Born in 1997 in Viet Tri (Phu Tho), Le Anh Duc stumbled upon Chinese by chance. When applying to Hanoi University, Chinese was his second option, but it became a companion throughout his academic journey.

During his four years at university, Anh Duc stood out in his department, serving as president of the Chinese Club (2017-2018), earning full scholarships for five semesters, and winning first place in Hanoi and the global final of the 17th “Chinese Bridge” speech contest (2018).

But the journey wasn’t always easy. “Starting from zero, the hardest part was learning a completely new language in a high-pressure, competitive environment: intense coursework, fast learning pace, and peers who already had strong foreign language foundations. To cope the problems, I learned to stay relaxed and optimistic, turning manageable pressure into motivation instead of stress,” Duc shared.

Graduating with honors with a GPA of 3.5/4.0, with an outstanding thesis archived for internal reference, Anh Duc pursued a master’s degree in International Chinese Language Education (CIS) at Beijing Normal University - China’s top pedagogy school, ranked in the global top 20-30 by QS Subject Education & Training in recent years.

Graduating with distinction, a GPA of 3.5/4.0, and a thesis archived as internal reference material, Duc continued his academic journey with a CIS master's scholarship in international Chinese education at Beijing Normal University—China’s top university in education and ranked within the global top 20–30 in QS Subject: Education & Training in recent years.

Completing his master’s program with a GPA of 3.6/4.0, Duc moved on to pursue a PhD with full scholarships from both the Chinese Government and the New Sinology PhD program (one of the most prestigious scholarships with high benefits) at Beijing Normal University and East China Normal University.

Asked about the secret to his remarkable achievements, the young man from Phu Tho said: “I believe in holistic development: studying seriously while pursuing hobbies and passions. The key to balance is staying clear-headed, prioritizing time management, and giving my all in every opportunity. Effort, perfectionism, and honesty with myself are the core factors behind my achievements.”

Professor Zhu Guohua from East China Normal University (China), Duc’s advisor, described him as an outstanding research student with a polished work ethic and research papers that demonstrate deep thinking, promising a bright future.

Studying, experiencing and inspiring

Duc didn’t limit himself to books. He is also passionate about sports, having won several badminton competitions at school. He enjoys dancing and has explored over 20 provinces in China during more than two years of study abroad.

Beyond the classroom, Duc is known for his TikTok channel teaching Chinese and sharing study-abroad and cultural experiences in China. He also teaches Chinese on television, hosts bilingual programs, and works as an interpreter for various domestic and international organizations.

Duc was one of the few outstanding Vietnamese students selected to participate in ASEAN Education Week in Guiyang (2019) and the Southeast Asian Youth Exchange Week in Beijing (2023).

At 24, Duc bought his first house in his hometown using savings accumulated over years of work. To him, it’s not just a property but a milestone reminding him to keep striving.

“My family didn’t have a strong financial background, and everything started from zero. I hope this story can inspire other young people: anyone can do it if they try.

Of course, every success comes at a price: sweat, tears, sleepless nights, stress, and even illness. People often only see the bright outcome, but behind it is silent effort,” Duc said.

According to him, the key lies in how one perceives challenges. Some collapse under pressure, but Duc chooses to turn pressure into motivation, embracing both the good and the hard parts to grow and move forward every day.

Currently, Le Anh Duc is focusing on his four-year PhD program at East China Normal University in China, while seeking opportunities to share and promote the image of a modern, dynamic Vietnamese youth to international friends.

The quote he resonates with most is: “The reward of a thing well done is to have done it.” That’s the spirit Duc carries from being a second-choice applicant to becoming a PhD candidate at one of the world’s leading academic environments.

Tu Huy