CDU student Cong Do Le wins Northern Territory Young Achiever International Student Award

At the 2024 Northern Territory Young Achiever Awards ceremony, Cong Do Le (Peter), a student at Charles Darwin University (CDU), was awarded the Outstanding Young International Student Award. This honor recognizes his exceptional achievements and showcases the Northern Territory's encouragement and support for young people's positive accomplishments.

Since its inception in 1994, the Northern Territory Young Achiever Awards aim to recognize, encourage, and promote the positive achievements of young people under 30 in the Northern Territory. These awards not only affirm individual achievements but also provide an opportunity for them to become role models in the community.

Peter is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Data Science at CDU. He chose this field because he realized the significant impact of information technology on our daily lives. CDU offers numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth, from development activities to networking events. The supportive academic environment and the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded individuals enhance the learning experience here.

He stood out with a perfectGPAof 7/7. In addition to excelling academically, he also developed an AI educational application to help Indigenous students overcome language barriers and integrate into the fields of science and technology.

As a Study NT Student Ambassador, CDU Senior Tutor, and Collaborative Learning Facilitator, he has attracted many international students and fully supports newcomers. Furthermore, he actively participates in volunteer work with the Lions International Club and serves as an active ambassador for the CDU IT Programming Exhibition, demonstrating his commitment to community service and bridging the gap between industry and academia.

The picture shows Peter participating in the CDU IT Programming Exhibition event

In his acceptance speech, Peter especially thanked everyone who supported him along the way, including teachers, friends, and family. He stated that this honor marks a new beginning, not an end. He pledged to continue working hard, studying, volunteering, and helping others. He also called on everyone to work together to make the Northern Territory community stronger!

For Peter, Darwin is not just a place to study but also a place where he can connect with various traditions and cultures. He compares the tropical climate of the Northern Territory to his home in Vietnam, feeling the warmth of a second home. The warmth and friendliness of the Northern Territory people made him feel welcome and part of the community. Here, he also felt such kindness and integration, with Darwin's multicultural landscape providing him with opportunities to interact with various traditions and cultures. The tropical climate made him feel as if he were in his hometown in Vietnam, bringing him comfort and warmth. The locals' warmth and friendliness made him feel very welcome, and he truly felt he had become part of this community.

Peter said, 'The Northern Territory is a land full of opportunities, becoming better every day. I am excited to contribute to its development. Here, I am not just receiving an education but also becoming part of the future of this vibrant region.'