Yumi Nguyen (Science ’09, MBA ’15) and Johan Vu (Engineering ’10, MComp ’15) have gone through significant life moments together since their time in NUS – from graduating and joining the global NUS alumni community to completing their master’s degrees in NUS, and having a family together. While they both have their day jobs, they also run a boxing gym in Katong to create a community where people can reconnect through genuine human interaction, build confidence and discipline, and lead healthier lifestyles.
Could you share your relationship status?
We have been happily married for several years and are blessed with a wonderful seven-year-old daughter.
Were you a campus couple? Tell us the story of how you met.
Yumi: Yes, we were!
We first met during the freshman orientation camp organised by VNCNUS, the Vietnamese community at NUS that supports new students coming to Singapore. I was one year senior to Johan, so I was helping to guide his orientation group.
At that time, our community had more than 200 students and alumni. We organised many activities together with NUSSU as well as our own community events. We joined clubs like the guitar club, skating club, and many social activities. Spending so much time together, our friendship naturally grew into something more.
What were your first impressions of each other? Did either of you feel a spark early on?
Yumi: Although we’re both Vietnamese, we grew up in different parts of Vietnam. I’m from Ho Chi Minh City, while Johan is from Hanoi, so even the way we speak is quite different.
I was curious about his background and culture, and I think that’s what drew us closer. I wouldn’t say there was one dramatic moment where sparks flew. Instead, it felt very natural. The more time we spent together, the more we realised how comfortable we were with each other.
Johan: Yumi is an amazing cook. There’s an old Vietnamese saying: “The shortest way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” From my own experience, I have to admit it’s absolutely true.
It was my first time living away from my family, away from my homeland. Every now and then, Yumi would cook a warm, home-cooked Vietnamese meal for our friends. Her kindness and thoughtfulness made me feel cared for, and I think that’s when I realised she was someone very special.
What were your favourite spots on campus to spend time together?
Yumi: Prince George’s Park (PGP) holds so many memories for us because we lived there for more than three years, even during the holidays when we stayed in Singapore for our part-time jobs.
One of my favourite memories was the air-conditioned canteen that served banana split ice cream. Back then, money was tight, so having one was a special treat that we only allowed ourselves once in a while. It’s funny how the smallest moments become some of the happiest memories.
Johan: Another place that brings back a lot of memories is the Central Library during reading week. We’d spend countless nights there preparing for our final exams, or at least that was the plan! Yumi would often end up watching Korean dramas.
The library’s freezing air-conditioning gave us the perfect excuse to sit close together. And there were the long walks back to PGP at three or four in the morning. We’d spend that time talking about our lives, our dreams.
How do you think NUS shaped your journey together?
Yumi: NUS really brought us together, not just as a couple, but as a family away from home.
As international students, we didn’t have our families in Singapore, so our friends became our family. Looking back, those years taught us resilience and independence.
NUS also gave us countless opportunities beyond academics. We worked part-time as student assistants, retail staff, and even sold products at campus bazaars. There were times when bursaries helped us get through difficult periods financially.
Our relationship was also tested. During our exchange programmes, I was studying in Canada while Johan was in Australia. Being apart taught us trust, communication and commitment. Looking back, those experiences made our relationship even stronger.
Was there a specific moment that made it clear you both wanted a future together?
Yumi: Life after graduation wasn’t easy.
Many of our friends returned to Vietnam or moved elsewhere for new opportunities, but we decided to stay because we believed Singapore was where we wanted to build our future.
In our early years, we moved between almost ten different rental apartments before finally buying our first home in 2016.
Professionally, I also went through a period where I felt quite lost. That’s when I decided to return to NUS to pursue my MBA part-time. That decision completely changed my career and eventually led me into the technology industry.
Looking back, it wasn’t one single moment that convinced us. It was going through all those ups and downs together that made us confident we could build a life as a team.
You recently took part in the NUS Alumni Dinner in Ho Chi Minh City as both a participant and speaker. What was that experience like?
Yumi: It was incredibly meaningful.
I had the chance to reconnect with many old friends, seniors and fellow alumni whom I hadn’t seen for years. It was wonderful to see how everyone has grown and found success in their own unique ways.
I also felt honoured to share my own NUS journey. During my student days, I was very active in the Vietnamese student community and organising activities. Returning years later as an alumna and speaker felt like coming full circle.
More importantly, these alumni events allow us to reconnect professionally, exchange ideas and continue supporting one another throughout our careers.
How has being part of the alumni network shaped your personal and professional journey?
Yumi: One thing I’ve learned is the importance of lifelong learning.
The technology industry changes incredibly fast, especially with AI transforming the way we work. Staying relevant means continuously learning, adapting and embracing change.
Personally, this mindset has also influenced how we raise our daughter. We encourage her to have a growth mindset—to stay curious, embrace differences, and never stop learning from the people around her.
In what ways do you think alumni can give back meaningfully to the NUS community?
Yumi: Both of us remember how uncertain graduation felt. Entering the professional world comes with many questions, and today’s students are facing even greater uncertainty with rapid technological changes.
As alumni, we can help bridge that gap by sharing our real-world experiences—what employers are looking for, what skills matter, and how to navigate different career paths.
Beyond mentorship, we can also support one another as a lifelong community by creating opportunities, sharing networks, exchanging lessons learned, and helping future generations of NUS students build meaningful and fulfilling careers.
