The power of easy choices wins 3MT® final

“What do breast milk and testicles have in common?”

It took Pham Van Hau three weeks to come up with this eye-opening line, but only three minutes to deliver a presentation that saw him win Otago’s 2025 Three Minute Thesis (3MT^®) Grand Final.

The answer? Microplastics.

3MT^® Doctoral winner Pham, who came to Otago from Vietnam to pursue a PhD in Marketing, says while his opening line might be amusing, there’s a sobering reality behind it.

“Scientists have recently found microplastics in the human body, including breast milk, testicles, and brain fluid.

“While everyone is aware of the environmental impacts of plastics, there is less discussion about their effects on human health.”

Pham’s presentation, titled Milk, plastic...and the power of easy choices, looked at ways to reduce the consumption of plastic milk bottles from a sustainability marketing lens.

The real barrier isn't the consumers themselves but rather the system of choices surrounding them, he says.

“We often blame consumers for not recycling plastic correctly or for consuming excess plastic.”

“However, we must examine the reality that producers and retailers continue to supply these products without making changes.”

The solution to these problems is “upstream, focusing on the root causes rather than just the downstream effects.”

“If we can reshape the system so that the sustainable option is the easy choice, people will change their habits without needing a lecture.”

Pham was inspired to participate after watching the Otago 2023 and 2024 3MT^® Grand Finals, he says.

“I was inspired by the passion each contestant had for their research; all conveyed in just three minutes.”

“One of my supervisors, Professor Maree Thyne, encouraged me to participate, and my other supervisors were very supportive throughout my journey, helping me immensely on the way to winning.

“I would like to extend my gratitude to my supervisors, my partner, and my dear friends for their support during the Grand Final. They are all wonderful people.”

Pham will now go on to represent Otago in the online Asia-Pacific 3MT^® final and will be joined by Doctoral runner-up Katherine Buschang to compete in the Matariki 3MT^® competition.

He is also looking forward to submitting his thesis in October and exploring opportunities in academia.

His advice to those considering participating in 3MT^®: “Just do it – you won't know until you try. It's truly worth it.”

~ Korero by Sandra French, Adviser, Internal Communications.