Ly Phuong Minh
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BAY Competition is an initiative that was brought to Vietnam in 2017 with the vision of helping young Vietnamese gain the confidence to speak up, express their talents, and showcase their creativity to the world. BAY is more than a competition — it’s a platform for youth to find their voice, embrace their identity, and grow into impactful, global-minded individuals.
Vietnamese youth deserve a global stage where they can express their opinions, showcase their creativity, and represent Vietnam with pride and authenticity.
As a Vietnamese living in Australia and working closely with international students, I have always felt a deep responsibility to support and uplift the younger Vietnamese generation—both those in Vietnam and those studying abroad. Throughout my journey, I have witnessed a recurring challenge: although Vietnamese youth are incredibly talented, creative, and full of potential, many hesitate to speak up or express their ideas when placed in international environments.
This often stems from a lack of confidence, particularly when stepping beyond their cultural comfort zones. The BAY Competition was created with a clear vision: to empower young Vietnamese to find their voice, embrace their identity, and confidently share their stories with the world. My hope is to challenge the mindset that “staying silent” is safer or more acceptable. I believe Vietnamese youth deserve a global stage where they can express their opinions, showcase their creativity, and represent Vietnam with pride and authenticity. BAY is not just a competition—it’s a movement to nurture leadership, communication, and self-belief in our future generation.
The proudest moments of my work come when I witness real transformation in the young individuals who participate in the BAY Competition. Seeing them evolve—gaining confidence, refining their voices, and stepping into leadership roles—is incredibly rewarding. Many participants have gone on to lead social projects, win scholarships, and become inspiring advocates in their communities.
What makes this work truly meaningful is the personal growth I get to observe up close. I’ve had the privilege of hearing powerful personal stories, meeting extraordinary young talents, and watching them turn ideas into actions that create tangible community impact. Those moments—when a once-hesitant student takes the stage and speaks with clarity and conviction—remind me why I started BAY. They represent hope, courage, and a brighter future for Vietnamese youth everywhere.