Your personal statement: Explain why you are applying to the Chevening programme and describe the personal,

intellectual and interpersonal qualities that make you well placed to be a future leader in your home country.
The building's design was supposed to be energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. Yet Lotte Centre Hanois
architecture
actually
results
in
pollution
and
excessive
electricity
consumption.
Having seen many such examples of works that could not follow sustainable schemes due to the lack of
methodical understanding and technologies, I have long set my sight on the position of General Director of
Vietnam IBST (Institute for Building Science and Technology). Although such high post requires outstanding
qualities, I am confident that I have the characteristics of a future leader.
Firstly, I always have practical vision. Ever since I went to Hanoi Architectural University, though it pained me
that the school only taught theories based on instinctive and subjective viewpoints, not a scientific one, I pushed
ahead for my long-term goal: finding a more sustainable architectural approach at an UK school. Therefore, I
devoted my time mostly to academic work and languages, instead of seeking part-time employment, which 80%
of my classmates chose. Being a black sheep meant getting isolated, but I knew it would pay in the long run.
Today, my academic profiles and language skills are all one step ahead.
Next, I possess a good analytical problem-solving skill. I look into the essence of things to evaluate costs and
benefits from an objective viewpoint before drawing conclusions. In deciding to work for IBST - a governmental
body, forfeiting financial rewards and putting up with various bureaucratic hassles, it was the experience and
exposure to modern technologies that I was after. Lotte was one such valuable exposure.
Lastly, my endurance singles me out in long-running competitions for leadership. My 15-year dedication to
language studies and working as an ordinary employee of a governmental organisation testify to my
determination.
I would not hesitate to spend years more to get where I want to be.
Your academic background: Describe your educational achievements to date. You should explain why you feel
confident in your ability to successfully complete your proposed courses of study in the UK, and specify why
your courses were chosen.

On academic ability, I am confident that I am among the best Vietnamese candidates for any postgraduate
architecture-related courses. During my study at the Hanoi Architectural University, I was a perennial awardee
of the schools annual scholarship for excellent students, which covered my full tuition fees in 2007, 2008 and
2010. I also graduated as one of the Faculty of Architectures top 5% students, surpassing over 310 architecture
students of the faculty in terms of academic results. More importantly, my excellent research skill was reflected
in my scores of 9 to 10 in research-based subjects such as urban sociology and architectural history. Besides, I
am also keen on scientific research and languages. In my 4th year, my teams research project of a renovation
proposal for an abandoned water tower in Hanoi won the Universitys Second Prize for Scientific Research,
Student Category. And as testaments to hard work, I possess both an IELTS certificate of 8.0 score and a DELF
B2 diploma of French. On an educational level, UK architecture schools are highly distinctive with their emphasis
on sustainable architecture, which is a natural and appropriate approach for Vietnams architecture at the moment.
In fact, some recent constructions have embraced ideas of green architecture. Studying in an UK architecture
school also allows constant exposure to modern and well-developed critical thinking methods. Evidence
suggested prominent philosophy of architecture design of geniuses like Sir Norman Foster and Rem Koolhaas
was attributed to their higher education years exposed to free thinking concepts of UK's universities.
In my research, I have found that University of Nottingham, which supports experiential learning, will be my first
choice. My hard work, clear vision and practical mind, coupled with systematic knowledge from a recognised
school will help in my search of theoretical bases for a sustainable Vietnamese architectural design.

Your leadership and networking skills:Outline your experience and style of leadership. You should discuss
your commitment to networking within the Chevening community, and beyond, in order to find solutions or bring
about beneficial change.

I believe in the flexibility of ones approach when it comes to leadership. For the first small projects that I engaged
professionally in, to ensure work effectiveness and solid progress, I must assume the role of a relatively autocratic
leader. Vietnamese often lack discipline, but one must follow a strict code of conduct to compete professionally.
This belief later served me well during the two years managing the construction quality control of four
subcontractors at Lotte Centre Hanoi. Despite my disfavour of the project, my leadership style was a hybrid of
autocratic and managerial, directing and empowering at the same time. The project was later given a High
Construction Quality Award.
In addition, a Chevening scholar should be devoted to the alumni network. On a personal level, this offers lifetime
opportunities to learn from people of different cultures. Sharing my dreams and exchanging perspectives with
them will broaden my horizon and shape my future goals. As a Hong Kong alumnus reflected, the experiences
shaping her future the most were the ones that took place outside of the classroom, such as having conversations
about the issues of the day with friends from around the world.
On national and international levels, my commitment to the Chevening community fundamentally serves my goal.
To boost the demand for sustainable and evidence-based architecture, directing public attention to the subject is
crucial. As media is one of the prioritised areas of Vietnam Chevening Scholarships, my alumni in this field can
support me with solutions to stimulate the populations need for sustainable architecture. Once demand is boosted,
I believe my connections with English architect alumni will be helpful. They can give well-developed insights
into architectural sustainability or even establish prominent Vietnam-based sustainability-focused practices. This
dual approach will be the first step towards Vietnamese scientific and sustainable architecture.
Your career plan and benefit to your home country: Describe your immediate plans upon completion of your
Chevening award. You should explain your longer-term (5-10 year) career objectives and describe how your time
in the UK will help you achieve these. You should also discuss how a Chevening award would benefit you and
your home country.

My first objective upon completion of the Chevening award will be continuing my work at Vietnam Institute for
Building Science and Technology, where I can get involved in projects featuring cutting-edge construction
technologies. This will help me to understand the contemporary architecture of Vietnam, develop my knowledge
of sustainable technological solutions, and offer opportunities to contribute professionally. At the same time, I
will participate in research work to form initial theories out of architectural cases that I will have engaged in.
At this stage, my world-class UK academic expertise will play an essential part since it will provide modern
methods and perspectives from which I can analyse and solve architectural questions more critically,
scientifically, and creatively. This will allow me to distinguish myself from others and formulate new theories.
Networking, as an important source of jobs, will be essential. This will be where the Vietnam Chevening
community comes into play. Additionally, my exposure to a community of future leaders from all parts of the
world will help me to develop and refine my leadership skills and visions.
After 10 years of recognised practical and research works, I plan to reach the position of Deputy General Director
of Vietnam IBST. With the accumulated knowledge, I will hopefully have completed basic theories and first
models of sustainable architecture for Vietnam. Armed with both the ability to make decision and theory bases, I
will then promote the implementation of this architectural approach in Vietnam.

In conclusion, a radical change in Vietnamese architecture towards more sustainable, technologically advanced
and evidence-based designs is a demanding long-term goal, yet achievable with the assistance of other
professionals and a well-prepared strategy. By equipping scholars with education and networking experience, the
Chevening award can benefit this movement and help Vietnam to join the global current of sustainable
development.
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Environmental Design
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