- We understand that Cong Luu will be going to Japan for his studies in the near future. Could you share more details?
I am currently pursuing a Master's degree in Journalism at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi. Last year, I received an announcement about the Jasso exchange program and scholarship for a Master's degree at Kyushu University, Japan. I hesitated for a while, wondering whether I should apply for this scholarship or not. But after a week of deliberation, I finally decided to apply. After several rounds of application selection and months of waiting, I was finally selected and became one of two students from Vietnam National University, Hanoi, to be accepted into the Kyushu University exchange program in Japan.
- With a fairly extensive presence on VTV programs, why did Cong Luu decide to temporarily stop working to study abroad?
For me, taking a break from my current job to study abroad is also an investment in my career. Because any job requires continuous learning and improvement. Especially as a TV presenter, I not only need to improve my appearance but also cultivate knowledge and experience to create fresh and engaging presentations for the audience. Therefore, I believe that putting my work aside to study is a way to invest in and accumulate knowledge and life experience, providing me with more material for becoming a TV presenter.
- Does Cong Luu worry that viewers will forget him after a period away from television?
Actually, that's the issue I've been most worried and conflicted about. Because even a short time away from the audience might be enough for them to forget about me. I've weighed the pros and cons of this decision, wondering if it's worth sacrificing the job I'm happy doing. After a period of stress, internal struggle, and deliberation, I've come to the conclusion that youth only comes once, so I should leave while I still can. My departure doesn't mean the end of my career as a TV presenter.
Perhaps after finishing my studies and returning, I will be a better version of myself, with new experiences to share with the audience. This could also be a way to win over the audience and make them love me even more. Besides, the leadership of the Entertainment Programs Production Department has been very supportive in my studies and development, allowing me to still produce television content for viewers from afar. At this point, I feel completely at ease, no longer pressured by those thoughts, and fully ready to embrace wonderful experiences.
I once failed in the rainbow competition.
Perhaps it was perseverance and a burning desire to conquer. When I failed to make it to the Rainbow competition, I was in shock for a month. I couldn't believe I'd missed out on the top 20. At that time, I doubted my abilities, my suitability for the profession, and my career. I really wanted to give up and quit. But seeing my seniors, my idols, on television every day, I felt an overwhelming desire to appear on television again. I started to reflect on why I failed, what my weaknesses were, and what I needed to improve. Accepting failure, self-reflection, and lowering my ego to be ready to learn were incredibly important. After that, I understood my shortcomings and had to dedicate a long time to improving my knowledge and experience. Each time I failed, I accepted my imperfections and gradually, step by step, improved them. Thanks to that diligent accumulation of experience, I finally had enough strength to conquer those big programs later on.
Currently, I don't have a personal development plan in mind, because right now I have many priorities, such as my studies. I think doing that would require a lot of time investment. Once things are more stable, I'll think about it later.
- But what valuable things has your career brought you over the past few years?
Perhaps the most valuable thing I've gained after six years in this profession is self-belief. Before starting, I always doubted my abilities; whenever I began something, I thought I couldn't do it. But the journey from a shy person afraid of crowds to a television presenter has changed me. For many, it might seem simple, but for me, it was a truly difficult journey. I feel proud because I never thought I could achieve something so impossible.
Besides that, my most valuable asset during my years in the profession is my experiences. I've traveled to many places, visited many lands, met many people, and experienced life with many different cultures. These are perhaps the wonderful gifts that the television profession has given me, enriching my youthful journey and making my youth truly worthwhile.
- What are Cong Luu's plans after finishing his studies in Japan?
I'm certain that after returning, I'll continue working in television because I can't give it up. Besides that, I'll complete my Master's program this year. If possible, I'd like to pursue some projects I've been nurturing. I hope that when I return, I'll still receive the love and support of my viewers.
