“I am very passionate about global issues, but sustainability is an issue that is particularly important to me and one that we need to address urgently,” Huynh said.
“In the coming years, I hope that I can use technology to help mitigate some of the effects of global warming, or at least help solve global issues with a focus on sustainable solutions.”
Growing up in the north western Victorian town of Robinvale, some of her fondest memories revolve around the Murray River; fishing, swimming, and camping are all some of her favourite past times.
But due to climate change, Huynh has witnessed the impact of climate change first-hand, seeing water levels sink and bushfires ravage rural Victoria in recent years.
Huynh’s family didn’t have access to the internet when she was a child, so her fascination with technology began during school hours.
She fell in love with technology in high school after her family relocated to Melbourne.
“I was hooked. I wanted to continue studying technology at university, so I chose software engineering – mainly for its emphasis on problem solving,” she said.
“It’s interesting to be a female in the tech industry, but really, problem-solving is something lots of people love and I see technology as a way to solve different types of problems.”
Huynh hopes to inspire more women to learn about technology and break down the common stereotypes within the industry.
“There’s a common misunderstanding surrounding technology, mainly that it involves hard-core maths and is all about machines; robotic and individualistic,” she said.
“But there are so many different areas relating to technology. Just as much as you might code, you could also be spending time using creative solutions to problem solve with clients.”
Huynh said the Westpac scholarship is a lifechanging opportunity and has expanded her aspirations to create social change.
“Not only does the Westpac Young Technologists Scholarship provide me with financial support, more importantly it supports me with a network of people and opportunities, allowing growth as an individual and as a leader,” Huynh said.
“Despite not being able to meet the other Westpac 100 Scholars in person at the moment, I’ve been able to talk to some online. I’ve been able to learn from others and connect with like-minded, yet diverse individuals, passionate about technology and social justice.”
RMIT is the exclusive Victorian partner for the Westpac Young Technologist Scholarship program.
The program supports 7 Westpac Scholarships each year through financial funding and access to the W100 network.
Applications for 2021’s Westpac Future Technologists Scholarship open in August 2020.
Story: Caleb Scanlon
