[FAIE: Marketing] Chau Van Phi Long: From Entrance Valedictorian to Exemption from the Graduation Course Grade

Chau Van Phi Long was born and raised in Khanh Hoa Province. When he was in Grade 8, his parents separated and lived apart. He and his two siblings had to leave school and move from Khanh Hoa to Bien Hoa City to live with their maternal family. At that time, as he was only in Grade 8 and not yet of legal working age to be employed as a factory worker, he worked as a construction helper to earn money to support himself. Engaging in heavy labor at such a young age resulted in spinal curvature, which has affected his daily life.

Once he reached working age, he applied for a position in the shoe sole processing department at Pouchen Vietnam Co., Ltd. (Hoa An Ward, Bien Hoa City). During his time as a factory worker, a remark from his elder brother—“Is Den (his childhood nickname) going to be a factory worker for the rest of his life?”—became a turning point that prompted him to seriously reconsider his future and seek a new direction.

After working as a factory worker for some time, Phi Long enrolled in a bakery vocational training program (specializing in bread) at Rosa Culinary and Beauty Vocational Training Company (Bien Hoa City). He now has four years of experience serving both as a Marketing staff member and as an instructor teaching baking classes at Rosa Culinary and Beauty Vocational Training Company.

Having left school in Grade 8, Phi Long’s journey back to the university gates was relatively long. In 2016, unaware that Bien Hoa City also had a Continuing Education Center, he registered to continue Grade 8 at the Thu Duc District Continuing Education Center (now Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City). After completing Grade 8, he took a one-year break before continuing Grade 9 at Tam Hiep Secondary School and subsequently completed his upper secondary education at the Bien Hoa City Continuing Education Center.

Inspired by his elder brother, who had secured stable employment with a high income, Phi Long applied for admission to the Marketing major at The Faculty of Administration International Economics, Lac Hong University, aiming to further develop his bakery career. His university admission results exceeded expectations: he was not only admitted but also ranked first in the entrance results. This achievement became further motivation for him to step confidently into university life.

Chau Van Phi Long (center) in his role as a baking instructor

Along with his achievement of receiving an exemption for the graduation course grade,

After five semesters at Lac Hong University, Phi Long consistently achieved excellent academic results, ranking first in both his major and the Faculty. Among his courses, he particularly enjoys those related to Marketing strategy. This field of study allows him to quickly apply knowledge in practice through product promotion and building the Rosa bakery brand. Another course he immediately applied to his business activities was Corporate Culture. The course provided valuable knowledge and skills, such as building a professional working environment, ensuring good income for employees, and regarding employees as internal customers in order to deliver the best service to clients and major partners in production and business operations. By applying the knowledge acquired at the University together with his existing experience and skills, in his role as a Marketing staff member, he contributed to increasing his team’s effectiveness by 90% and maintaining a 100% learner satisfaction rate at Rosa.

Notably, under the guidance and encouragement of MB Nguyen Vu Huy Hoang, Phi Long, together with students Nguyen Vu Thanh Truc, Phan Van Anh, and Phan Thi Thu Tinh, conducted research on the topic “Factors Affecting Generation Z Students’ Choice of University in Dong Nai in 2024.” The project excellently won Second Prize in the “Dong Nai Provincial Scientific Research Awards.” With this achievement, Phi Long received a decision granting exemption from the graduation course grade upon completing only his fifth semester of study. This stands as clear evidence of his relentless efforts throughout a long journey—balancing work to cover expenses while continuously enhancing his knowledge both academically and practically.

When asked about his future path, Chau Van Phi Long shared that after graduating, he intends to continue pursuing his passion for developing a school bread project, creating a culinary space where people can both enjoy the wonderful flavors of various breads and experience the creativity and enthusiasm of those who craft them. In the longer term, he aspires to become a marketing specialist with in-depth knowledge of culinary arts within the restaurant and hospitality industry.