From the highlands to the technology dream
From an old highland student in Ha Giang (now Tuyen Quang) who was once shy in front of crowds, Nguyen Hong Anh - former student of K16 majoring in Artificial Intelligence, FPT University - has just won a full PhD scholarship worth about 300,000 USD (more than 7.5 billion VND) at Texas Tech University (USA).
Hong Anh is one of the few Vietnamese students to receive Distinguished Graduate Student Assistantship (DGSA) - a scholarship for the graduate program of a university belonging to the R1 research group in the US. The support package includes full tuition and living expenses for 5 years.
Behind this result are many years of pursuing scientific research of the young man born and raised in the border region of the Fatherland.
Sharing with reporters, he said that his love for technology started from a rare STEM exhibition at a high school. At that time, robot models integrating AI made the male math major student curious and gradually formed a desire to pursue the technology field.
After that, he chose to study Artificial Intelligence at FPT University.
He believes that living conditions in his hometown have become a motivation for him to strive harder. "To be good, you need to spend time, effort and experience. I traded a lot of entertainment time to complete 3 international scientific papers before and after graduation. That is an important baggage to help me confidently submit my PhD application" - Mr. Hong Anh shared.
After graduating in 2024, he continued to participate in research with lecturer Tran Quy Ban at QMOS Lab - a research lab connecting FPT University and Texas Tech University.
Here, he pursued research combining quantum computers and AI. One of the typical topics is the research on quantum optimization algorithms for the lecturer arrangement problem.
Learning English as a habit of life
Besides scientific research, foreign languages are also a factor that helps him complete his scholarship application. He achieved IELTS 8.0 with Listening 8.5 and Reading 9.0 thanks to maintaining the habit of using English in daily life.
At home, I use English almost entirely on computers and phones. I read newspapers, watch movies, play games, study and find research materials in English from 8th and 9th grade," he said.
In the US, Hong Anh will take on the role of teaching assistant to accumulate teaching experience in parallel with research.
He said his biggest wish is to contribute to bringing the image of Vietnamese students to the world, and at the same time inspire young people in the highlands to pursue the path of learning and research.
I hope my story can motivate young people in places where learning conditions are still limited, that if there is orientation and perseverance, opportunities are always open" - Mr. Hong Anh expressed.
