Tu Ngo, known as the Co-founder of YOLA and Touchstone Partners, is one of the sponsors who has been closely associated with VietSeeds since its early days. The 10-year milestone marks both VietSeeds' decade-long development journey and the 10 years that Ms. Tu has accompanied VietSeeds, contributing to nurturing many resilient seeds into flourishing trees.

Q: How did you first learn about VietSeeds? Did it take you a long time to decide to accompany VietSeeds?

A: I learned about VietSeeds from the early days when Ms. Vu, Ms. Thuy Anh, and Ms. Cat Tuong shared their dreams of providing small but impactful financial support and creating turning-point changes for students in difficult circumstances. I always believed that talented seeds could be found anywhere, but the opportunity to nurture those talents was not always fairly distributed. Therefore, I deeply admire and appreciate the vision and mission of the VietSeeds organization.

Q: What are your thoughts on the concept of "Resilient Seeds"?

A: I believe that Seeds inherently possess qualities of resilience, determination, and adaptability. However, when entering new environments, whether it be a new city, school, or job, feeling disoriented and overwhelmed is understandable. But with the self-efforts and, especially, the life skills VietSeeds has provided, I have strong confidence that these "Resilient Seeds" will become resilient and happy trees in the future.

Q: What is your perception of the sponsorship model at VietSeeds?

A: Individual sponsors are connected with students not only for financial support but also as mentors guiding the students. Additionally, organizational sponsors are crucial resources that help VietSeeds operate high-quality training programs, providing students with the best foundations to prepare for their future careers and life journeys.

Q: What is the most memorable moment in your journey with VietSeeds?

A: In the first year of VietSeeds, also the F1 student generation, I noticed Nguyen Thi Thanh Thao—a girl with bright, intelligent eyes and a cheerful demeanor. I was impressed with Thao because, despite being petite, she always exuded determination and aspired to study medicine. A few years later, when I attended a VietSeeds Opening Ceremony, Thao, who was once a mentee, was now confidently (and authoritatively!) playing the role of a senior, sharing and guiding first-year Seeds. Although it was a small moment, I was touched and will always remember it. Thao has truly grown within this loving community. Recently, I heard that Thao is pursuing a Master's in Community Health in New Zealand. I think the personal growth and transformation of each Seeds individual will bring a lot of confidence and motivation to sponsors, mentors, and the VietSeeds team to continue supporting future Seeds.

Q: As a companion, what do you think about VietSeeds' 10-year journey? And what do you expect from future generations of VietSeeds students?

A: VietSeeds has developed into a professional, transparent non-profit organization that has operated successfully for 10 years, making profound changes for hundreds of Vietnamese students in difficult circumstances. This is truly something to be proud of. I wish VietSeeds continues to carry out its mission of transforming Seeds, empowering them, and thereby changing society. I don't want to "set expectations" for Seeds, but if I were to give a wish, I hope they always remain resilient, kind, and inclusive, not only towards others but also towards themselves.

Throughout the 10-year journey, VietSeeds has been extremely fortunate to have the support, companionship, and assistance of sponsors. These warm hearts have added more confidence, motivation, and strength, allowing VietSeeds to continue spreading positive values to the community.