About Us

OVSA - Otago Vietnamese Students Association. Yes, we are the Vietnamese! But you know what, V is not just for Vietnam, it also stands for “Variety”.

We welcome anyone and everyone whose different backgrounds, South East Asians, Asians, Pasifika, African... to come to join us and exchange our cultures. With that in mind, we aim to connect more members, both on campus and beyond, wishing to further flourish our ‘social circle’ and thus create more healthy relationships, we got each others’ back! Not stopping there, we also have an unquenchable thirst for promoting our beautiful Vietnamese culture through a range of fun, exciting yet informative activities throughout the year. You must have heard about Áo Dài and must have tried Phở, but there is so much more about our little S-shaped country for you to explore, if you let us show you our world.

Don’t be shy, feel free to come and join us! We are all funny weirdos wanting to make new friends and meaningful memories throughout our uni lives! Muck up that little courage, come join us, and we will take care of the rest - pretty sure you will have some fun (or heaps!).

Meet The Team

Vyn Vang

PRESIDENT

Major: Finance - Minor: Film and Media. Final year

Outsider, trigger warning: not friendly >w< >m< You probably see my grumpy face at Gong Cha Dunedin.
I'm down for anything, from energy fusion to astrology, tarot to history, stock to human body, tracking to just chilling, movies to nature...
2022 goal: approach my library crush ;">

We're here to lay foundation for the next OVSA gen.

2022 team, let's make bunches of amazing moments together!!!

Minh Nguyen

WELFARE OFFICER

Programme of study: Science Communication

3 things about me:

1. I'm byelingual. No this is not a typo - you're reading it right! Languages don't work out well for me.

2. Sharing memes is my love language.

3. The only sport I do is breathing (very Zen I know)

To OVSA members: see you soon!!

Binh Minh Vu (Skye)

MEDIA & TECHNICAL OFFICER

Major: International Business

Three things about myself:
- Likes learning about languages
- Star Wars enthusiast
- Classical music fan

My comment on OVSA 2022:
“What I love about OVSA is that it is an open cultural space for everyone who interests themselves in our culture. In the last year, OVSA has organised a number of different cultural events, and involved itself within the Otago University community, which attracted a lot of attention. I wish that OVSA would be a stronger community, and become a more significant representative of Vietnamese students in 2022, just like it has averred in the last year.”

Micky Nguyen

SECRETARY

studies bachelor of biomedical science

3 things: introverted, passionate and eager to learn

wish ovsa 2022 can flourish and connect more people to create wonderful memories

Debbie Nguyen

EVENT COORDINATOR

Programme of study: Pharmacy

3 facts about me:
- I passionately hate watermelon .
- I'm curious about "drugs".
- I'm actually nice when I'm not hungry or sleep deprived (my RBF is a symptom of sleep deprivation).

To OVSA members:
I can't wait to meet y'all!!

Lu Nguyen

ACADEMIC OFFICER

Ngoc/ Lu Nguyen (whichever easier to pronounce)

Bachelor of Science, Human Nutrition major, year 2.

- 3 things about yourself

Shy as always. I am trying not to but it is still. Deep inside I am a chatty box, just waiting for someone to start first. So please dont be shy as well :))

Well-planned... I'd like to keep my day busy or at least look busy. I get involved in lots of things and would love to keep them on the track

..but happy to change. While the schedule is tight, I am still keen on helping and believe there are always spaces for good deeds. Sometimes I get overwhelmed as well but things usually still being sorted :))

I hope OVSA will be a common voice for Vietnamese and those who are interested in Vietnamese culture, particularly in the uni. Where we can come to seek help/ being helped and where we find home.

Lam Tran

TREASURER

Hey everyone!

My name is Lam and I am in my final year studying a Bachelors of Science majoring in Neuroscience.

I am a NZ born Vietnamese and grew up in Hastings. I have 4 siblings and in my spare time, I enjoy getting into my DnD, MTG and other nerdy hobbies as well as focusing on my powerlifting.

My wish for OVSA in 2022 is to be a safe, inviting space for other Vietnamese students, especially those who are NZ born who may not feel like they're "Viet enough" to join.

I hope to fulfill and carry on all the hard work from the OVSA team of 2021 as well as helping to build the Vietnamese community in Dunedin