From asking “why” to a string of scientific studies

Born in 2004 in Hanoi, Nguyen Duc Nhat Anh is currently studying at the National Economics University. Reflecting on his 26 research papers, Nhat Anh said the journey did not begin with a pursuit of accolades but with curiosity and a desire to explain practical socio-economic issues.

“When I encounter a phenomenon or a problem, I always want to understand its nature. Once I understand it, I continue to ask ‘why’. That chain of questions pushes me to seek answers in a more structured way. Scientific research has helped me turn curiosity into knowledge grounded in method and practical value,” he shared.

With a strong interest in economic issues, Nhat Anh chose to pursue a dual degree in Advanced International Business Administration and Economic Law. In his view, business operations can only be truly effective and sustainable when placed within a clear and transparent legal framework. The combination of managerial thinking and legal foundations, he said, allows him to approach issues from an interdisciplinary and more comprehensive perspective.

By his second year, after learning about research methodologies, proposal writing and academic sources, Nhat Anh began participating in research projects. In the early stages, however, his submissions were rejected multiple times by conferences and academic journals.

Rather than feeling discouraged, he focused on identifying shortcomings, revising content and improving his work.

Together with his research team, he revised and refined papers through rounds of peer review. “Each time we received feedback, I learned to approach problems in a more scientific, rigorous and humble way,” he said.

At the end of his second year, Nhat Anh received his first acceptance notification. “I felt proud, moved and grateful because it was the result of teamwork and guidance from my lecturers,” he recalled. From that milestone, his research journey gradually expanded with publications both domestically and internationally.

Aspiring to contribute to policy advisory work

Among his research interests, Nhat Anh devotes significant attention to socio-economic development strategies. He considers them a foundation for the long-term orientation of the economy, businesses and other stakeholders, while also carrying direct implications for institutional and policy improvement.

Digital transformation and science and technology are also areas that concern him. As an economics student, he often asks how achievements such as big data, artificial intelligence and digital governance can be effectively applied to management, production, business operations and policymaking rather than remaining theoretical concepts.

According to Nhat Anh, interdisciplinary thinking plays a crucial role amid rapid digital transformation. “Issues such as data governance, consumer protection, market transparency and digital economic development can hardly be addressed effectively if approached from a single discipline. The combination of management, legal and technological perspectives can produce solutions that are economically feasible, legally sound and aligned with innovation requirements,” he said.

Balancing dual-degree studies with scientific research requires handling a substantial workload. For Nhat Anh, daily discipline is the decisive factor.

“I do not set out to accomplish too many tasks at once. Instead, I break them down into specific stages and responsibilities, maintaining steady progress rather than overloading myself in a short period,” he explained.

After four years of sustained effort, Nhat Anh was recently awarded the title of Outstanding Student at the National Economics University. The recognition reflects achievements across academics, scientific research, social engagement and academic competitions.

“Looking back, I see this as a milestone showing that I have persistently followed the right direction, learned to overcome pressure, adjusted when facing difficulties and not given up midway. I believe that only by stepping out of one’s comfort zone can we truly understand our limits. Along that journey, mistakes are not failures but an inevitable part of learning and research,” he said.

In the future, Nhat Anh plans to pursue a path in research and analysis, while aspiring to work in socio-economic consulting and advisory fields. With an interdisciplinary foundation spanning management, economic law and digital technology, he hopes to contribute practical perspectives to enhance the quality of policy consultation and formulation.

Thuy Nga