Nguyen Thi Khanh Dieu, a student at Phenikaa University, is blazing her own trail in biomedical technology - specifically the application of antennas in medical devices. Her story is a shining example of youth who dare to diverge, who persist despite obstacles, and who strive every day to become the “Number 1 version” of themselves.

A turning point: From paper to circuit boards

Born in Ha Tinh, Dieu spent three years preparing for Vietnam’s A1 entrance exams. She was also the top scorer in the D stream at Ly Tu Trong High School and was accepted into the Banking and Finance program at the Foreign Trade University with a near-perfect score of 28. Her future seemed clear: stable, comfortable, and “suitable for a girl.”

But life sometimes draws a new path - bolder and more radiant.

Offered a full scholarship by Phenikaa University, Dieu made a bold pivot into Electrical and Electronics Engineering. She stepped into a world of unfamiliar territory: resistors, circuits, electromagnetic waves - all things she had never encountered before.

The first year was a jolt. She had to start from scratch: electromagnetism, circuit simulation, programming. But rather than give up, she chose to recharge herself, nurture her passion, and persist daily - embodying the spirit of resilience and unrelenting drive.

Each night, when the lab lights went off, Dieu remained - debugging code, reworking antenna simulations that failed time and again, just to find why the radiation pattern wasn’t correct.

Whenever exhaustion hit, she’d reach for a bottle of Number 1. “The strong, explosive taste of Number 1 energizes me, sharpens my focus, and gives me the push to keep going,” Dieu laughed. “I tell myself, ‘Just a little more.’ And then I sit back down at the desk and continue.”

From silent components to meaningful innovation

Those sleepless nights taught Dieu that results aren’t everything. What matters most is growing stronger with every challenge - and staying loyal to your passion.

A chance encounter led her to antennas - originally a domain for telecom engineers. But for Dieu, they became a bridge between technology and human life.

A tiny antenna embedded in a heart-monitoring patch. A sensor transmitting data to a remote medical center. Suddenly, cold technical systems took on a soul.

“Technology only truly matters when it serves people,” Dieu said. “To me, each antenna simulation or biomedical sensor is not just engineering - it’s a small step toward safer, better lives.”

Persistence powered by purpose

In addition to her lab work, Dieu is an active leader in student life, bringing her positive energy and "resilient in passion" mindset to peers across campus.

“In moments when I feel overwhelmed, Number 1 helps me reset and refocus. Thanks to that, I’ve learned to withstand pressure, keep my passion alive, and rise stronger with every obstacle,” she smiled.

Fueled by that mindset, Dieu has achieved a remarkable list of accomplishments: five international scientific papers (three as lead author), the Vietnam Women in Science and Technology Award 2025, and invitations to speak at conferences both in Vietnam and abroad.

Behind the success lies a trail of failed experiments - but also a clear philosophy: “No road is too far. Only those without enough passion can’t go the distance.”

A daily dose of energy and purpose

For Dieu, every research session and antenna simulation is like a fuel injection. She balances the tension of science with moments of reflection, helping her stay sharp, energized, and endlessly passionate.

“If rapper Den - the brand ambassador for Number 1 - shares his story through music, then I tell mine through antennas and circuitry,” Dieu said. “We both represent young Vietnamese who dare to dream and dare to act. Quietly, persistently, we pursue those dreams - no matter how rough the road.”

To Dieu, every mistake and misaligned graph is a necessary bump toward becoming a better version of herself.

Her journey reflects not only that of a promising young researcher, but of thousands of students quietly laboring in labs, of engineers testing endlessly, of young people constantly finding the energy to move forward.

And somewhere - across factories, lecture halls, labs, and studios - millions of young Vietnamese are doing just the same: from workers, doctors, teachers, and engineers to artists. They are daring to dream, choosing passion over comfort, and pushing forward with quiet resolve.

Because the journey upward isn’t about competing with others.

It’s about fueling your own fire. Being resilient. Becoming the Number 1 version of yourself.

Bui Huy