In Chongqing, Achieve a Better Version of Yourself

Fan Zhongjian
Vietnamese
Postgraduate Student, School of Economics and Management, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications

Since 2019, Vietnamese student Ph?m Trung Kiên has been studying at Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, where he began with Chinese language studies and later completed his undergraduate degree. He is now a postgraduate student in Management Science and Engineering at the university’s School of Economics and Management. Over the years, Ph?m has diligently pursued knowledge and undergone a remarkable transformation in his academic journey. With growing confidence, he has embraced the opportunities China offers, writing his own remarkable story as he continues to chase his dreams.

Bringing China’s Development Wisdom Home
As close neighbours linked by shared landscapes, China and Vietnam enjoy increasingly strong economic ties and growing cultural exchange. In Chongqing, Ph?m has witnessed China’s rapid development, gaining both theoretical and practical insights into its development model and experiencing its openness and inclusiveness in economic, technological and cultural spheres. In particular, world-leading achievements in green technology, artificial intelligence and education have further strengthened his confidence in choosing to study in Chongqing.
"China’s path to success is worth serious reflection," he said. In the future, Ph?m plans to apply what he has learned in China to contribute to Vietnam’s economic and social development, while also sharing his experiences in Chongqing with family and friends.

Attracted by the Charm of Chinese Culture
The year 2025 marks the 75th anniversary of China–Vietnam diplomatic relations and the "China–Vietnam Year of People-to-People Exchanges". Reflecting on the similarities and differences between the two cultures, Ph?m noted that China and Vietnam celebrate the Lunar New Year on the same day, and both countries share traditions such as ancestor worship, New Year visits and giving lucky money, while also retaining unique regional customs. "In Vietnam, people eat square-shaped zongzi and hold dragon boat races during the New Year—customs that are somewhat similar to China’s Dragon Boat Festival," he said with a smile. These cultural parallels and differences, he added, have made his life as an international student even more enriching.
Ph?m has also been deeply drawn to traditional Chinese performing arts such as Peking Opera and Sichuan Opera. On stage, performers bring to life vivid tales from ancient China through elegant movement and melodious singing, immersing him in the rich cultural essence of what he calls "Chinese charm". He says he looks forward to continuing his exploration and deepening his understanding of this cultural heritage.

A “Chongqing Connection”
Beyond his academic studies, Ph?m said his life in Chongqing has been full of new skills and life experiences. He keeps up regular exercise and has developed many new interests related to China—such as learning the ins and outs of WeChat and teaching its features to his Vietnamese friends, as well as exploring Chinese history and culture more deeply.