Ba Minh, the 2023 Mister Foreign Trade University Hanoi Campus, is a young man who epitomizes the energetic, creative, and fearless spirit of Generation Z. Beyond his title, he is preparing to reach a new milestone as a Global Student Fashion Week (GSFW) Model Ambassador, carrying with him great aspirations and a mission to spread positive values to the international community.
Ba Minh – “risky” in going beyond his comfort zone
Ba Minh openly shares that what he is most proud of is his courage to step out of his comfort zone. From a young man who had never participated in extracurricular activities or beauty competitions, he decided to take the leap, focusing not on the outcome but on the philosophy of “daring to try and daring to take responsibility.” With a passion for the arts, he aspires to become a professional model, and perhaps even an actor or singer, though he humorously admits he “can’t sing.”
This decision took him from initial unfamiliar experiences to the moment he was crowned Mister, a testament to his relentless effort and perseverance. “Challenges are an inseparable part,” he says. “I had to learn how to communicate with people more skilled than me, change bad habits, and constantly acquire new knowledge. But it was precisely these challenges that helped me realize I have so much potential to grow and go further.”
Dreams and aspirations
Ba Minh shares that he envisions two main paths in his life: building a solid career in academia or pursuing his passion for the arts. In academics, he aims to develop himself and achieve a high-ranking position in a major company. He acknowledges that the journey into the arts is not easy, but the lessons from his parents – his greatest sources of inspiration – have instilled in him the patience and determination needed. “My mother taught me about patience and courage, while my father helped me understand the spirit of a mature man. They are the foundation of who I am today.”
Reflecting on his generation, Ba Minh believes that Gen Z has many advantages, such as abundant energy, quick adaptability, a willingness to experiment, and a solid foundational knowledge. However, he also points out challenges like competitive pressure, a lack of clear direction, and occasional procrastination. “Whether it’s strengths or weaknesses, I believe that if Gen Z dares to try, dares to fail, and continuously improves, modeling and the arts, in general, will be a fantastic space for them to shine,” he says.
The role of Global Student Model Ambassador
Becoming a Global Student Fashion Week Ambassador, Ba Minh views this as a significant opportunity to spread positive values and inspire the community. He plans to leverage social media and interactive activities to share his story while actively participating in community programs to better understand the messages GSFW aims to convey. “Even the simplest and most sincere things can carry the values I want to spread to everyone,” Ba Minh says.
Ba Minh’s journey is a vivid testament to the spirit of “growing through experience.” In his new role at GSFW, he is set to continue inspiring others, showcasing the image of Vietnamese youth on the global stage, and solidifying the position of Gen Z in modeling and the arts.
Larissa | Cameron Truong
