Viet Nam has just recognised the youngest and oldest professors coming from two universities in Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Phan Thanh Son Nam, 36, from the Viet Nam National University-Ho Chi Minh City, was named the youngest professor while Le Ngoc Canh, 81, from the Ha Noi-based National University of Art Education was confirmed as the oldest professor at a conference of the State Council for Professorial Titles this week, Professor Tran Van Nhung, the council’s secretary general, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper on 14 January.

The two are also the youngest and oldest to have ever been acknowledged as professors so far in the country, Prof. Nhung noted.

Prof. Phan Thanh Son Nam (L) and his student Le Khac Anh Ky in the lab of the Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology under the Vietnam National University-Ho Chi Minh City (Photo: Tuoi Tre)

The council recognised 59 new professors and associate professors from among more than 820 candidates filing their applications in 2014, Prof. Nhung said.

The year 2014 saw the highest number of candidates competing for the titles, he added.

Prof. Nhung said the over-50-year difference between the ages of the youngest and oldest professors proves the life-long learning spirit of scientists.

A ceremony to grant certificates for the titles is expected to be held late this year at the Viet Nam National Convention Center in Ha Noi.