National identity is a strength that enables Vietnamese people to integrate into the international community.

This book is the second travelogue by the author, who is also a poet and translator. It recounts her journey of "opening doors to travel" since her student days, when she forged her own path to studying abroad. This also laid the foundation for her to visit more than 40 countries around the world.

Sharing her thoughts on the book's title, Que Mai confided: "The book's title is..."Salt grains drifting aimlessly"Because I have traveled to over 40 countries around the world, and the more I travel, the smaller I feel amidst the ocean of culture and knowledge of the world. The more I travel, the more I realize that it is the stories of the local people that illuminate my path, letting me know that I am just a tiny grain of salt in that vast ocean..."

Poet Nguyen Phan Que Mai signs books for young readers.

Ms. Khuc Thi Hoa Phuong, director of the Women's Publishing House, also introduced the origins of the travelogue.Salt grains drifting aimlesslyThat's the emotional connection between Que Mai and the publishing house team she worked with. Speaking about the meaning of the book cover, Ms. Hoa Phuong shared that it's a very meaningful work by artist Ngo Xuan Khoi. The background color of the cover is the vast blue of the ocean, and the character depicted gracefully against that backdrop is Que Mai in a Vietnamese ao dai, a small Vietnamese girl amidst the ocean, a Vietnamese woman always cherishing tradition.

Teacher Phan Ho Diep, a "fan" of Ms. Que Mai, also revealed that in every event or humanitarian activity, Ms. Que Mai is always seen looking simple yet impressive in a Vietnamese ao dai. Today, Ms. Que Mai still maintains that style; it's true that the further she goes, the more she gravitates towards tradition.

The first pages of the book, shared by the author, reveal to the reader the image of a small, thin girl from Bac Lieu who came to Saigon to study with only two worn-out sets of clothes. Passionate about English, coupled with perseverance and ambition, she dreamed of studying abroad since her university days and strived to achieve a scholarship. While in Bac Lieu, Que Mai received free English lessons from teacher Truong Van Anh, but in Saigon, she diligently taught herself, learning in every way possible: through radio, searching for books in the library, and even offering free guidance to tourists, all in exchange for learning how to speak like a native speaker. She encourages young people to step outside their comfort zone, not to wait until they have all the necessary resources, but to start with what they have. Answering students' questions about how to be confident in the image of Vietnamese people in the world outside the country, Nguyen Phan Que Mai emphasized national identity and affirmed: “Our national identity is our strength when going abroad. I often wear the ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress) and recite poetry in Vietnamese instead of English translations at literary and artistic exchanges in many countries. I also still retain my Vietnamese citizenship, even though I have sometimes faced more difficulties and disadvantages if I held citizenship of another country.” Drawing on Vietnamese culture, the petite author has earned the admiration of many foreigners.

Graham Alliband, former Australian Ambassador to Vietnam and currently Director of the Vietnam-Australia Human Resource Development Program, the predecessor of the Australian Government Scholarship Program – which awarded Nguyen Phan Que Mai a scholarship many years ago – expressed his pride that scholarship recipients like her have become successful and global citizens, contributing positively to society in general and Vietnam in particular. He also hoped that these recent Australian scholarships would continue to be a goal for young people to strive for. Graham Alliband further revealed that in 2017, the number of Australian Government scholarships will decrease, thus increasing competition among candidates. Furthermore, the scholarship requirements will be higher, especially regarding English proficiency, with applicants now needing a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent TOEFL iBT, instead of the previous 4.5.

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Thi Thanh Huyen (Head of the Public Relations Department) poses for a commemorative photo with the guests.

Before concluding the seminar, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Thi Thanh Huyen reiterated the reasons for organizing the event, summarized the content, and expressed her gratitude to the Women's Publishing House, Ms. Nguyen Phan Que Mai, and Mr. Graham Alliband. They were like three vertices of a triangle, united by a common purpose: to share information, insights, create motivation, strengthen dreams and aspirations, and open new doors for young people. The MC of the seminar was Ms. Phan Thi Ho Diep – mother of Do Nhat Nam, the youngest translator in Vietnam – who skillfully guided and connected the speakers and the audience. The students of the Faculty of Journalism and Communication were honored to be among the first audience, receiving information about scholarships from the Australian government and, more importantly, the message that Ms. Nguyen Phan Que Mai wanted to convey through her newly published book.

The seminar attracted not only young people but also older readers.

From left to right: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Thanh Huyen (Head of the Public Relations Department), poet Nguyen Phan Que Mai, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dang Thi Thu Huong (Head of the Faculty of Journalism and Communication)