From passion for technology to the title of valedictorian in university graduation
Vu Dang Khoa (born in 2004) is one of the 16 valedictorians awarded certificates of merit by Phenikaa University at the 2026 graduation ceremony held on July 26.
Khoa shared that his passion for the field of Information Technology was formed from his high school years. His mother worked as an accountant, so Khoa had the opportunity to be exposed to technology early. The process of learning and self-study helped him gradually form his passion and orientation to pursue the field of information technology.
Khoa did not come from a specialized school or selected class but studied at a public school in the locality. However, with the desire to pursue Information Technology, she strived to break through in her final years, focusing on studying to realize her goals.
After researching universities, the Faculty chose Phenikaa University after a visit and was impressed with the facilities and a team of lecturers with good academic backgrounds.
This is a factor that helps me believe in choosing this environment to develop in my university years" - Dang Khoa said.
In nearly 4 years of university, the male student received scholarships of type A and B for many consecutive semesters. In addition, he received the Future VPBank scholarship, belonging to the group of 60 students nationwide selected, and was also directly admitted to the internship program at the desired position.
In parallel with the study process, Khoa actively participated in professional competitions and accumulated practical experience at businesses from his second year of university.
In the second semester of his third year, Khoa received the official position of Embedded Software Engineer (Full-time) at Alpha Asimov Robotics - a self-propelled robot development company operating in Vietnam and Singapore.
By the third semester of his third year, Khoa continued to receive the offer for the position of Junior Presales Engineer (Full-time) at FPT Automotive (FSOFT).
In addition, Khoa achieved many achievements in technology competitions such as: First Prize Open Source Software Olympic, Third Prize Denso Factory Hacks, Consolation Prize ISITDTU CTF (international competition), entered the final round of Viettel Cyber Security (VCS) and LG Code Dream of LG Electronics R&D Vietnam individual competitions,...
“The support from teachers, friends and family is a source of motivation to help me strive in studying, researching and developing myself” – Dang Khoa shared.
Self-reliant economy from the second year of university
Starting to work from his second year of university, Khoa not only accumulated practical experience in the field of information technology but also could self-finance expenses during his studies and spend part of his income to support his family. For male students, the greatest value from this process is the opportunity to cultivate self-reliance, time management ability and responsibility for their own choices.
Born into a rural family, Khoa always acknowledges his parents' efforts in caring for their children. This is a motivation for him to strive to study, accumulate knowledge and gradually build luggage for the future. According to Khoa, economic autonomy is precious for students, but it needs to be placed on the foundation of learning and developing professional competence.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Nga, Dang Khoa's mother, was also present at the graduation ceremony to witness the special moment of her son.
According to Ms. Nga, when choosing a university, the important thing is not only the reputation of the school but also the suitability between the major, training environment and student development ability.
Parents do not interfere in their children's studies and work, but always accompany and encourage them to try their best with their choices" - Ms. Nga shared.
Active adaptation in the AI era
With outstanding academic achievements and accumulated experience during his university studies, Khoa is currently working at Alpha Asimov Robotics as Embedded Software Engineer (Full-time), participating in developing autonomous robot solutions. In addition, he also received an offer for the position of Junior Presales Engineer (Full-time) at FPT Automotive (FSOFT).
The male student believes that in the context of rapid AI development, technology workers need to continuously learn and expand their knowledge to adapt to changes in the industry.
The important thing is to know how to use AI effectively instead of completely relying on it," Khoa said.
For Khoa, the development of technology is a reminder that everyone needs to constantly learn, adapt and improve themselves. He believes that persistent pursuit of goals will help people overcome challenges in learning as well as work.
