Ho Le Minh Thach is a standout example of an RMIT Vietnam engineering alumnus who made his mark on the professional world while still at university. His résumé reads “Graduated in one-year, full-time work experience in three” – a story that resonates with many parents seeking the right university for their children’s future.
It was June 2024, just two weeks after Vietnamese news sites ran headlines about a student winning an Apple award for a chewing tracker app. At just 22, Minh Thach was the only Vietnamese winner in the global competition, thanks to his deeply reflective, real-life project titled Mindful Eating.
That same year, Thach ranked among the top 2% of RMIT students globally, honoured by the Vice-Chair of the RMIT 91tv Council for his outstanding academic performance - a testament to how the university empowers its students to stand out internationally.
Ho Le Minh Thach was among the top 2% of RMIT students globally to be recognised by the Vice-Chair of the 91tv Council for outstanding academic achievement in 2024.
The idea for Mindful Eating was born from a simple observation, that people tend to eat in a rush without chewing properly- a habit detrimental to health. As someone who naturally ate slowly, Thach experienced first-hand the benefits of mindful eating and wanted to create something that would help others slow down, improve their habits and take control of their wellbeing. And so, the app was built and submitted to Apple’s Swift Student Challenge.
At RMIT, students are encouraged and supported to participate in a wide range of tech competitions and Mindful Eating marked the beginning of Thach’s journey into using technology to create human-centred solutions that make life better.
Following that momentum, Thach and his team created HealthLight, an AI-powered medical information system. The team, Healium, included RMIT peers Truong Nhat Anh, Dinh Gia Huu Phuoc and Nguyen Duc Minh. The project won Best Software Engineering and IT Project at the RMIT graduate showcase and reinforced the team’s real-world problem-solving capabilities.
The Healium team, with Thach pictured in brown, won Best Software Engineering and IT Project for their AI-powered medical information system (Image: RMIT)
While many young people struggle to connect what they study with what they do, Thach found his path early because he chose to make RMIT a part of his formative years.
When asked why he chose Software Engineering at RMIT over other options, he shared four key reasons: a globally recognised degree, a 100% English learning environment, a cutting-edge curriculum, and an industry-connected network. But for Thach, it went beyond that:
“RMIT didn’t just teach me technical knowledge - it gave me opportunities to prove myself to employers, both in Vietnam and globally. These chances allowed me to intern, build experience, and graduate with over a year of real-world work behind me.”
In his second year, Thach connected with NAB, one of Australia’s Big Four banks during career week at RMIT. He went on to work for ANZ, another bank in the Big Four, as an iOS developer – all before graduating.
Now at 23, Thach is a global software engineer living and working in Melbourne, Australia – one of the most liveable cities in the world. Observing the tech transformation across Australia, as outdated systems are being replaced with future-ready technology, Thach sees huge potential for himself and other tech-savvy Gen Z graduates to explore, contribute and get ready for what’s next.
At just 23 years old, Thach is already an international engineer, living and working in the dream city of Melbourne (Image: RMIT).
As conversations around artificial intelligence replacing tech workers continue, Thach remains clear-eyed.
“AI can’t replace human understanding. Just like we still learn manual calculations before using a calculator, understanding the core is vital. AI is a tool - and it takes people with the right mindset to guide and manage it effectively.”
This confidence and clarity reflect the kind of thinking RMIT nurtures - a blend of technical skills, critical understanding and adaptability in a fast-changing world.
In a world where technology and life itself is evolving rapidly, young engineers like Thach must be lifelong learners. Without the mindset, it is difficult to stay updated or know what truly matters.
At RMIT, Thach gained solid technical foundations – from front-end and back-end development to DevOps, data and AI. But more than just skills, he left with confidence, adaptability, creativity and a sense of belonging to a community that lasts well beyond graduation.
As he looks back on his journey, Thach has one message for young people passionate about engineering and technology, “Don’t hesitate to pursue your passion. A great engineer doesn’t just write code – they think outside the box, explore new ideas and build things that matter to the community.”
Minh Thach’s journey is a clear reminder that RMIT Vietnam is more than just a university. It’s a launchpad for future-ready global citizens - young people who face uncertainty with confidence, chase opportunities across borders, and rise to every new challenge. For every student wondering what path to take, Thach’s story is your invitation to say yes to what’s next.