Choosing between distinct academic paths is a common dilemma, but former Vietnam Australia International School (VAS) student Lê Minh Thiên An has chosen to embrace both. Thiên An is currently challenging herself with a demanding dual-degree program in Pharmacy and Business at the University of Sydney, consistently ranked among the top three universities in Australia.

To secure her place at the prestigious institution, Thiên An built a comprehensive profile throughout her seven years of study at VAS, balancing high academic performance with a diverse set of practical skills. Her passion for scientific research, nurtured by an international curriculum, led Thiên An and her teammate to win First Prize at the Municipal Level and Second Prize at the National Level in the 2024–2025 Science and Engineering Fair. In addition to her scientific achievements, Thiên An demonstrated exceptional linguistic capabilities. Engaging daily in an English-speaking environment with native teachers enabled her to win Second Prize in the VAS Speaking Contest across two academic years: 2022–2023 and 2024–2025. School representatives also highlighted her leadership capabilities, which were developed through various extracurricular involvements, including serving as an event emcee, leading school clubs, and participating in community volunteer projects. This well-rounded background initially earned Thiên An direct admission into the Materials Engineering program at Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT). However, she chose to expand her horizons internationally after securing a prestigious scholarship in Australia. While navigating a dual-degree program presents significant challenges, faculty members express confidence that the robust foundation Thiên An established early in her academic career will continue to propel her forward.