Guiding the Way: Professor Richard Ngo Inspires MCU Vietnamese Freshmen

By Lisa Nguyen

“Studying abroad is like climbing a mountain. There are joyful moments, but also times of worry and even thoughts of giving up. I once felt lost, just as you might feel now. Today, I am not only here as a lecturer but also as an older brother who wants to pass on the lessons I’ve learned along the way,” said Professor Richard Ngo.

On September 25, the MCU Vietnamese Student Association (MCUVSA) held its annual Freshman Day, an event designed to welcome new Vietnamese students, introduce them to the community, and build a supportive network for their academic journey in Taiwan.

The program began with remarks from An, president of the MCUVSA and a student in the IBT program, who warmly welcomed the newcomers and introduced the leadership team. “Our team is here not only to organize activities but also to be a family for you,” he said. He then introduced the association’s core members: Kien, the vice president; Ha, the treasurer; Tung, the secretary; and Huy, the chief coordinator of student events.

Following the introductions, the team showcased the association’s past achievements, including participation in the Sports Festival and the Vietnamese Cultural Day (April 30), which featured traditional music, food, and student performances. In addition, they introduced the Taiwan Study Handbook—a practical guide to living and studying in Taiwan—complete with a QR code for easy access and direct contact with the team.

The highlight of the day was the presence of Professor Richard Ngo (Ngô Thanh Sang), a lecturer in the Department of International Business and Trade at MCU, who joined the event to share his personal journey and words of encouragement with the students. He offered three key messages: “While studying at MCU, the most important thing is to set clear goals—because a goal is like a lighthouse that guides your path. I once dreamed of becoming a lecturer, and that purpose gave meaning to every effort I made, both in class and in life. At the same time, you should be proactive—go beyond textbooks to develop critical thinking, adaptability, and teamwork skills, as these are essential in a fast-changing world. Finally, remember that we are all part of the Vietnamese student community at MCU and in Taiwan. I feel proud whenever professors praise our diligence and conduct, and I hope you will take an active role in school and community activities.”

He concluded by reminding students that their journey abroad is not just about earning a degree, but about discovering “the best version of themselves.” As a gesture of appreciation, the Student Association presented Professor Ngo with a small gift, and in return, he handed out red envelopes as tokens of encouragement.

The event concluded with practical guidance from the association: students encountering difficulties in daily life are encouraged to reach out via Instagram or email for assistance. President An also announced that recruitment for the second round of new members will soon open, inviting more students to join the mission of supporting the Vietnamese community at MCU.

“Freshman Day is not only a celebration,” An remarked, “but also a reminder that here in Taiwan, we always have each other. Our goal as an association is to ensure that every Vietnamese student has a place to turn to when in need.”