Quyet Trinh

Quyet gained the practical and theoretical skills needed to make a difference to future generations to come.

Originally from Vietnam, Quyet moved to Wellington to learn more about climate change, and how he could make a meaningful impact for future generations. This led to him studying the Master of Climate Change Science and Policy (MCCSP) at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.

“We are living in a world where climate change is no longer a distant threat. It is happening and will continue to alter the lives of many, especially those living in developing countries like Vietnam.

“The MCCSP was born with a mission greater than itself. To provide future generations the chance of enjoying the luxuriousness of the ordinary privileges like we enjoy today.”

A new outlook

“The Master’s helped transform my ideology on climate change, by developing my knowledge and skills. I’m now much more capable of delivering new ideas on how we can add climate resilience to land use plans, including the importance of healthier soil, to create a more sustainable future.

“What I enjoyed most about the MCCSP programme was the people involved in it. I had the chance to learn from outstanding academics who are recognised worldwide for their ground-breaking ideas. My classmates were also the best—so driven to learn and build a community of like-minded people to fight against something as important as climate change.”

Work with experts

Quyet worked closely with his supervisor Dr Alex Lo, who helped guide him during his year of study and throughout his research.

“Dr Alex Lo is a highly experienced academic in the field of climate change. He was always available to offer ideas regarding climate finance and adaptation. He also specialises in the Asia–Pacific region, which was of help to me, as my research was based on Vietnam.

“He offered me so much support throughout my research, spending time with me each week discussing my progression, providing suggestions, and ensuring my research was highly-focused.”

The right support

New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) offers international scholarships to students for both undergraduate and postgraduate study. Quyet was awarded one of these scholarships, providing him the opportunity to gain new skills and knowledge by studying in Wellington.

“Without the MFAT scholarship there would be no chance I would have been able to enrol in this programme. In developing countries like Vietnam, these scholarships give people like me the chance to change their lives. Things would not be the same without these types of scholarships.”

After graduating, Quyet returned home to Vietnam and is now working as a policy analyst at the General Department of Land Administration of Vietnam on projects such as land use planning, soil quality investigation and mapping, and land use policy analysing and drafting.

If you are interesting in studying climate change, visit the Master of Climate Change Science and Policy programme page for more information.