With unremitting efforts, Ngo Le Huy Hien, 24, alumnus of the Viet Nam-UK Institute for Research and Education (VNUK) under the University of Da Nang in Computer Science and Engineering Major has just completed the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s programme in Europe and is about to receive 4 Associate Master's degrees.

Ngo Le Huy Hien was pictured defending his Master's thesis in France. (Photo courtesy of the character)

Never give up

Born into a poor family with 4 siblings in Hoa Lien Commune, Hoa Vang District, Hien always told himself to study well to escape poverty. Thanks to his unceasing efforts, the poor student achieved excellent academic results for 12 consecutive years and won many awards at national-level contests for excellent students in Maths and English.

In 2016, Hien graduated from high school and got enough marks to enroll in 5 major universities in the country, of which 4 schools offer scholarships ranging from 70% to full scholarships.

To reduce the financial burden on his parents, he decided to study the Computer Science and Engineering Major at the VNUK with a full scholarship.

During his study at the university, he always completed subjects with excellent marks, actively did scientific research, participated in volunteer campaigns and short-term educational exchange programmes abroad as an ambassador, a delegate, and an organizer.

Due to his financial hardship, Hien only applied for fully funded educational exchange programmes with strict requirements. Therefore, despite his outstanding academic ability, his application was rejected by the hosts 12 times. At that time, he had to take an English test, practice writing skills and continuously redo the profile. However, he never intended to give up, but always thought positively to be able to overcome the pressure. Thanks to that, Hien had the opportunity to participate in many sponsorship programmes to go abroad and visit 10 countries before university graduation.

“Joining short-term exchange programmes is considered as a stepping stone for me to have access to scholarships to study abroad. On the other hand, such trips help me develop my strengths, as well as understand and adjust my limitations. The harsh living conditions and the sweat of my parents give me the motivation to overcome the difficulties" confided Hien.

In 2020, Hien graduated as the valedictorian of his class at VNUK, and at the same time received a full scholarship for the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree in GENIAL (green networking and cloud computing) from the European Commission, studying in the UK, France and Sweden.

Graduating with 4 Master's degrees

Hien is now completing the final work to receive 4 Master's degrees in the majors of Computer Science, Information Technology, Complex Systems Engineering, Green Network and Cloud Computing from the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree.

This is a programme sponsored by the European Commission, bringing together excellent students from around the world. The 2-year programme consists of 4 semesters, held at training institutions in France, England and Sweden.

During his postgraduate studies, he was facilitated by foreign professors to participate in many reseach projects. To complete the study well, he sometimes had to study for 20 hours a day, even having periods of depression. But in the end, with many efforts, Hien overcame difficulties and pressures and became stronger.

Hien is only student to receive two awards ‘Best Project at Leeds Beckett University (UK)’, and ‘Excellent Master's Project’ of the Erasmus Mundus Master programme. Therefore, Hien's projects were on display at the Technical Computer Exhibition 2022 in the UK and he represented typical students to make a presentation at the 6^th IFAC Symposium on Telematics Applications.

At the same time, Hien’s 7 international scientific research articles have been published in prestigious magazines. All of his reports are used by the programme as a model for students of next programmes.

Hien revealed during his 2 years of studying in Europe, he had the opportunity to participate in many seminars and scientific conferences in other countries and set foot in 36 countries and territories worldwide.

“In addition to my own efforts, I am grateful for the words of spiritual encouragement from my family, teachers, and friends. It is an invaluable companion that helps me continue to pursue my dream of reaching out to the world" said Hien.

Reporting by HUYNH TUONG VY - Translating by M.DUNG