News and photo Fatin Najwa Zulkifli
VIETNAM, 6 January 2026: Ms. Chew Ruth, a semester six student at Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Economics, embarked on a transformative international journey through AIESEC’s Global Volunteer (GV) programme in Vietnam. Over a six-week period from August to September 2025, she immersed herself fully in the country’s culture and daily life while contributing to community-based projects aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education, with a particular focus on enhancing literacy and numeracy skills.
The primary objective of the project was straightforward yet impactful, namely, to support the development of basic reading skills within the local community. In this context, Ms. Chew Ruth played a pivotal role in content creation and marketing for a small coffee shop in a rural area. Her contributions included assisting with rebranding efforts, strengthening the business’s online presence, and fostering closer engagement with the surrounding community. Beyond marketing, she worked closely with local residents, navigating language barriers and learning to collaborate effectively across cultural boundaries.
Living and working independently in a foreign country challenged Ms. Chew Ruth to step beyond her comfort zone. From adapting to local customs to making decisions autonomously, the experience proved to be a formative one that nurtured both her professional competence and personal maturity. She developed a deeper appreciation for Vietnamese culture and learned the importance of patience, empathy, and open-mindedness when engaging with diverse perspectives and working styles.
Reflecting on her experience, Ms. Chew Ruth identified open-mindedness as the most significant takeaway. She realised that genuine personal growth often emerges from moments of discomfort and challenge, where familiar assumptions are questioned and new ways of thinking are forged. Although the journey presented its share of difficulties, these moments ultimately became valuable lessons that strengthened her resilience, self-awareness, and capacity to embrace values extending beyond career aspirations.
During her free time, Ms. Chew Ruth explored various parts of Vietnam, often travelling with fellow volunteers from the United States, Europe, and Asia. These shared experiences facilitated meaningful cultural exchanges, broadened her worldview, and led to enduring friendships with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Her time in Vietnam not only reshaped her perception of people and cultures, but also instilled in her a renewed sense of confidence and clarity about her future direction. Most importantly, the Global Volunteer (GV) experience equipped her with essential leadership attributes, including adaptability, intercultural competence, and the ability to connect with others. These values continue to guide her, much as the GV experience opened her eyes to the wider world.
AIESEC is the world’s largest youth-led organisation, providing a global platform for young people to develop leadership potential through practical, cross-cultural experiences. One of these experiences is Global Volunteer (GV), which is among AIESEC’s core products. The essence of Global Volunteer lies in exchange, which is central to what AIESEC stands for. AIESEC believes that through exchange, it can foster cultural understanding and community engagement, create long-lasting impact by contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and enable youth to develop their leadership skills.
