Born into a Khmer family in the former O Mon district of Can Tho City, Kiet is now best known as the valedictorian of the university’s chemistry department in 2022.

He has twice claimed second place in the prestigious National Student Chemistry Olympiad, in both 2023 and 2025.

Yet behind those accolades lies a story of quiet perseverance and transformation.

Kiet’s fascination with the natural sciences began in childhood, with a particular love for math and the physical world.

But the turning point came in eighth grade, during his very first chemistry lesson.

From the initial formulas to the complex worlds of atoms and molecules, Kiet saw a new horizon open before him.

“I realized that everything mysterious in the world is made up of tiny particles. That’s when chemistry became my chosen path,” he said.

One moment stands out as a confirmation of that choice.

In a classroom experiment, Kiet produced hydrogen gas by reacting zinc with hydrochloric acid.

Watching the process unfold exactly as he had imagined filled him with joy and wonder.

“To me, chemistry is both logical and creative. It challenges the imagination and analytical mind. Every time I solve a difficult problem or understand a complex reaction, my love for the subject deepens,” he shared.

After earning the top entrance score in chemistry at his university, Kiet felt not pressure, but a sense of responsibility.

“The title of valedictorian reminded me to stay disciplined, to keep improving. It wasn’t a burden - it was motivation,” he said.

Still, there were moments of doubt.

As a member of the Khmer ethnic minority, Kiet sometimes felt out of place among peers from more privileged backgrounds.

“I had to face feelings of inferiority and the worry that I might not be able to keep up. I also felt the pressure of needing to prove myself - not just for me, but for my family and my community,” he recalled.

He overcame those fears by focusing on his strengths, learning from setbacks, and reminding himself that every effort counts.

“I wanted my achievements to be more than personal success. I wanted to show that minority students can reach far, if given the chance and the perseverance,” Kiet said.

For him, perseverance outweighs talent.

That’s not just a belief - it’s a method.

Kiet sees success, especially in science, as the product of resilience over time.

Like a chemical reaction, progress requires the right conditions, patience, and the willingness to fail and try again.

During the intense preparation for the Chemistry Olympiads, Kiet hit a wall.

He felt burned out, overwhelmed by both specialized training and regular coursework.

His solution was to break down each challenge, review topics in focused sessions, rest deliberately, and always keep the bigger goal in mind.

“No matter how tired or discouraged, I tried not to give up halfway,” he said.

Kiet’s favorite concept in chemistry is chemical equilibrium - the point where a reaction stabilizes as opposing forces balance each other out.

To him, that idea is more than science.

It’s a philosophy for life.

“You have to balance theory and practice, persistence and action. Only when you stay balanced will your results endure,” he explained.

When asked what trait helped him the most, Kiet’s answer was immediate: discipline.

“Talent helps you get started. A good environment helps you grow. But discipline is what keeps you on the path.

Success doesn’t choose the smartest - it chooses those who don’t give up,” he said.

Kiet also makes a distinction between being a good student and having scientific thinking.

To him, academic success means applying known knowledge to solve problems.

But scientific thinking is about asking new questions, doubting assumptions, and finding your own answers.

That mindset, he says, goes beyond textbooks - it’s a way of life.

Now in his final year, Ly Tuan Kiet dreams of becoming a true research chemist - someone who contributes meaningful innovations and helps address scientific and environmental issues.

He also hopes to give back.

“I want to support young people who share my passion - especially ethnic minority students. I want to be a small example that where you start doesn’t determine how far you go,” he said.

“I love discovering new reactions, pushing myself through competitions and research projects. But I also want to inspire others - especially students like me - to believe in their potential.”

Le Huyen