Outperforming a competitive pool of candidates, Nguyen Minh Hung (Class 9G1) has officially been named the Champion of the Global Leader Scholarship for the 2026–2027 academic year. The prestigious title earns him a 100% tuition waiver for his first year in the Global Citizen Bilingual Program.

"My initial goal was just to make it into the Top 5, so this result far exceeded my expectations," Minh Hung shared enthusiastically. "To celebrate, my parents treated me to a BBQ dinner, exempted me from doing the dishes for a week, and promised me a summer trip. I can tell they are incredibly proud of me."

Minh Hung has been studying at the Greenfield School Ecopark Campus since the first grade. As soon as the school introduced the Global Citizen Bilingual Program, he was determined to enroll, hoping the new environment would broaden his horizons and boost his confidence.

The seed of his ambition was planted during his eighth-grade year while watching upperclassmen compete for the Global Leader Scholarship. When applications officially opened for the 2026–2027 cycle, he boldly took the leap.

"Participating in the Global Leader selection was an entirely new experience for me," Hung said. "It is deeply meaningful because I can ease the financial tuition burden for my family while pushing myself toward a higher objective."

Modeled after prestigious domestic and international scholarship competitions, the Global Leader selection process features four rigorous rounds: Motivational Letter, Competency Assessment, Presentation, and Interview. It demands that candidates possess not only solid academic knowledge and sharp skills, but also the resilience to navigate challenges and a drive to grow in an ever-changing world.

For Minh Hung, drafting the Motivational Letter proved to be the most daunting stage. Initially, he struggled with what to write, fearing his personal story lacked "drama" or the typical "overcoming adversity" trope. After much reflection, he chose to write a candid reflection on his milestones and future aspirations.

In his essay to the Admissions Board, Hung shared: "Before applying for the Global Leader Scholarship, I hesitated because I worried I wasn't good enough. However, the quote, 'If you don't try, your chance of success is 0%, but when you dare to try, opportunities begin to appear,' urged me to step out of my comfort zone."

Moving on to the Competency Assessment, Hung faced a non-traditional exam format designed to test quantitative logic, cognitive flexibility, critical thinking, and social issue analysis. To prepare, Hung independently reviewed materials online, utilized AI as a "personal mentor" for guidance, and sought feedback from his parents.

Having cleared the rigorous assessment round, Hung entered the Presentation round with a more relaxed mindset. He chose the topic "The Power of Self-Discipline vs. Innate Talent," finding it highly relatable and practical. To perfect his presentation, he spent nearly two weeks brainstorming and practicing in front of a mirror.

Hung cleverly used the metaphor of a "piggy bank" to illustrate a journey requiring patience and persistence. If you drop a coin into a piggy bank every day, you will eventually reap the rewards of accumulation—a process he defines as "discipline."

While Hung had previously won several public speaking awards, a turning point occurred during his ninth-grade year. Growing complacent, he entered a debate competition with an overly casual attitude and finished second to last. From that humbling experience, he realized that confidence alone is insufficient; talent must be continuously honed through discipline.

Hung carried this same authenticity into the final Interview round. To him, the ultimate goal was not to present a flawless persona to compete with others, but to understand who he is, who he wants to become, and to have the courage to tell his story in the most genuine way.

"Minh Hung is persistent, hardworking, and highly receptive to feedback," noted Ms. Cao Thu Phuong, Hung’s homeroom teacher for Class 9G1. "Ninth grade has been a breakthrough year for Hung. He stepped out of his comfort zone to challenge himself across various fields—from academic arenas (Greenfield Talks Vietnamese Public Speaking Competition, Talktopus English Speaking Competition, Let's Debate, and a Bronze Medal at the ASMO Olympiad) to sports like football and basketball, as well as volunteering for numerous school events. These qualities are exactly what propelled him to become the 2026–2027 Global Leader Scholarship Champion."

Overjoyed by the result, Minh Hung expressed his deepest gratitude to the faculty at Greenfield School. He credited his teachers' constant encouragement and constructive feedback for giving him the confidence to apply and mature through each round. Furthermore, he emphasized that the balanced academic and extracurricular environment he experienced over the past nine years at Greenfield School heavily shaped the person he is today.

Greenfield School congratulates Minh Hung and hopes he will continue to leverage his courage, confidence, and solid foundation to achieve even greater milestones. The school wishes him an unforgettable academic journey in the Global Citizen Bilingual Program in the upcoming school year.