On a quiet runway a student took flight with belief and curiosity, and one day returned to guide others from where she began.
As one of RMIT Vietnam’s first Bachelor of Applied Science (Aviation) students, Khuu Minh Khue built her own path while paving the way for others.
From leading academic initiatives to winning a capstone project applying AI to flight safety, her journey has been inspired by others with a destination not in the skies, but in the classroom where it began.
For Khue, aviation was not a childhood dream or a sudden realisation, but a decision shaped by quiet reflection. By her final year of high school, she had already chosen RMIT, influenced both by her sister who is an RMIT alumna and by inspiring campus visits. “I was drawn to the atmosphere of RMIT Vietnam. It felt modern, international and yet familiar,” she said.
Khuu Minh Khue at her graduation ceremony at RMIT Vietnam, marking the completion of her undergraduate journey and the beginning of new ambitions. (Photo: RMIT)
Khue (centre) with her family and Dr Alberto Bernabeo, who guided her through many semesters at RMIT Vietnam. (Photo: RMIT)
After choosing her university, Khue sought a program aligned with her personality - management-focused, specialised without being overly technical, and clear enough to envisage her future. At that time, RMIT Vietnam launched its Aviation program. Although it was unfamiliar and challenging, it was exactly what she wanted.
“The program ticked every box - structure, global relevance, clear direction,” she said.
“I did my research, discussed it with my family, and though they were surprised at first, they supported me.”
Over three years at RMIT, Khuu Minh Khue stood out for her academic excellence and as a trailblazer in the aviation student community at RMIT. As the first Aviation Program Tutor in the Peer-assisted Learning (PAL) program, she quickly became a familiar face to students as a mentor, guide and motivator.
As the first Aviation Program Tutor in RMIT’s Peer Assisted Learning program, Khue actively mentored first-year students. (Photo courtesy of Khuu Minh Khue)
Michael Valley, Manager of PAL, praised her impact. "Khue is an outstanding tutor. She supports students academically and fosters critical thinking and independent learning. Many students return because they trust her as she is committed, professional and warm."
Alongside tutoring, Khue served as the student representative for Aviation. She voiced student feedback clearly and constructively, earning the respect of her peers and the faculty.
Her biggest academic challenge came with her final-year capstone project, which earned the Best Capstone Project Prize.
Khue (second from right) received the Best Capstone Project Prize for her team’s project on AI-powered pilot fatigue management. (Photo courtesy of Khuu Minh Khue)
The project, titled AI-Powered Pilot Fatigue Management for Airlines, addressed a technically complex yet highly practical issue in aviation. It proposed using AI to assess and manage pilot fatigue during the pre-flight phase, based on facial recognition and eye movement analysis. The system categorises fatigue levels as low, medium or high, and issues alerts if a pilot is deemed unfit to fly.
"Fatigue assessments are often based on rest schedules, but these don’t always reflect how someone actually feels. Our project offers an objective and proactive solution that enables timely interventions to ensure safety, " Khue said.
Despite having no technical background in AI, Khue and her teammate pursued the idea because of its relevance to aviation safety. The assessment panel praised their creativity and real-world thinking.
Beyond the classroom, Khue interned at VietJet Air's Flight Operation Department, gaining first-hand exposure to airline operations.
"During the internship, I learned to be more flexible, asked better questions and understood the industry more clearly," she said.
Khue joined the Smart City Expo World Congress 2024 in Barcelona as part of RMIT’s Global Citizen Leadership program. (Photo courtesy of Khuu Minh Khue)
Another pivotal moment in her journey was the study tour to Barcelona with RMIT Global Citizen Leadership Program. She took part in the Smart City Expo World Congress 2024, met international peers and presented ideas to local officials.
"That experience widened my perspective. I realised global thinking doesn’t have to start far away. It begins in the classroom, in each discussion and project," she said.
For Khue, maintaining altitude was beyond performance. It meant facing challenges with initiative, responsibility and a desire to learn. These are the marks of a leader, and perhaps, one day, an inspiring educator.
As Khue graduates, in addition to focusing on building a career, she also has a goal to return to the classroom and inspire the next generation. In the meantime, she is eager to take the next step and is actively seeking job opportunities that will allow her to contribute and gain hands-on experience right after graduation.
"I want to work first to better understand the aviation industry, gain practical experience, face challenges and grow," Khue said.
Khue (third from the right in the standing row) participated in a presentation session during her study tour in Barcelona, where she also visited RMIT Europe. (Photo courtesy of Khuu Minh Khue)
"I’ve always known that pursuing a master's degree is my long-term plan, not only to deepen my expertise, but to come back and teach in the field I love. While this goal remains close to my heart, I am also actively striving for scholarship opportunities that can help make this academic journey possible.”
Khue’s ambition goes beyond titles or qualifications. Along the way, she discovered her greatest fulfilment wasn’t just in learning, but in sharing that learning, helping others grow and find their own path. That realisation sparked her dream of becoming a lecturer like those who inspired her at RMIT.
"RMIT has transformed my way of thinking, my skills and confidence. If I become a lecturer one day, everything I’ve gained here will be the most important part of my toolkit," she said.
Khue volunteering at a major aviation event in Vietnam – one of many opportunities where she connected with the broader industry and youth community. (Photo courtesy of Khuu Minh Khue)
Dr Alberto Bernabeo, Senior Program Manager for Aviation at RMIT Vietnam, who has taught Khue across several semesters, recognised her potential. "Khue is an excellent student, confident, organised and serious about learning. She works well with others, communicates clearly and always brings a positive influence. I truly believe she’ll succeed in academia and become an inspiring educator," he said.
For Khue, the dream is not a destination but a promise - a commitment to return and help others rise. "I believe learning to fly high is important, but helping others take flight means even more," she said.
For those still finding their direction, Khuu Minh Khue’s story is a reminder that the academic path is not lonely or disconnected from reality. It can be the way home to purpose, community, and the joy of giving back.
Story: Quan Dinh H.
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