We extend our congratulations to Minh Hieu (Tracy) Trinh, a Year 8 student at British International School in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, on becoming an Ambassador for the Vietnam Nationwide Public Forum Debate Club, founded and develoved by Vietnam Public Forum Academy – an organization recognized by ISDI (Harvard and University of Kentucky Debate/TOC) and invited Speaker at the ASEAN Youth Volunteer Forum 2025.
Let us hear from Tracy herself sharing her thoughts:
“Greetings everyone,
My name is Minh Hieu (Tracy), I am currently in year 8 at the British International School. I am very honored and ecstatic for the opportunity to join the Viet Nam Nationwide Public Forum Association, and to share a passion of mine to my community.
Other than Public Forum I also participate in; MUN – Model United Nations, World Scholar Cup, PB, AP, and public speaking. But overall, Public Forum has been the most noticeable one for me, it helped me improve skills that other debate formats don’t have. It sharpens my research and preparation by demanding that the participant be proactive and have a well-structured case. This connects to how the Public Forum format shapes your habit of using your research time effectively since you would need to prepare for both sides.
Personally, debate has always had a special place in my heart, because to me debate is not only a hobby but a strong passion. Debate will help to impact your life, from small daily talk to big stepping stones of your life, whatever it is you will always need it. Additionally, debate will give you big pushes to improve your social interaction skills, your confidence, a connection to the other debaters, and so much more.
I believe that the role of ambassador is necessary toward the act of spreading debate to communities and encouraging other students to participate. The ambassador is a person who will help students bring out their true strength and passion in debate, and to motivate other students to be more confident and inspire their community. That is what my goal is when being an ambassador, to be uplifting and spread the passion of debating,” said Tracy.
We wish Tracy every success in her mission as an Ambassador, aiming to expand access to free Public Forum debate among young people in Ho Chi Minh City and across the entire country.