Singer Bao Tram Idol – Cohort 5 alumni of the International Bachelor’s Program IBD@NEU
Nguyen Bao Tram is a Cohort 5 alumni of the International Bachelor’s Program IBD@NEU. At the time, the program offered fewer majors than it does today, so Bao Tram pursued a degree in Business Administration. The singer, who went on to become Runner-up at Vietnam Idol 2012, opened up about the story behind her decision to enroll:
“Before IBD, I have to talk about how I ended up at the National Economics University in the first place. Back in high school, I was originally sitting the humanities entrance exam, but switched to sciences in my final year. I ended up passing the entrance exams for NEU in both tracks. From there, wanting an environment that blended tradition with a more modern outlook, my family and I decided that IBD@NEU was the right fit.”
When it comes to her transformation toward a professional singing career, Bao Tram is quick to point out that it was never an impulsive decision. From her very first days at IBD@NEU, she was an active and engaged student who involved herself into extracurricular activities, competitions, and artistic performances. Signing up to audition for Vietnam Idol was, in many ways, a natural extension of that same spirit.
Bao Tram was known as one of the most active and well-rounded students at IBD@NEU
“Honestly, signing up for Vietnam Idol was initially just a personal challenge, a way to gain experience and add something meaningful to my study abroad application profile, hopefully enough to land a scholarship. I wanted to build up my profile beyond just academics. I never expected to make it that far, let alone become Runner-up.”
Bao Tram is also clear that her success wasn’t simply a matter of raw talent. It was the result of years of dedicated nurturing, from her family and from the environment at IBD@NEU, where students’ individual personalities and unique identities are genuinely respected and given room to grow. That culture of acceptance and encouragement gave her the confidence to stand out, even in a field as competitive and far removed from her major as the performing arts.
Keeping up with a rigorous, English-taught international curriculum while juggling extracurricular commitments and competing on a major national talent show was no small feat. But for Bao Tram, balance was something IBD@NEU had already taught her how to find.
“I think balancing academics and extracurricular activities is actually pretty normal for IBD@NEU students, because in IBD’s environment itself already trains you to manage a lot at once. During my time there, I was involved in so many things beyond the classroom: competitions, contributing articles to the Institute’s Safari magazine, even mentoring and guiding junior students.”
Despite advancing deep into the competition, Bao Tram never let go of her academic commitments. Once Vietnam Idol wrapped up, she made the deliberate choice to take a one-year deferral to focus on developing her craft as a performer. Even as her artistic career was gaining real momentum, she was determined to return and finish what she had started. With the unwavering support of her lecturers, she successfully completed her International Bachelor’s degree, graduating a year behind her cohort, but graduating nonetheless proving that chasing your passion and pursuing academic excellence are not mutually exclusive.
Being asked about her proudest achievement in her music career, Bao Tram answered with characteristic humility: “Honestly, I don’t feel like I’ve hit that many major milestones yet. Because I still feel like I have so much further to go. I’m still studying at the Conservatory, continuing to sharpen my craft. The thing I’m most proud of is simply this: I’ve never stopped pushing myself.”
Despite beloved single hits like “Chi co nhung mua nho” or “Lac mat em bay gio” she has never rested on her laurels, always reaching for more. Her hope is that one day, she will have accomplished enough that every lecturer and student at IBD will proudly say: “Bao Tram — she came from IBD@NEU.”
The Radiant Smile of an IBD-er Who Dares to Be Different – Bao Tram Idol on Staying True to Yourself in Any Room You Walk Into
For Bao Tram, IBD@NEU is a place where potential truly flourishes, where every student finds their own stage to showcase their talents and pursue their passions. Her advice is simple but deeply felt:
“Always hold on to your identity, your individuality, what makes you distinctly you. With the genuine dedication and guidance of the faculty here, I truly believe that if the fire inside you burns bright enough, it will ignite into something powerful and brilliant. You won’t have to worry about being overlooked in any room — because you will always find a way to stand out.”
