current magazine issue 5

<o})>< Issue 05 , June 2013

The people in

Mark Rudd

Networki ngcatalyst for success

the glasscharacters

of the month

Nick Vujicic’sVietnam visit

Photo by Nguyen My Linh

JUNE 2013 currentmagazine

From the editor Cao Hoang Yen - Editor in Chief

Welcome to the fifth issue of Cur-rent Magazine, a magazine by RMIT students, for RMIT students. It is my honor to present to you the opening words. In this issue we continue to bring the news around the school and insight of RMIT students’ life in the last semester.

Thanks for the help of the student body’s review, feedback and the con-tribution of active and devoted Cur-rent Media’s staff, the content of the magazine has been enriched. Hope that you will enjoy another issue of Current Magazine. We are all looking forward to contructive comments and contribution from you guys.

<o})><currentmagazine

Current Magazine is a free, student-run publication for the RMIT Hanoi community.

EditorialCao Hoang YenPhan Anh QuanDo Thanh Nhan

Nguyen Linh Nga

AuthorsNguyen Linh Nga

Dao Thu Trang Do Thanh Nhan Vu Hong Nhung

Pham Thi Ngoc Diep Cao Minh Duc

Le Thi Cam Linh

DesignersCao Hoang Yen

Nguyen Anh Duc Vu Xuan Quang

Ta Thu Thuy Nguyen Lan Chi

External Affair & Finance

Nguyen Thanh Huong ThaoNguyen Thao Phuong

Pham Thi Thu LyNguyen Trung Kien

Dao Thu Trang Le Tuan Anh

Do Thanh NhanNguyen Duc NamPhan Anh Quan

PhotographersHoang Nhat Duc

Ta Thu ThuyVu Xuan Quang

ContributorsNguyen My Linh Vu Quynh Anh

Mr. Ali Maghoo & Ms. Susan Ren-wick - Career Center

Jacqueline Stewart - ELRC help desk teacher

- See something we missed?- Have ideas for an article?

- Wanna be a published writer/designer/photographer?

Current Media is always looking

FOR NEW MEMBERS, NO EXPERIENCE

required. If you're curious, creative, and enthusiastic, we'll coach you every step of

the way.

Challenges, camaraderie and shenanigans await at

[email protected] contact

Phuong - s3373443 - 0949918222

Facebook.com: CurrentMediaRMIT

Contents issue 5 * Please note that the views expressed in these pages are the personal views of the authors, and do not necessarily reflect the views of RMIT management.

4Cover Story

RMIT Open Day

8. Biz Talk - Into the world of business finance: Advice from

FPTS’ expert 12. Characters of the month

Mark Rudd14. My Story - The people in the

glass16. Club Pub - Featured event:

CFO series & Earth hour

Around UsNick’s Vietnam visit

20

“Do you know that 70% of jobs in Australia are never advertised!”

10Biz TalkNetworking catalyst for success

High Heels The Silent Killer

Meet t h e n e w

6

Tips 4 U

13

Open Day

Open Day, when our college bubble pops to greet the real world. Once a year,

RMIT University puts on a show for high school students and concerning parents.

Like any performance, it is as much about them as it is about us.

Preparation.White foam. Squeaky red balloons.Shameless club promotion and sweet sweet smell of chocolate.Proud as a former highschooler and now an RMIT student.

Unlocking your possibilities.

“"

Cover Story

!

Photo by Vu Xuan Quang & Nguyen My Linh

4 - current magazine issue 05

Open DayPreparation for Open Day

started months before. All students got volunteer re-cruitment emails. Many ap-plied. Some made it into the

list only slightly worse for wear. Mean-while, a few recounted with horror-the phone calls. You know these phone calls. “Hello, would you like to become a volunteer for Open Day?” Asked a voice awfully polite, striking right into the naive hearts of first semester stu-dents.Hectic as Reception room was, it’s beyond me how the staff managed to talkso sweet all the time. Were they Prof Comm students?

Regardless, a week later I found myself playing videos in front of the library and handing out tickets. And hey, if anyone’s still waiting for that laptop in the lucky draw, my sincerest apologies. I was just practicing my sales tactics.

Saturday right before the big day, Recreation room exploded into white foam, cardboard boxes, squeaky bal-loons and more craft and painting tools than any dorm at University of Arts Vi-etnam. From 9 in the morning to well after dark, members polished their respective clubs’ colorful decorations. This makeshift studio was a war zone, yet I’d never felt Open Day spirit more than when I was neck-deep in foams, my friends’ constant chatters a comforting lull over dance music.I looked at them and thought, only the young could dedi-cate so casually. They had enthusiasm to spare, and seemingly all the time in the world.

Open Day started crisp with the wind blowing bad-news-for-hanging-stuff per hour. Most students were present at 7, some at 6:30, discussing duty with their handlers or setting up the booths. I saw ropes, threads and tapes of many sizes creatively employed to secure fragile decorations against the unforgiving wind. As it just kept blowing, I imag-ine many changes of plans were made. None-the-less, we were presentable by 8 o’clock, when early guests started to come in.

I admit I was mostly stuck at my booth, so I can’t attest to what happened in-side. Probably something boring like de-ciding one’s future. But even if I wasn’t there, I know the bus crew and recep-tionists, tour guides and ushers, con-sultants and survey helpers… all lovely volunteers were doing their best to

keep school staff from crying. Outside, music club’s rock band played a constant backtrack, against which was the sound of shameless club promotion. Current Media conveniently provided a speaker, which was NOT used as intended, but you’re welcome.

Culture Club let people takes pic-tures in their booth for 5k. Somebody bravely dressed as Superman. Having lost my wallet, I thus had to endure infinite misery as I walked past home-made flan, chocolate cake, cupcakes, candies and some strangely-colored drinks. A long line waited outside Busi-ness Club to have their fortune read in Tarot. Photography Clublet kids play on expensive-looking tablets. An unspeak-able act was committed in Basketball Club’s booth concerning chili peppers. Aikido Club hosted platonic man-touch-ing. Someone actually carried the foos-ball tables five stories down. Everyone who couldn’t play chess played Igor at Chess Club’s. True to form, the sports club offered exciting games such as kick-ing ball, throwing ball, and taking ballsy Simpsons pictures. Finally, visitors were offered ceramic gifts, which let me know I went through everything backwards.

Having seen the hours of work put into preparation, and now, seeing them all come together, I couldn’t help feeling a little proud, maybe a bit more… Alright I was very proud of everyone.

On my way back across Aikido Club’s “Little Japan”, I noticed their bamboo branches were covered to the tips with prayers. “Conquer university entrance exam”, most of them said, in varied handwritings and ink colors. I remem-bered I had been there once, at a cross-road same as these high school kids. Looking back it seemed an absurdly huge decision to put on someone so young. Then I remembered how they laughed at our quizzes, talked to us, played our games, and savored the food we prepared. If for just one day, RMIT staff offered the parents some peace of mind, and RMIT students let the kids have a little fun before their great fight, then I think we’ve done our job.

A round of applause for us, fellow RMITers!

- written by Nguyen Linh Nga -

"

!

current magazine issue 05 - 5

Nick’sVietnam visit

Can you kick a ball with-out your feet? Or pick up your phone without your arms?Imagine becoming a mil-lionaire evangelist in such a state. Nick Vujicic certainly did. From the eye of an RMIT student and one of his admirers, Nick’s one-of-a-kind trip to Vietnam.

“

”Around Us


Nick’sVietnam visit No arms,

No legs, No worries.

No matter what side of the internet you’re on about the implications surrounding his visit, you have to admit there’s something amaz-ing about Nick Vujicic himself. I mean, when was the last time you went swimming with a

two-toed foot and no arms? I came fully equipped with 4 limbs and I can’t. He writes best-selling books, I write for CurrentMedia; he’s on stage inspiring thousands, I’m stuck in the room talking to myself. At least he practises what he preaches,

“If you can’t get a miracle, become one.”

After BurgerKing, McDonald and Starbucks, finally Viet-nam is first-in-the-region to be graced by the presence of some bigshot. That’s right. Not Laos, not Cambodia, not China, it’s Vietnam Nick is visiting, ha! That person you’ve spent so much time watching on Youtube is right up there, sharing his incredible life stories, and he doesn’t

look Photoshoped! Listening to his speech first hand was so life-changing, the whole time I wanted nothing more than to rush past security and give him a hug. Don’t ask why I was blown away, how often do you get to come in touch with a miracle?

On top of that, Nick’s Herculean efforts can greatly moti-vate the disabled in Vietnam. Sure, just about everything they encounter is more challenging than some guy from a developed country, but I’m certain learning how Nick pushed forward can give them more faith in what they can do, the powers they have and the marvels they can make.

I have complaints of course, mostly about the organizers. Volunteer recruitment was confusing, with somehow 2 Facebook pages, 2 different sign-up forms, both looked equally legitimate, and absolutely no way to inquire them about results.

Secondly, Nick was left to his own device with his speech, so most of what he said had been online already. What, did he expect people coming to an internationally organ-ized tour in this day and age to listen to the same thing? He also made some Western references that weren’t entirely relevant. I appreciate the organizers’ aspirations, truly, but if they thought the majority of a dominantly young audience would be satisfied with what was already there, they thought wrong.

Nick’s interpreter was a joke, pardon my French. Those who know English had a good laugh, but no doubt he misled some young minds from the important, life and death, very meaningful messages Nick was trying to convey.

Next to the organizers’ incompetence, the internet also bemoaned 30 million VND wasted on this event. Well Nick only received 1 billion, it wasn’t his fault the organ-izers spent 29 billions more to make his trip a reality. Plus that all came from private funds, not tax money. In terms of a publicity stunt that was money well-spent, and no one could be asked to spend that much on charity anyways, Keyboard Heroes!

Other than some mishaps, overall the Nick Vujicic experi-ence has stirred up in us powerful emotions. Ultimately, whoever he inspired will continue to be inspired, those who weren’t will hopefully settle enough to move on. I won’t comment on the sad state of mind young folks are in these days, but hey, at least some world-famous speaker deigned to set foot on this forsaken land, that’s got to mean something for Vietnam, right?

- written by Do Thanh Nhan -

”


RMIT’s undergraduate opportunitiesCao Minh Duc (D): Would you like to elaborate on FPTS’s internship program for undergraduate students? To be more specific, does FPTS offer financial analysis internship program?

Mr. GIang Trung Kien (Mr. Kien): At the moment each FPTS department are still offering internship programs including Analysis and Investment department (FPA). Students such as you should consider these as valuable opportunities to experience professional working methods and innovative technological systems, especially apply what you have learned to perform real business tasks at FPA.

D: Would you like to share with us college undergraduates majoring in Economics and Finance about some career possibilities at FPTS?

Mr. Kien:Upon completion of the internship program, you will be granted a certificate by FPA and FPTS, along with feedback regarding your performance’s effectiveness and efficiency. This should be treated as a useful reference when you seek employment in the future. For those with excellent internship results, you will have a great advantage to be officially employed by FPTS.

D: Do you have any helpful tip or habit to improve analyzing and persuasion skills, which are the core skills of a financial analyst?

Mr. Kien Knowledge is limitless, and practical experience proves to be indispensable. You’ll gain more career maturity working at a real business. Also you can screen out and choose the job which fits your capabilities and desires. I strongly recommend you to apply for an internship to gear up for the official recruitment.

Financial analysts at FPTS are open and experienced colleagues, so you should take advantage of working with them by asking questions proactively, sharing your insights and knowledge with others in order to improve technical expertise. You know you get better when the “reality picture” becomes clearer to you. Confidence comes naturally to you when you gain experience.

D: Would you like to share your opinion on the importance of soft skills in such an active business environment as FPTS?

Mr. Kien: Confidence, undaunted attitude towards unfamiliar tasks, inquisitiveness, proactiveness… All of them are essential not only for a financial analyst but also for younger generation in general. Also the ability to turn practical knowledge and experience into one’s advantage helps you stand out of the crowd.

About Mr. Kien: Mr. Kien was born in 1979. He worked at Branin Ltd, an Australian company. His main responsibilty there was to monitor compa-ny’s fund and plan for company’s projects. He has worked with FPTS since its establishment in 2007.

Biz Talk


About FPTS/ financial analyst jobD: How do you feel about FPTS’s working environment? If possible, would you like to share what is unique about FPTS, compared with other companies in the same industries such as TVSI, VnDirect…?

Mr. Kien: I believe FPTS provides a conductive environment to transform ideas into work efficiency, since it always encourages and gives ample opportunities for all individuals to contribute their personal ideas to help set out the plan supporting departmental goal. That’s the power that drives FPTS towards stable growth and prosperity in the face of adversities that are damaging the economy.

D: As a financial analyst of FPTS, how do you feel about your job? Would you like to share some difficulties that you have encountered?

Mr.Kien From my point of view, I would strongly emphasize that whenever you do something, it is the persistent passion for work which overcomes challenges.

Sensitive factors as well as the accuracy of each prediction/analysis forces the analysts to spend more time researching to produce coherent and precise reasoning. While experience accumulation process is

lengthy, I should note that knowledge of the finance industry is vast. As

a result, continuous application will enhance the credibility of the predictions and minimize investment risks and mistakes. If you fail to improve, you fail yourself.

D: Up to this point, we have not mentioned creativity. What do you think about “creativity lies at the heart of the business, but is receiving inadequate attention”?

Mr. Kien Yes, please do not forget that creativity is one the main veins of any corporation. If you

are flexible and creative, you have built yourself a solid foundation for

future success. I know RMIT’s learning environment gives so much freedom for students, so take advantage of that!

D: Thank you for sharing with RMIT Current Media! We wish you great future success ahead and we expect our partnership will be lasting.

- written by Cao Minh Duc -

Into the world of business finance

Advice f rom FPT Securities’s Exper t

Whenever you do something, it is the persistent passion for work which overcomes challenges.

“

”

RMIT Current Media is proud to announce a partnership with FPT

Securities (FPTS), a member of the giant FPT Corporation in Vietnam. We interviewed a FPTS’s financial analyst,

Mr. Giang Trung Kien, who will be sharing his experience and advices with

RMIT students majoring in Business, specifically Economics&Finance.

Through this article, we hope to give you beneficial information for your current studies and future career possibilities.


Biz Talk

NETWORKINGDo

you know

that 70% of

jobs in Australia are

never advertised!

To discover these jobs you need to do some net-working. Many of these jobs are filled by word of mouth. People know somebody looking for a job

and recommend them for it. Networking is one of the best ways to find a job. There are many ways to network:• Social networking on Facebook, LinkedIn… helps find potential employers and find out about the sector in which you wish to be employed.• Attending Business Chambers of Commerce events from a variety of countries here in Vietnam.

Catalyst for success written by Mr. Ali Maghoo & Ms. Susan Renwick, Career Development and Employment, Student Services


“”

W

W

H

FNETWORKING

What is networking?Networking is a process of getting to know people who can help you develop your ca-reer, build your business contacts, market yourself and gather inside information on what is happening in a particular employ-ment sector. You can network with family, friends, colleagues and acquaintances and it can be done in formal or informal settings such as at restaurants, cafes and hotels.

One of the recommended ways is to attend Business Chambers of Commerce network-ing events. There, you will meet people who work in a variety of positions and sectors which could include medical services, hospi-tality, retail, banking, insurance and mining to name a few.

What networking opportunities are there

in Hanoi?Most of networking opportunities in Hanoi are advertised on websites and are either free to attend or require a fee. The follow-ing Chambers of Commerce have networking events which you can attend:

AusCham – Australian Chamber of Com-merce in Vietnam, Hanoi Sundowners take place on the first Thursday and in a variety of different venues each month. This event is free to attend for RMIT students and Alumni because RMIT University is a member of this chamber.

CanCham – Canadian Chamber of Com-merce in Vietnam, Business Thursdays take place every second Thursday of the month at the Movenpick Hotel, Hanoi with attendance fee.

AmCham - American Chamber of Com-merce in Vietnam, they advertise their net-working events online with the location and the date.

There are many more networking events across Hanoi, advertised on websites and in Vietnam news.

How to prepare for net-working event

“Everywhere you go is a chance to meet”

Most of you know how to talk to people and are networking everyday. You exchange infor-mation with other students, family members, friends and work colleagues. Even when you start a conversation with somebody you do not know at “Bia Hoi”, cinema or market, it could lead to a potential business client or employment.

First thing for a new graduate is to create a business card with your name, address, phone number, email and the degree you will graduate from. It is very cheap to purchase these. Set yourself a target of how many people you want to talk to at the networking event and increase it at the next one you at-tend.

Positive behavior at networking events

Once you are there, you need to act profes-sionally. You want to create a good impres-sion so people remember you for the right reasons. Here are some tips on how to do this:• Make good eye contact• Shake hands• Introduce yourself and listen to what peo-ple are saying to participate in the conversa-tion• Exchange business cards with both hands and so that the recipient can read it

Here are some tips on what not to do:• Don’t just speak to your friends If you go with them • Don’t drink too much• Don’t discuss difficult topics such as reli-gion, politics or people’s salaries• Don’t ask personal questions, unless asked

Finally...Once you get back to the office or home, ensure you follow up with an email to say it was a pleasure to meet them and set up any meetings that you may have discussed. Make sure you purchase an excellent business card holder and order the cards by industry.

Good luck networking and watch out for the Career Centre networking event coming soon.

written by Mr. Ali Maghoo & Ms. Susan Renwick, Career Development and Employment, Student Services

current magazine issue 05 - 11”

Characters of the Month

“If you carry on learning, you carry on living and staying

young”

Such was the secret Mark Rudd revealed to me during our in-terview at one of RMIT’s fa-mous lakeside café, of why he

decided to become a teacher. Having only joined Hanoi’s Professional Com-munication program from the begin-ning of semester A 2013, Mark has quickly rose to be one of our favourite lecturers, and it isn’t hard to see why.

Always seen in his casual khaki outfits with a paper-filled resource basket, Mark looks remarkably energetic and youthful for someone in his 40s. Rather than reciting pre-made lecture slides from Saigon Campus, Mark fills his classroom with insights and hands-on experience, working hard to bring les-sons into real life context, which makes them incredibly useful to any student. It is his belief that learning should be

Fun facts aboutMARK RUDD

1. He is a die-hard Chelsea fan who never leaves his house without his Chelsea helmet

2. Mark is addicted to Bun Cha and eats it 3 times a week

3. After visiting more than 1000 beaches, Mark thinks Vietnam has one of the most beautiful beaches in the world

4. Mark is nicknamed “FA cup” thanks to his big long ears.

Mark Rudd

fun, enjoyable and inspirational, not just obsessed with assignments and HDs.

Mark has taught us what student should remember before ventur-ing into the world of money-making:

“Always follow your heart. Love what you have, and you’ll live your life to the

fullest”.

- written by Dao Thu Trang -


The pressure is concentrated on the feet especially when girls wear it for a whole day: leg sprain, toe pain, swollen

foot, ankles and knees injuries… Girl, at the end of the day, being sexy can’t hide that you’re exhausted.

• Every evening, soak you feet in warm water (may put in some gingers and salt) then massage your toes softly• Try not to wear high heels all day long

• The first few times wearing high heels, practise at home before going out to avoid some “certain embarrassment”

• Choose shoes with thicker soles • Learn exercises for feet on the internet

Mentality of many girls: higher heels, higher status despite a whole lot of pain in the old age. So try to keep it to a limit, girls!

Wearing high heels too much develops mysterious yellow patches and misshapenness on your feet. Blood to the

feet can also be clogged during cold weather.

• Massage your feet with oil or cream• Repeatedly rub your feets together to make them warmer• Soak your feet in warm water with ginger or

herbs

- written by Vu Hong Nhung -

Tall girls are blessed by GOD.

And GOD damns the rest with high heels. These

“marvellous gifts” make them LOOK

TALLER, more confident and sexier than ever!

BUT!!! That’s just a peel of heels’ fairy tales...

Tips!Tips!

Tips!

Wearing high heels pushes entire pressure of body on the lower back and causes pain to your back and hips or

even crooks your spine.

• Do exercise and yoga!

Buzz! Back KillerBuzz! Foot Killer

Buzz! Yellowing and Misshappeness

High Heels The Silent Killer


Tips 4 U

The PeopleIn the glass- written by Le Cam Linh -“...After Philippines, I figure, in a way,

we are all the same. We are all “the people in the glass” until the moment we break that barrier, step out of our own culture and stop conforming to what society expects us to be...”

Featured Story


Photo by Le Cam Linh

“I ’m just an outsider”, I murmured in exhaust after 8 hours working in Tondo. 34 degree Celsius all day, no air-con. The biggest

slum in the Philippines is a hell-fire: dirty, crowded and impoverished. At 4.30 P.M, I began my 90-minute journey home under the insane heat; sweating has become my favorite skin exercise, even in my sleep. Average height, brown skin and dark hair, I strolled through the streets of Manila like any ordinary Filipina, perfectly blending into the flow of commuters entering the LRT station. I was there, but at the same time invisible. Disap-pointingly, my existence made no difference to the daily scene, simply because I am not Caucasian-white. Despite this acceptance on the surface, deep inside, I - the exotic creature - feel lost in this shockingly hybrid world as I struggle to define myself and unfold the Manila-enigma.

“I’m just an outsider”, I murmured in exhaust after 8 hours working

in Tondo.

This paradox of looking-like-a-part-of-something and feeling-like-a-part-of-nothing disturbs me as at times I find many things in this country hardly comprehensible. No offence intended, sincerely, the difference is there to appreciate. Manila is like a living organism inside the glass. I discover it like a by-passer studying a miniature of war-field in historical museums, a tourist contemplating an artwork inside the Louvre from afar, seeing without fully understanding, wondering without being answered. Filipinos have quite a different sense of time, since com-muting is surprisingly complicated and takes an hour or two just to travel

almost anywhere. People do things at a casual pace, and time is an approxi-mate measure; nothing is definite or bound to take place on the dot. 3 rush hours a day. We hit the bar at mid-night for an international party with 11 nationalities, and there was even traffic jam along the way (not at 4 A.M when we came back smelling like cheap Vodka and cigarettes, fortunately). Is it just me having weirdo thoughts to ask why things happen in certain ways in this country?

“We don’t question until we see the dif-

ference” is a hard fact that I realize upon my

culture shock.

“We don’t question until we see the difference” is a hard fact that I realize upon my culture shock. The Filipinos are “the happy people” - the kind, adorable and lovely ones. They are in-credibly hospitable, and Christianity has taught them to be contented with what they have. Yet, it baffles me whether being contented with what you have equates accepting the way things are without hesitation. On a trip from Banaue back to Manila, the bus felt pretty much like the North Pole. With a Tweety blanket, the middle-aged woman next to me was fully prepared for 10-hour “winter” ride while I, pre-tending to be sexy in tank top and short jeans, wrapped myself in damp towel. It is not just on the bus, as generally air-con in Manila is sometimes ridicu-lously cold that everyone wears light jacket, especially in offices, but nobody ever wonders why and they turn up the temperature in secret as if it was a crime to make such a small change. It is wrong to generalize, but it was strange enough for me and my friends when nobody seems to complain or ask why

things are like that. But aren’t we doing the same thing?

My final essay about ‘modernization and culture’ in my second semester at RMIT pretty much screwed me up in one way or another. Are we consciously changing ourselves for development or are we erasing our own culture by copying Western civilizations with-out thinking twice? I thought what I wrote was pretty cool, until I came to the Philippines and feel the fleeting existence of locality. Mega-diversity, that’s what they called it. The country is strongly influenced by America and Spain while also carrying traits of many other cultures. Filipinos are profoundly mixed: a little bit of Asia here, a little bit of Europe there, and various other little things from places around the world. Not only the Filipinos, but also Vietnamese, need to escape this cage of glass to take a step back and decide if it is the right thing. Will we end up in a similar path someday? Again, I am at a loss for words.

It was strange enough for me and my friends when nobody seems to complain or ask why things are like

that.

After Philippines, I figure, in a way, we are all the same. We are all “the people in the glass” until the moment we break that barrier, step out of our own culture and stop conforming to what society expects us to be. The world is free, and possibilities are many. Will you lock yourself up with your cultural wall of glass? At least I won’t.

June 1st 2013Bo’s Coffee, Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines


Environment club’s Earth Hour event

“Earth hours 2013 for stu-dents” with participation of 4 goodwill ambassadors and 10 universities in Hanoi

and TP Ho Chi Minh city took place within an energetic and enthusiastic atmosphere. During the presentation on 14/3 Den-mark ambassador at VN, John Nielsen advised students to

“do something to go against the climate changes, throughout daily

routines such as: travelling by public transports or switching off unneces-

sary devices”.

He also shared he himself rides bike to work. Meanwhile, Ambassador Duong Thuy Linh also shared her thoughts:

“Within a year being the Earth hour ambassador, my family and I have

reduced our power usage and tend to use the eco-friendly devices, as well as appealing others to join our actions”.

This year’s Earth hours (held by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce in VN) has been designed to go with the slogan

“You and I do it together”,

which has received great cooperation from RMIT students, especially those from the voluntary unit.

Nguyen Minh Trang, an Rmit Environ-ment Club member of the Earth hour events, claimed:

“From the first place, we are always eager to join this social event. Earth hours is a meaningful event, saving energy for the world in general and

Vietnam for specific. We hope that we can strongly contribute more to such

programs like this one”.

Club pub - featured event


Environment club’s Earth Hour event

Sporty boys. Sporty girls. Their feet spun and spun…

The road became dizzy!

Riding manA part of Environement club’s Earth Hour Event

KimMa street echoed the sound of environmental lovers laugh-ing and cheering. The people on the road stopped and stared, amazed by their childlike enthusiasm and activeness. The two trains chased each other and from time to time there were

students with red flags shouted loudly to remind them not to break the lines.The group glided past many streets and some explored new and strange roads that they’ve never heard before. A cameraman quickly followed but he himself was dizzy by the hecticness. Ho Chi Minh Mau-soleum is the target. Students breathed deeply in the road beside West lake and gathered up their strength to passed over sloping roads. By the end of the trip, students were hungry and thirsty. Some of them rushed forward the nearest ice-scream shop and enjoyed the last min-utes of the amazing trip.

Thank you Environment Club for having such a wonderful race!

- written by Vu Hong Nhung & Pham Thi Ngoc Diep -

Photo by Ta Thu Thuy

On April 13th, a beautiful night, RMIT boys and girls gathered at Thuy Nga Plaza to participate in one of the very long-awaited event of the semes-ter – Illuminati: the Interlude Night. All of a sudden, shorts, jeans and t-shirts of everyday life disappeared and were replaced by fabulous dresses and formal tuxedos. Everybody look absolutely glamorous and they did not miss the chance to take as many photos as possible to mark one of the very flashy moments of their lives.

Apart from the chance to dress up, the partici-pants were served by a series of music perfor-mance and games, which were well prepared by the organizers. The music performances were highlighted with touching songs from the popular singer – Anh Khang, along with other perfor-mances from our beloved and talented Music Club.

On the night, everyone also had one more par-ticular thing to look forward to: to find out the King and Queen of the night – the contest which had been heated long before hand on Facebook. The contestants were dressed up in their best outfit, walked confidently and professionally on the catwalk; which made it very difficult for the judge – the participants themselves to vote. Finally, the King and the Queen came out as Mr. Tùng and Ms. Linh. Congratulations to them and may they contribute to our university’s image in the future.

Interlude night was a night to remember. We RMIT-ers look forward to more memorable events like these.

- written by Do Thanh Nhan -

Interlude Night where RMIT-ers shine


The first event of CFO, “Internship be smart”, has been a roaring success, pro-viding much useful information relevant to job recruitment and opportunitieswhile giv-

ing participants an exciting experience. For those who missed the fun, this is a recap.

From Australia, the main sponsor of this event, Mrs. Tong Phu Son, kicked off the day with an introduction to theCPA. CPA stands for Certified Public Accountant, an organization whose core business revolves around Audit-ing and Accounting. A stable development of these professions is the goal CPA pursues for Vietnam. CPA forms partnerships with universities and sets up different events to help students prepare for their future ca-reer.

Then came Ms. Vu Thi Thu Ha from Deloitte - an accomplished auditing firm, tounveil

her firm’s selection process. Three qualities any firm would look for in a candidate are: knowledge, skills, and most importantly – at-titude. The process consists of three rounds: First round is an examination, meant to test foundationalknowledge for initial admittance. In the second round, candidates are grouped

with several others in topic discussion, which will demonstrate team work – one of the most impor-tant professional skills. Lastly, an interview will be held to assess a candidate’s attitude towards the company. Employers will be mentally asking these questions: “Is he/she serious?”, “Does he/she fit the company’s vision?”,“What is his/her goal?”As such, candidates should be aware of their hirers’ expectations throughout the process. Candidates in the internship program will undergo the same selection. Good performance as an intern will, of course, assist one during actual job application.

Following Ms. Vu Thi Thu Ha’s guidance, Mr. Hoang Trung Dung from Maritime Bank changed the scene by recounting his life stories with humor, from when he started teaching at FTU until he ap-plied for one of the highest positions in Maritime Bank. He gave tips and opined habits that would lead to success as well as personal maturity. Con-cluding that most Vietnamese students, even from those RMIT, lack social knowledge, he advised them to “read and read a lot”. He also stressed the three qualities listed by Ms. Vu Thi Thu Ha, saying they define professionalism.

Returning from the break, Mr. Mathew Kershall, an English teacher from Pathway education and

Accounting club Junior CFO series

Club Pub - featured event


Accounting club Junior CFO series

respected former RMIT teacher, instructed participants on how to give an effective presentation, pointing out common errors, organizational tips and body language use. This interactive session was especially well-received by non-RMIT students.

The afternoon brought fashion expert Ms. Linh from BB clothing. In the apt-ly-named “Suit Up”session, students learned to pick out appropriate work-place wear, taking into account accessories, make-up, perfume and body shape. Several students, both male and female, were asked to pick out an outfit from given pieces, then advised on how to improve their selection.

Brick House, the venue of choice, gave an open yet polished atmos-phere for such networking event, the final event in Junior CFO series. Representatives from many notable companies such as KPMG, Earnst&Young, and MB,… were encouraged to talk to par-

ticipants. This was a big improvement from previous CFOs, as it allowed for mingling between audience, guest speakers and potential employers. Along with obtaining insights from experts, participants could compare be-tween hirers as well.

The event was overall well-organized and well-attended which attarcted not only RMIT students but also students from other univiersities in Hanoi such FTU or HNU. They were all impressed with the level of organizing such a event for such a student club and gave out a lot of compliment for RMIT Accounting club when Current Media interviewed some of the attendes. As the CFO series continues to improve, we believe many students will find this experience an important asset in their search for a successful career.

- written by Cao Minh Duc -

May 9th - 50 RMIT students and staff welcomed Mr. Jim Lam, who had more than 20 years’ experience with managerial positions in the US, to share his experience in the hospitality industry. The event was organized by Ms. Chi Le - RMIT Marketing lecturer with the help of Current Media as the Media cover-age for the event. This event is one of Ms. Chi effort to bring realistic experiences to lesson for both students in her class as well as those who interested in the industry.

Despite an injury that delayed the event a week ear-lier, Mr. Lam was committed to fulfilling his promise. “Humans are feeling,” said he, “Happy

staff serves happy customers.”

As he sharing his life time experiences working in numerous companies in the industry. From those experiences he believed that managers should be down-to-earth, get involved in staff-training, and establish a clear hierarchy so that when they’re not around, employees are still encouraged to be their own boss, to make quick decision, and work as a team. Next came the Q&A. Mr. Lam was enquired about real problems businesses’ve encountered, such as how to motivate staff, how to maintain authority, or how to compete with big corporations in attracting part-time employees.

After a short break, Mr. Lam returned his own per-ception about food culture in Vietnam with highly on

what customers want that mattered.

Mr. Lam’s final words to his audience was to either take control or adapt, show public responsibility, and finally,

“Start small, think big.”

Thank you for your wisdom, Mr. Lam. We look for-ward to seeing you again.

- written by Nguyen Linh Nga -

People management & Culture diversity in Hospitality Industry


Thank you all for having supported us in the SC election. We- the NEW SC, promise to be the BEST LISTENERS, to make the AGENT OF CHANGE who will prove our significance as soon as possible... Believe in us and we will not let you down. From the bottom of SC's heart.

It is our great honour to be selected. We will do our best to make SC bet-ter and stronger in the near future.

It's an honour for me to be here as a part of the RMIT Student Council’s 2nd generation. I believe that we will have great time work-ing and studying together to build a better student community in RMIT.

As Media Officer, building a 'bridge' that ensures the two-way communication between SC and the students is my priority.

Thank you all for your support throughout SC election. Let us unite and together, we could build a bet-ter RMIT community. Keep calm and make changes.

As an activity officer, I look forward to being a part of many activities which guarantee 3 qualities: entertainment; networking and usefulness delivery.

We promise that all of your students’ rights will be carefully protected and you can expect a helping hand from us in terms of dealing with your studying and life in RMIT.

Meet the new

Hoang Truong Giang Vice-president

Do Thi Thanh Hoa Activity Officer

Ngo Thai Bao Chau Secretary

Nguyen Trung Kien Clubs and Societies Officer

Nguyen Quoc Anh Student rights and Welfare Officer

Nguyen Dang Huy Media Officer

Tran Duc Minh Academic Officer

Trinh Hong Ngoc Chief of Finance

<o})>< Currentmedia ClubAddress: RMIT University VietnamHandi Resco builiding, 521 Kim Ma, Ba Dinh, HaNoi

Tel: 01654670289E-mail: [email protected]://www.facebook.com/CurrentMediaRMIT

I take great pride in being the next Presi-dent of RMIT Student Council. However, with great power comes great responsi-bility. On my visit to Hanoi Campus I had the chance to witness the shortcomings in both academic and social life of Hanoi Campus’ students. I’m deeply concerned with questions of how to improve this issue and enhance the connection be-tween Saigon and Hanoi Campus. How-ever, I cannot do this alone. We seek for support from you – our fellow students. Together, we will overcome every obsta-cle there is and prevail!

“

Pham Hoang Diem ThuyPresident

“ “ “

I understand the expectations that you, my fellow students have

placed upon us, the second SC generation. I will take your inter-

ests and rights and act accordingly with a view to be a sincere sup-porter to make your student life here more enjoyable and mean-

ingful.

current magazine issue 5

Documents

issue of current magazine

insight of rmit students

editor cao hoang yen

devoted current medias

successthe glasscharacters

tribution of active

student bodys review

mark ruddnetworki