Michelle Minh-Trang Bui's journey from Vietnam to Malaysia in 2019 began an exciting and transformative chapter. Enrolling in the Sunway Foundation Programme (SFP) at Sunway College, she initially found the transition challenging as an international student. However, with a supportive onboarding process, she quickly adapted, saw friends, and immersed herself in her studies.

Michelle’s passion for communications was evident from the start. She became Director of Social Media and Advertising for the SFP Committee during her foundation year. In this capacity, she honed her skills in managing graphics and content for the committee’s social media channels and even spearheaded the rebranding of the program’s logo.

Her journey continued with the BA (Hons) in Communications at Sunway University. The program provided a comprehensive education, progressing from foundational theories in the first year to hands-on experiences and application in the subsequent years. This structure prepared Michelle for the professional world, equipping her with the necessary skills and knowledge.

A defining moment of Michelle's university years was organising the inaugural RAWK Concert in November 2022 alongside her coursemates as part of the Event Management module. This not-for-profit event was dedicated to honouring the Orang Asli community and celebrating cultural diversity at Sunway University. Attracting over 6,000 guests, the event was an overwhelming success, creating a cherished tradition within the Event Management module. "I’m incredibly proud of the legacy we started," Michelle remarked, reflecting on the concert's profound impact and enduring significance. This milestone highlighted her leadership and organisational skills and underscored her commitment to cultural appreciation and community engagement.

In the final stretch of her degree, Michelle gained valuable industry experience through a PR internship with an agency in Kuala Lumpur. She also engaged in freelance work, further sharpening her skills. As graduation approached, Michelle began preparing for job applications. Despite initial challenges due to language barriers, she secured a full-time position offer from her internship company and another opportunity elsewhere. This period marked a significant milestone in Michelle's career, showcasing her resilience and adaptability in the competitive job market.

Today, Michelle works remotely as a PR Account Executive for Ellerton & Co., a distinguished Singapore-based PR agency. In her role, she executes comprehensive communication strategies for businesses across the Asia-Pacific and the U.S., encompassing public relations, digital marketing, social media, and branding. Michelle finds immense satisfaction in witnessing the tangible impact of her projects as she helps clients gain visibility in prestigious publications such as Channel News Asia, The Star, and the New Straits Times. Her ability to elevate brands and craft compelling narratives underscores her expertise and passion for the dynamic field of public relations.

Reflecting on her journey, Michelle credits her Communications program for her professional and personal growth. "Studying Communications has been a game-changer," she says. The program taught her essential skills such as teamwork, communication, critical thinking, empathy, flexibility, and decision-making, all crucial to her career success. It also empowered her to make a difference by effectively sharing stories and advocating for causes she cares about, like sustainability, through her platform @thatben.platform. This shows that Michelle's academic experience has shaped her career and enriched her ability to champion essential issues and drive positive change.

Michelle encourages current and future students to embrace their university experience fully. "Go all out and embrace your time at university! Don’t hold back or hesitate to jump into new experiences!" she advises. She believes that seizing opportunities at Sunway shaped her future and hopes that others will find their university journey as unforgettable and impactful as hers. "Wishing all of you future Sunwayians the best of luck!"