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achievement was not just about gradesit symbolised resilience, discipline, and belief in one’s own ability to rise

above limitations.

The second milestone was the research I conducted for my thesis, titled “Factors Influencing Voter Intention toward
Candidates with Disabilities in Viet Nam.” This was an ambitious topic that went beyond the usual requirements for a
master’s thesis, yet it addressed a question I had long been passionate about: Are Vietnamese voters truly ready to
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vote for candidates with disabilities?ite limited resources, I mobilised my professional networkboth within and
Desp
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beyond the disability communityto conduct a largescale survey with over 700 respondents across several
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provinces. With only a parttime research assistant and minimal funding, I managed to design and implement a
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scientifically rigorous study using advanced analytical methods (PLSSEM). The results of this research have not only
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contributed to academic understanding but also provided practical evidence for policymakers and organisations
ity,
PWDs
promoting political participation of . The thesis was highly praised by the academic committee for its original
methodological soundness, and social impact. Following the thesis defense, several reputable journals in Viet Nam and
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abroad invited me to publish my findings, including Law and Development Journal and Dong Hanh Viet
the official
publication of the Viet Nam Federation on Disabilities. This recognition has encouraged me to continue contributing to
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the field through evidencebased advocacy and research.

The third milestone came after I began applying what I learned to realworld initiatives. The knowledge and analytical
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me

skills from my Master’s programhave strengthened my role at UNDP Viet Nam and beyond. In 2025, I was invited to
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serve as a national trainer on disability inclusion for health workers in three provincesa responsibility I would never
have been trusted with before pursuing my degree. I aauthored several policy articles, contributed to UN joint
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lso co
programmes on disability inclusion, andmentored young professionals with disabilities to participate in leadership

and public policy activities.

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Looking back, the AUNDPPnet Scholarship was more than a financial awardit was a lifechanging opportunity. It
allowed a single mother with a disability to continue learning, to contribute to her community, and to inspire others
who face similar challenges. The journey was filled with sleepless nights, tears, and selfdoubt, but it was also marked
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by friendship, mentorship, and breakthroughs. I learned that perseverance, combined with the right support system,
can turn obstacles into stepping stones.

Group photo with the university and invited panel

members for theMaster’s degree thesis defense

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