“This scholarship gave me a sense of purpose”: Joshua Phung on finding community and confidence at SOAS

Thanks to a University of London scholarship, BSc Accounting and Finance student Joshua Phung is building his academic journey at SOAS. Despite many challenges, he stayed focused on his dream of going to university and dedicated himself to working towards it.

The journey to SOAS

My name is Joshua Phung, and I am in my penultimate year of studying Accounting and Finance at SOAS. I am neurodivergent and a first‑generation student with a mixed Chinese and Vietnamese heritage. These parts of my identity have shaped how I understand both myself and my family’s history.

What inspires me to study Accounting and Finance comes directly from home. My parents were always careful with money. From special needs school to college, they counted every pound each week to save whatever they could. My late father was a retired chef and had once been a member of the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. My mother took care of him and of us.

I wanted to support my family and build a stable life so my parents could live comfortably. I did not grow up with much, but I was fortunate to have parents who worked their entire lives to come to the UK. When I helped count money at home, I found it calming. That was when I realised I wanted to do something similar in the future. That is why I chose Accounting and Finance.

Overcoming Barriers Through Scholarship Support

The University of London Scholars programme gave me a sense of purpose and changed my life. When I was 11, I was struggling both financially and academically and dreamed of going to university, but I worried constantly about the cost.

The scholarship helped me overcome barriers I could not manage alone. Each person who donates to scholarships has a lifelong impact on students like me.

I took part-time jobs during sixth form to save what little I could. When I received the scholarship, it felt like a huge relief. I was overjoyed when I got my offer. The scholarship helped me overcome barriers I could not manage alone. It supported my mother’s bills and rent, and helped me buy textbooks, suits and transport so I could prepare for the professional world.

It did more than help me financially. It built my confidence and strengthened my relationships with the people I love. Most importantly, it allowed me to focus fully on my degree and enjoy student life.

The experience at SOAS: community and inclusivity

People are sometimes surprised that Accounting and Finance is offered at SOAS, but the programme teaches financial literacy from non‑Western perspectives, which I find fascinating. I have learned about emerging markets in Africa and tax systems in East Asia, which I know will be helpful if I work internationally.

As Treasurer of the Disabled Students’ Society, I help support students with neurological conditions. I want people to feel safe and understood. 

The community I have found at SOAS means a great deal to me. It is small but impactful. I have made close friends from local, national and international backgrounds, and getting to know their cultures and perspectives has shaped who I am.

As Treasurer of the Disabled Students’ Society, I help support students with neurological conditions. I want people to feel safe and understood. SOAS also has a Disability and Neurodiversity Team is part of the Student Advice and Wellbeing Department, and I was fortunate to meet staff who understood my challenges and supported me.

Exploring AI and future goals

I am currently exploring the balance between risk and efficiency in the use of artificial intelligence in Vietnam’s finance industry. I want to understand how AI can make banking more efficient while also recognising the risks, such as increased unemployment in developing economies.

After graduation, I hope to work in the finance sector. I want to keep learning as the world evolves. One day, I would like to work in investment management, consulting, corporate affairs, credit risk analysis or audit.

A message for SOAS alumni

Each person who donates to scholarships has a lifelong impact on students like me. Your support is not just financial. It is a long‑term investment in people, and I hope one day to give back to future students in the same way. 

Header image credit: Miha Creative via Adobe Stock