paid off - not just a portion like before,” he shares proudly.
Finding Balance Through Friendship
Managing competitions, schoolwork, and personal life is a challenge, but for Kien An, the key has always been community.
“My best way is to have a friend group where we prepare together, study together, and enjoy life together,” he says.
Some of Kien An’s favourite memories come from brainstorming debate strategies or teaching classmates - moments filled with laughter and encouragement. “Those memories,” he adds, “are my incentive to continue to grow.”
As a team leader, Kien An also learned the value of selflessness. “The members of a team need to value the sake of the team more than their own,” he explains. Whether assigning writing prompts or easing pre-competition nerves, he used logic and empathy to guide his teammates to success.
STEM Meets the Humanities
With gold medals in Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics, Kien An excels in STEM - but he insists that his strength comes from balancing technical skill with creativity.
“I really like the quote: ‘Jack of all trades, master of none, though oftentimes better than a master of one.’”
He believes the humanities help him “perceive the world beautifully,” while STEM helps him see it logically. Together, they allow Kien An to think in ways that are both innovative and compassionate.
Kien An’s leadership in the Aseeder Business Simulation reflects that balance. His team created an eco-friendly gaming console made from recycled plastics and supported by solar energy. “Those creative notions helped us earn two silver medals,” he says.
Lessons From the Global Stage
from Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok to Yale, international competition taught Kien An to trust in his own abilities.
“At the beginning, I had no idea how to self-study,” he admits. “I thought I couldn’t do it.”
But with perseverance and encouragement from his mother, Kien An learned to believe in himself.
He also discovered the importance of confidence. Debating with gifted students in Vietnam pushed him logically, while debating internationally helped him embrace style and self-expression. That balance helped Kien An earn a debate gold medal.
A meaningful friendship with Akiho, a Japanese debater, strengthened Kien An’s global outlook. “We both admire each other,” he says. Together, they now hope to collaborate on a cultural and academic exchange between Vietnam and Japan by organizing a small online debate tournament for the Vietnamese and the Japanese.
Creativity at the Core
Kien An’s artistic achievements highlight another dimension of his talents. “I can’t contribute much if all I know is how to calculate force and moles,” he notes. Creativity, he believes, is essential to imagining solutions that genuinely improve people’s lives.
Advice for Aspiring Competitors
To students considering academic competitions, Kien An’s message is clear:
“Don’t think too much - just give it a go.”
He encourages others to embrace not just the achievement of medals but also “the moments you meet people going on the same journey,” and the shared excitement of preparing together. And whenever challenges arise, he reminds them:
“God gives you those challenges for you to grow and always accompany you.”
Looking Forward
Looking ahead, Kien An hopes to use his strengths to give back. “I’m planning to help more people in Vietnam have a chance to debate,” he says. He also dreams of creating STEAM-based board games to make complex ideas fun and approachable.
A Student Who Embodies the Spirit of Learning
With his curiosity, leadership, creativity, and compassion, Kien An represents what it means to be a lifelong learner. We are incredibly proud of his achievements and look forward to seeing how he continues to explore, innovate, and inspire others.
