A Sim-phony of Hoa-rts
Sim Xiang Rong & Phạm Thị Ngọc Hoà
We would probably never have crossed paths if not for a Facebook post. Yet, the two strangers instantly found the missing puzzle in each other, and together, their lives became complete.
Hoa brings joy, energy and spontaneity to their love, while Xiang Rong is her steadfast pillar of strength through every rough patch.
In him, she finds her safe harbour on her stormy days. In her, he finds his biggest advocate and inspiration, who believes in him 100% when he doesn't believe in himself, and pushes him to dream bigger.
2020 - The Beginning
We met in late November 2020 and clicked immediately due to shared experiences as international students in Australia. We talked all things languages, cultures, history, families and personal upbringing.
We dated for 1.5 month before Hoa was offered a very rare chance to fly home to Vietnam in the middle of COVID-19. We committed to a long-distance relationship. Neither knew we wouldn't meet again for over a year.
2021 - Long Distance Relationship
Working his first year as a Doctor and living alone during COVID, Xiang Rong grew to love the long afternoon chats about life with Hoa, and sent her surprise gifts and postcards from the various placements that he was seconded to.
We texted every single day, and had regular video calls that lasted hours but felt like minutes.
Xiang Rong officially asked Hoa to be his girlfriend, in the happiest video call of her life, while dancing to "My Love", a song by Westlife - her favourite band.
We became each other's first love, and there was something tenderly beautiful about discovering love, for the first time in life, together.
2022 - Reconnecting in Person
We finally reunited in February 2022. Xiang Rong was so nervous the night before that he couldn't sleep. When Hoa appeared at the pick-up point, we hugged for so long that the security officer had to hurry us back to the car. We've been side-by-side through every life milestone ever since.
When Hoa graduated from university with a High Distinction (HD) grade, Xiang Rong proudly cheered her on as she walked the stage.
He also successfully got accepted to a residency training program after weeks of refining his CVs, cover letters and interview answers with Hoa's support.
2023 - Career Milestones & Family Meetings
In 2023, Xiang Rong started residency training (BPT) to become a specialist later on. Hoa started her first full-time Marketing role at the multinational company Schneider Electric.
We met each other's families in Singapore and Vietnam, learned about our upbringing, and wandered around every corner of the neighbourhoods that shaped us.
Sharing a love for nature, we embarked on countless adventures: chasing sunsets, hiking, skiing, cruising, kayaking, seeing autumn leaves and spring blossoms, viewing wildlife, picking cherries and wine tasting.
2024 - She said YES!
In 2024, Xiang Rong popped the question. Hoa had no idea he was planning the proposal - it was the most beautiful surprise of her life!
We travelled together to Southern Vietnam, New Zealand, East Gippsland and Ballarat.
Hoa was nominated as a Finalist for the Women in ICT Awards (WIICTA) and attended the awards ceremony in Sydney, so we also made a trip out of it.
Connected by an appreciation for the arts, we attended multiple musicals, plays, orchestral concerts, operas, ballets, circuses, magic shows, museums and art exhibitions in Melbourne and beyond.
2025 - Grit & Growth
In 2025, Xiang Rong passed all his exams and interviews on his first attempts despite unique setbacks. Hoa set her heart on upskilling, building connections and carving out a strategic career path in marketing.
We ran a quarter marathon together #Fitnessgoals, and visited China with Xiang Rong's family.
Our two families also met for the first time in Vietnam.
2026 - Walking Down Aisles, Climbing Up Ladders
In 2026, Xiang Rong started Advanced Training (AT) in Neurology, and Hoa started a new role as Product Marketing Manager at a software company.
As we took on more strategic work with broader responsibilities and impact, the pressure grew, but we backed each other through the grind.
And we're officially tying the knot!
The Beginning of Forever
The wedding day is often called the most important day in two people's lives, but we think it's only the beginning. What truly matters is that we'll have each other for the rest of our lives.
In the darkest of times, when it feels like the whole world is against us, we find comfort in knowing that we are always a united front.
When Hoa grappled with building a career in a field where migrants and non-native English speakers have inherent disadvantages, Xiang Rong was there to listen to her every sorrow, map the way forward, be her sounding board, bring her peace and quiet the chaos.
When Xiang Rong faced the pressure of medical training, competition and workload, Hoa was his fiercest champion, helping him perfect his applications and interviews, celebrating the lives he saved, and reminding him of her unwavering belief in his abilities.
We don't know what the future holds, but we have the utmost faith in one another. Whatever comes next, we'll climb the steep moutains and celebrate the views from the top, together, always.