JMA UPDATES | BEYOND THE RUNWAY WITH JESSICA MINH ANH AT VINUNIVERSITY

VinUniversity witnessed an extraordinary moment of inspiration as Jessica Minh Anh—the globally renowned supermodel and show producer—arrived on campus for a talk show that blended personal identity, global mindset, and real-world leadership into a truly unforgettable exchange.

Invited by Dr. Le Mai Lan, President of VinUniversity, Jessica’s visit reflected the university’s strong global connections and its commitment to engaging influential leaders shaping culture, innovation, and education.

Jessica Minh Anh appeared in a striking monochrome crimson ensemble by Tracy Couture—a sculpted, tailored top with sharp shoulders and a cinched peplum waist, flowing into a dramatic pleated maxi skirt. A bold floral appliqué at the bodice created a couture focal point, balancing softness with power. She completed the look with a sleek high ponytail and blunt fringe, winged eyeliner, and a refined red-toned lip—polished and commanding.

Upon arrival, Jessica was interviewed at the Grand Hall by reporters and cinematographers from Vietnam Today (VTV)—an entrance that felt less like a routine campus visit and more like the beginning of a story students could step into.

TALK SHOW: BEYOND THE RUNWAY WITH JESSICA MINH ANH

The special session took place in VinUniversity’s Heritage Room, where Jessica invited students and faculty to reflect on personal identity, global mindset, and how to translate ambition into meaningful action.

For over a decade, Jessica has transformed iconic landmarks—including the Eiffel Tower, London’s Tower Bridge, JFK Airport, the Grand Canyon Skywalk, the PETRONAS Twin Towers Skybridge, and Hoover Dam—into history-making runways. Drawing from these experiences, she offered VinUni students an unfiltered perspective on what it truly means for young Vietnamese talents to step confidently into global systems while staying rooted in values.

Throughout the conversation, Jessica underscored the importance of building a personal brand anchored in inner strength, clarity of purpose, and a sustainable value system. In her view, creativity is not merely a tool for self-expression—it is a bridge: connecting people, advancing education, and generating social impact at scale. The discussion also expanded into broader reflections on liberal education, interdisciplinary thinking, and mentorship—how they shape identity, nurture global citizenship, and prepare students to adapt in a rapidly changing world.

HIGHLIGHT QUOTES FROM JESSICA MINH ANH

On the world as a classroom:

“You do need to travel to widen your perspective. I learned a lot simply by observing how people operate in different parts of the world… The world can be your classroom, but never forget to value yours right here first.”

On handling pressure before recognition:

“As humans, we can be emotional, especially when bad things happen. I remind myself not to take things personally and not to waste time panicking—because there is always a solution. As long as you’re alive, there is a solution.”

On belonging and confidence:

“You always make an active decision whether you belong or not. Never force yourself to be in places—or around people—that don’t align with your values.”

On staying grounded globally:

“I prioritize three non-negotiables: my values, my routines, and my inner circle… That’s all you really need to stay grounded.”

On attitude vs. skills:

“Skills are important. But the number one attitude is a willingness to learn. When all you want is to improve yourself and support those around you, you become valuable, respected, and magnetic.”

On credibility in a world obsessed with speed:

“I love speed… but you can’t build a legacy without credibility. Deliver on your promises—better yet, deliver above and beyond what’s expected. Underpromise and overdeliver.”

On what students should stop doing immediately:

“Stop self-doubt immediately. There is no such thing as being ‘ready.’ Playing safe and waiting for the ‘right time’ is the biggest time-waster.”

Through these exchanges, Jessica encouraged VinUni students to reassess their learning journeys and more clearly articulate the relationship between personal passion, capability, and social responsibility.

The session concluded with renewed inspiration, reaffirming the commitment of VinUni and the College of Arts and Sciences to cultivating an open academic ecosystem—one where students are empowered to explore who they are, pursue aspirations with intention, and contribute lasting value to the global community.

After the talk, Jessica received flowers and gifts from Nguyen Hong Ha, Vice President of VinUniversity, in appreciation of the collaboration and what both sides see as the beginning of a meaningful relationship.

Jessica also signed VinUniversity’s VIP Guest Book, writing: “Education is the most scalable form of hope.”

EXPLORING VINUNIVERSITY CAMPUS

Jessica Minh Anh’s campus tour unfolded like a curated journey—where each space felt designed not only for academic intensity, but also for human connection. What stood out immediately was the contrast in design language: a classical, monumental exterior paired with modern, high-performance interiors—an aesthetic tension that mirrors what education should be today: rooted, but relentlessly forward.

The tour moved through signature locations that became more than backdrops; they became moments that reflected Jessica’s energy with the students and the university’s spirit:

ROSE GARDEN

Among blooming pathways and soft light, Jessica paused to lean into the roses—an intimate, cinematic contrast to the sharp architecture of her couture silhouette. The imagery captured a message she often returns to: power does not need to be loud; it can be precise, composed, and quietly intentional.

GRAND HALL

On the Grand Hall steps, Jessica lifted the pleated skirt into motion—turning a formal entrance into a visual statement. The pleats moved like a wave: dramatic, disciplined, and controlled, echoing the mindset she shared with students—ambition is not a mood; it is a practice.

LIBRARY / LEARNING SPACES

Inside the modern learning spaces, Jessica moved through the curved, layered interiors with the same focus she brings to her productions—calm, deliberate, and forward-moving. The setting reinforced her point that global readiness is built through daily structure: study, routine, and the ability to keep learning faster than the world changes.

ROOFTOP GARDEN

At the Rooftop Garden, Jessica’s presence shifted from “speaker” to “observer”—a quiet pause above the campus rhythm. The elevated setting echoed one of her core messages to students: perspective is a discipline. Sometimes the most strategic move is stepping back, taking in the full view, and returning with sharper clarity.

INTERNATIONAL HALL

Inside VinUniversity’s international hall, Jessica stood framed by a corridor of national flags in front of the "EXCELLENCE TO LEAD" statement. For students, it visualized what her talk emphasized: global readiness isn’t a dream or a label—it’s built through values, credibility, and the courage to represent yourself beyond borders.

CENTRAL SQUARE & FOUNTAIN

In the open-air plazas and near the fountain, the campus revealed its ceremonial scale—broad sightlines, symmetry, and space built for community. Against this monumental backdrop, Jessica’s crimson look became a moving focal point—proof that a single individual, anchored in purpose, can command space without demanding it.

FASHION X TECHNOLOGY X EDUCATION

“Fashion is a form of art driven by creativity, while technology enables and amplifies that creativity to reach new heights and wider audiences. Education creates longevity and depth. Combining all three can turn a moment into a movement, uniting people around human-first innovation and empowering the next generation to create positive change,” said Jessica.

Jessica also shared that her ideal collaborations with universities are those where students build something real—a project, a prototype, a community initiative—from concept to final results. She wants partnerships that produce impact students can touch, document, and be proud of—work that strengthens not only their portfolios, but their confidence in their own abilities.

Jessica Minh Anh’s visit served as a reminder that education shapes more than knowledge—it shapes character, vision, and the ability to lead with substance. Her youthful confidence, global outlook, and commitment to innovation reflected the very qualities VinUniversity seeks to cultivate, leaving students energized to step bigger, think deeper, and build braver.

JMA Team