Female student Mai Huong: Journey from different majors to 1 billion champion
Surpassing 32,000 contestants, Pham Thi Mai Huong, a student at Maritime University, became the youngest champion of Coin Universe 2025, inspiring people to overcome their own limits.
On the morning of November 17, the Faculty of Economics of Vietnam Maritime University held a solemn ceremony to welcome the return of Pham Thi Mai Huong, a 20-year-old female student who had just won the championship of the "Coin Universe 2025" contest. The event was attended by representatives of the Faculty Board, lecturers and a large number of students.
Journey to overcome personal limits
Speaking at the ceremony, Pham Thi Mai Huong said that this victory was not only a career opportunity but also a story about overcoming fear and self-doubt. Initially, she hesitated when she received the opportunity to participate in the competition because she thought she was not confident enough and the responsibility that came with it was huge.
"It may sound a bit strange, but when faced with a big opportunity, the responsibility also comes with it, and I always thought that I was not confident enough," Mai Huong shared. She said that it was the trust and encouragement from her teachers that gave her the courage to step out of her comfort zone. "The teachers told me not to be afraid of anything, just take the exam, they will always be there for me. The school has never put pressure on me to take the exam or win, but has always been there to support me."
Inspirational victory
Mai Huong's journey at "Coin Universe 2025" is a testament to perseverance and constant effort. Surpassing more than 32,000 contestants and 53 teams from universities and academies nationwide, her victory became even more special when she was the only "non-major" contestant in the top 6 finals and the youngest person to win the championship this year.
The school representative assessed Mai Huong’s achievement as an important milestone, showing that non-major students can still succeed in new fields if they have the right guidance and high determination. This victory is not only a source of personal pride but also a great source of inspiration for all students of Vietnam Maritime University.
Lessons on financial thinking and maturity
Mai Huong said the competition helped her practice her thinking, critical thinking skills and confidence through each round, from debating with the top 3 of the previous season, conversing with billionaire Phan Minh Tam to challenging her intelligence with Multi-Agent AI. She learned how to seize opportunities, try her best and believe in herself.
In addition, "Coin Universe 2025" also helped her form a clearer financial mindset. "Previously, I thought that a student living on part-time money did not need to pay too much attention to personal finances. But I understand that financial management is a fundamental skill to build a proactive life in the future," the champion shared. She said it will take time to plan how to use the 1 billion VND prize responsibly and sustainably.
At the end of the exchange, Mai Huong sent a message to young people: "As long as you dare to take the first step, sometimes the whole universe will open the way and push you forward."
