18-year-old female student wins 1 billion VND at Coin Universe 2025
Overcoming technological challenges and confronting AI judges, Pham Thi Mai Huong, a student at Maritime University, became the Champion of The Moneyverse 2025.
On the evening of November 16, 2025, at the National Innovation Center (NIC), student Pham Thi Mai Huong officially became the Champion of the Moneyverse 2025 contest. The 18-year-old female student from the Maritime University overcame many competitors to win a prize worth 1 billion VND in cash, a career opportunity at the Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam (BIDV) and valuable scholarships.
The dramatic journey to the coronation
In the final round called "Who is smarter than AI", Mai Huong and the remaining contestant Dao Thi Linh (Hanoi University of Architecture) had to directly confront Multi-Agent AI as judges. With the highly difficult keyword "Blockchain protocol", both contestants could not pass the challenge. This result led to a sub-round of 5 multiple choice questions. After a close score chase, Mai Huong won by only 1 point, officially crowned the highest position.
The mettle of a non-financial champion
Mai Huong's victory made a strong impression as she was the youngest contestant and did not major in Economics - Finance. However, she demonstrated her courage and solid knowledge through each round. In the Quarterfinals, she passed the round with the highest amount of money. In the Semifinals, although she was in a safe position, Mai Huong continued to participate in challenges to affirm her ability. Her journey is a testament to the spirit of continuous learning and perseverance in pursuing goals.
The ultimate intellectual and technological competition
The final night was a fierce competition between the Top 6 best contestants. Right from the first station, the contestants had to go through a virtual reality (VR) competition and knowledge test. After this round, contestant Dau Xuan Huan (University of Economics and Finance, Ho Chi Minh City) had to stop at the first step.
In the "Black Hole" challenge, Nguyen Minh Hieu (University of Commerce) was the only one to successfully decode. However, a big surprise happened in the debate round with the Top 3 of the 2024 Coin Universe. After the guest team won, the current Top 3 had to vote one person out. Despite having their own strategy, Minh Hieu was the one who received two negative votes and had to stop at the Top 3, leaving many regrets.
The attraction of the leading financial playground for students
Coin Universe 2025, with the theme "Digital Galaxy", has affirmed its position as the leading financial education program for Vietnamese students. The program has expanded to include 54 universities and academies nationwide, attracting nearly 250,000 followers on social media and reaching about 130 million cross-platform views.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Le Huy Hoang, Director of BIDV's Human Resources Department, said: "When young people have knowledge and skills in financial management, they will adapt well and understand how to operate the economy comprehensively; thereby creating a strong society. Accompanying The Moneyverse is how we create true values for the young generation."
Journalist Duong Ngoc Trinh from VTV Times shared: "Maturity is the most valuable reward for the contestants as well as us. In season 3, Money Universe will continue to bring many more surprises." The program has contributed to spreading financial knowledge and shaping a generation of dynamic, brave and responsible Vietnamese students.
