With a near-perfect GPA and a scholarship to France, mathematics valedictorian Tran Ngoc Hieu is pursuing his dream of becoming a researcher and educator.
After graduating as valedictorian of the University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, and earning a master's scholarship in France, Tran Ngoc Hieu hopes to continue pursuing advanced research in theoretical mathematics before returning to contribute to the development of mathematics in Vietnam.
Hieu studied in the K67 Honors Bachelor's Program in Mathematics at the University of Science. Graduating with a 3.95/4.0 GPA, he became the university's top graduate this year.
Earlier, he received a scholarship to pursue a master's degree at Sorbonne Paris Nord University in France, where he will continue studying theoretical mathematics.
Growing up with a love of mathematics
Valedictorian Tran Ngoc Hieu from the Honors Bachelor's Program in Mathematics graduates with distinction. Photo: Thuy Nga.
From an early age, Hieu enjoyed tackling challenging mathematics problems.
He studied mathematics simply because he found joy in it, and that passion naturally became a lifelong pursuit.
His enthusiasm followed him through primary school and later during his years at Hanoi–Amsterdam High School for the Gifted, where he participated in numerous school, city and national mathematics competitions.
Yet, he says, competition results were never the reason he remained devoted to mathematics.
"At some point, I realized mathematics had given me so much. I wanted to continue along this path and eventually contribute to the field," Hieu said.
After winning second prize in Vietnam's national mathematics competition during his final year of high school, Hieu chose to enroll at the University of Science.
"I hardly considered any other option, including studying abroad," he recalled.
The university's honors mathematics program is known for its demanding coursework. There were times when assignments accumulated faster than he could complete them, but Hieu viewed the pressure as a positive challenge.
"When you're doing something you truly love, you always have motivation, and every effort feels worthwhile," he said.
He believes the most important factors for academic success are maintaining an optimistic mindset and good physical health.
"I'm not the smartest person in my class. But I spend a great deal of time on what I genuinely want to do. I think confidence and consistent effort are even more important than natural talent," he said.
To strengthen his mathematical thinking, Hieu constantly reflects on problems wherever he is. He also maintains a disciplined daily routine to stay mentally focused. Looking back on his university years, Hieu considers himself fortunate to have studied in such an inspiring academic environment.
"My professors are incredibly dedicated, and my classmates are both talented and determined. There were only six students in our class, so we were very close, regularly discussing ideas, working on projects and supporting one another. Watching my classmates motivated me to work even harder. They were my greatest source of inspiration," he said.
Choosing theoretical mathematics and a dream of returning home
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Tran Ngoc Hieu (second from right) during a summer exchange program at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST). Photo: Courtesy of the subject.
From his first year at university, Hieu joined research projects under the guidance of professors and researchers.
He said this is common among students in the honors program because many enter university already intending to pursue academic careers.
These early research experiences taught him how to identify research questions, develop scientific thinking and build research skills.
By his third year, he had begun specializing in complex analysis, a field he became passionate about after taking an introductory course near the end of his second year.
Throughout his studies, his professors encouraged him to study abroad in order to access stronger research environments and expand his academic network.
Last summer, Hieu was among a small group of students selected for a research exchange program at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST).
The experience further strengthened his determination to pursue advanced research.
He chose France because of its long tradition in mathematics and its strong academic ties with generations of lecturers and students from the University of Science.
To prepare his application, Hieu spent nearly a year refining his résumé, personal statement and recommendation letters from professors who had supervised his research.
According to Hieu, the most important factor was not listing as many achievements as possible, but clearly explaining his future academic goals.
"The more specific you are about your study plan and research direction, the greater your chances of being accepted because the admissions committee can see that you are truly committed to your chosen path," he said.
At the end of March this year, Hieu received confirmation that he had been awarded a master's scholarship to Sorbonne Paris Nord University.
"I felt relieved because I now had the assurance that I could continue my research journey without interruption," he said.
Beyond his academic achievements, Hieu earned an IELTS score of 8.5 while still in the 11th grade. For him, English is more than a communication tool or a way to read scientific literature - it is also a language of precision, logic and analytical thinking. His language-learning strategy centers on persistence and the habit of "talking to himself" in English while thinking through mathematical ideas.
According to Assoc. Prof. Ngo Quoc Anh, Head of the Faculty of Mathematics, Mechanics and Informatics, Hieu achieved the highest GPA in the faculty's history since the university adopted the 4.0 grading scale.
His professor said the achievement came as no surprise because Hieu has consistently demonstrated outstanding research ability, intellectual curiosity and a deep passion for academic work.
After completing his master's degree, Hieu plans to continue with doctoral studies before returning to Vietnam.
"My greatest ambition is to become a mathematics researcher and a university lecturer. I hope to return to the University of Science to teach and contribute to the development of mathematics in Vietnam," he said.
Vietnamnet.vn
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