I was born and raised in a middle-class family in Ho Chi Minh City, and was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to study and work in many countries such as the United States, China, Australia, etc., throughout my youth.
Upon returning to Vietnam – in my role as a mother – I realized that far too many middle-class children still lack access to the comprehensive and humane education they deserve.

Around me, many places teach children to love, but lack intellectual guidance; others focus solely on academics, neglecting emotions and character development.
Parents are busy and overwhelmed by countless choices, unsure of the right path for their children's happiness and true growth.

From my experience as a parenting professional, I began building a preschool system.
But as my children grew older, I realized that what I was looking for wasn't just a school, but a vibrant educational philosophy where each child could draw their own Life Map – build the whole child, change the whole life.

I want to dedicate the rest of my life to contributing to the creation of a generation of Vietnamese students who are talented, happy, confident, strong, free from anxiety and hurt, who know how to love themselves, are grateful to their parents, respect others, and are proud of their heritage.
Despite studying in an international environment, the students still speak standard Vietnamese, understand Vietnamese culture, and bring the Vietnamese spirit to the world.

I have been doing it with all my heart.
And I hope that you, dear parents, can join me in building a brilliant and hopeful generation, so that neither our children nor we will ever have to say the words "regret."

Love,

Catherine Yen Pham
Principal of Sunshine Village Academy