Nguyen Thien Khiem (born 2001, Nghe An) is a multi-talented young man, known for many different roles such as content creator about lifestyle, learning experience...; MC of VTV's IELTS Face-off program; co-author of the book English is not difficult, Don't frown! and translator.
Thien Khiem's 2023 ended with memorable "firsts". That was buying his first piece of land at the age of 21, becoming the MC for Vietnam Live Concert in Tokyo 2023 - one of the activities celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Japan, being one of 34 appointed delegates from the whole country at the 11th National Congress of the Vietnam Student Association...
Near Tet, the male student of RMIT University Vietnam is busy finishing his final semester at school and completing projects, but still takes time to share interesting stories with Dan Tri reporters.
More financial security
How was 2023 for Thien Khiem? What was your most unforgettable achievement?
- For me, 2023 is a full year: There are successes, failures, happiness and even broken moments. The most unforgettable achievement for me is probably buying my first piece of land at the beginning of the year so that for the first time I can feel secure about my personal finances. From childhood to adulthood, I have always longed for financial security so that I can live comfortably and take care of my loved ones. I think that in the past year, I have come closer to that goal.
2023 also gave me many valuable experiences with business trips abroad and new friends. I also started learning and loving Chinese.
Before Chinese, Khiem was also passionate about and learned Korean. How is your "level" now?
- I learned these two foreign languages first because I was interested in Chinese and Korean culture, which are also two cultures that I was exposed to quite early through music and movies and have many similarities with Vietnamese culture.
The next reason is that South Korea and China are two large, fast-growing economies that invest heavily in Vietnam and have important partnerships with our country. My "level" in these two languages is just "average". When I have the certificate, I will show it off to everyone.
So is there anything that Khiem regrets that was left unfinished or the results were not as expected in the past year?
- My biggest regret is probably not having enough time and passion to invest much in my YouTube channel. Last year, I focused more on short content on TikTok and Instagram, the results were quite good but I still hope to be able to return to YouTube this year.
As an MC, this is your first time going abroad to host an important and diplomatic event. Did you encounter any problems?
- When I received the invitation, I was very surprised because I didn't understand why I was chosen. Somewhere inside me, there was always an inferiority complex, a fear that I was not good enough, which people still call "Impostor Syndrome".
Then, the organizers spoke to me directly, saying that they had watched the programs I hosted and felt that my spirit and energy were very suitable, so they decided to invite me. From then on, I felt more confident and secure.
On the day of the event, I was a bit nervous and said 1-2 words wrong, but luckily it didn’t affect anything. The program was still a great success and everyone was satisfied with the results.
So, does being the youngest MC of VTV's "IELTS Face-off" program bring any "privileges" or pressure to Khiem?
- This year, I am no longer the youngest MC. I feel the same whether I am the youngest member or not: No pressure, just more motivation every time I look at the talented people around me.
Every time I host, it's an opportunity for me to laugh and learn a lot from my colleagues, guests and the audience. For me, that's the greatest "privilege".
In a vlog last year, Khiem revealed that he bought his first piece of land at the age of 21. Do you have any other valuable assets now, such as a house or a car?
- For the past year, I have not bought any more land, car or house. Buying my first piece of land has helped me feel financially secure, so I have started spending more on experiences and trips. Of course, I still aim to have more assets to accumulate and invest, but it is not as stressful as before.
Don't like being called "hot boy IELTS"
Many years ago, Thien Khiem became famous thanks to his good English skills and was nicknamed "hot boy IELTS". Do you still like being called that?
- I don't like being called that now, simply because I have more specific jobs. When someone is called a hot boy, no one knows what their job is. IELTS 8.5 is not a big deal now, many people have 8.5 and 9.0. So if you have to call me by my title, just call me by the two jobs I do most: content creator and MC.
Compared to that starting point, Khiem has made great strides. Looking back, what do you think has helped you achieve such proud achievements?
- I always feel lucky and grateful to have the support and help from my family, friends and colleagues. Without everyone, I probably would never have had the confidence to start a YouTube channel and appear in front of a large audience. After starting to create content, I was lucky to be known and supported by my audience. I think all the luck, love and support from everyone, plus my own efforts, are what helped me make progress.
Khiem's starting point is similar to Khanh Vy's: Both started to get people's attention thanks to their foreign language skills. Honestly, have you ever compared and felt pressured by your senior's success?
- Vy is my sister and close friend who has helped me a lot since the beginning and has always accompanied and shared with me until now. I am always grateful to Vy and admire her diligence and positive energy. I have never felt pressured by Vy's achievements. We both have different goals, and I am happy that we are both constantly striving to cultivate and realize those goals.
Being called "someone else's child" is very impressive because not everyone is good enough to be admired like that. But is it because of that that Khiem is afraid of failure, afraid that he is no longer "perfect"?
- I have never felt perfect or pressured to maintain a flawless image. I think failures, weak and broken moments sometimes help my image become closer to my followers. Therefore, there have been many times when I have not hesitated to share about getting low scores, crying because of sadness or heartbreak...
I want people to like me for who I am, with a full range of emotions, positive joy, sadness, success and of course failure.
Working multiple jobs at the same time can bring in a good income, but does Khiem have to sacrifice anything, such as health, time to hang out, hang out with friends, etc.?
- I think that in any job, there are times when you have to make difficult choices. I wouldn't call it a "trade-off" because I really enjoy my job. No matter how busy I am, I always try to set aside a certain amount of time for myself and my family. I feel lucky because my family, friends, and people around me understand me and want me to focus on my work.
Khiem is a senior but I don't think he has ever revealed anything about his academic achievements at school?
- I don't like to "show off" about anything when the final results are not yet available, so I'll wait until I have my graduation score and then I'll let everyone know.
What kind of image is Khiem aiming for? Do you see anyone as a role model?
- I want to position myself as a positive young person, with a progressive spirit, always constantly learning, improving and believing in the values that education can bring. I do not consider anyone as an ideal role model but am inspired and motivated by the friends around me such as Ms. Khanh Vy, Ms. Thao Tam, Ms. Meichan, Ms. Vung...
What does Khiem usually do during Tet? What will be special about your Tet this year?
- Tet is the time for me to temporarily put aside all work to spend time with my family. I will go to the temple with my parents, run back and forth between my paternal and maternal relatives to play with everyone.
This year's Tet is special to me because this is the first year I've come home early, 10 days before the first day of Tet. I love Tet because I get to be with my family and have time to reflect on the past year as well as plan for the next.
In 2024, what plans and projects does Khiem want to share with everyone?
- My plan this year is to continue to improve my foreign language skills, create more interesting content, exercise, and take my parents out more.
Photo: Khiemslays
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