Âu Đoàn Trung, the student with the highest graduation achievement in the September 2024 graduation round of the Control Engineering and Automation Technology program at Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education (HCMUTE), is not only a testament to a serious learning process but also a story of perseverance and continuous effort. Starting from Sa Đéc, Đồng Tháp, Trung has steadily built his reputation from being a specialized Physics student at Nguyễn Đình Chiểu High School to becoming the top graduate in the September 2024 graduation round, admired by many fellow students.
Passion and a Responsible Choice
Explaining his decision to choose his field of study, Trung shared: “With a background as a specialized Physics student, I recognized the potential of Control and Automation, especially intelligent systems. This motivated me to pursue this field at Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education, one of the leading technical universities in the South.”
Not only did Trung choose the university for its reputation, but he was also drawn to its policies supporting specialized students, further encouraged by seniors at his high school. From this initial step, Trung relentlessly worked to improve himself, gradually proving himself through impressive academic and research achievements, with the title of top graduate being a well-deserved recognition of his hard work.
Overcoming Difficulties with Perseverance
Not every journey is smooth, and Trung’s educational path was no exception. Reflecting on the period of online learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Trung recalled: “That period was truly a challenge. The need to self-study and prepare for lessons required me to find a balance between studying and relaxing to avoid burnout.” This self-discipline not only helped Trung overcome challenges but also served as a valuable lesson in discipline and time management.
Particularly, during his thesis project, Trung had to face significant pressures from various fronts. Balancing thesis completion, teaching assistant duties, IELTS exam preparation, and tutoring, Trung had to master the art of time management. “Thanks to strict time management and constant focus, I overcame all the pressure without letting any task fall behind,” he shared.
The Mark of ISLAB and Growth from Scientific Research
One of Trung’s most memorable experiences during his university years was participating in research at ISLAB under the guidance of Associate Professor Dr. Lê Mỹ Hà, Vice Dean of the Electrical-Electronics Department. Trung took part in the project “Designing an Automatic Parallel Parking Algorithm for Ackermann Robot Vehicles with Positioning, Path Planning, and Trajectory Control.” This was not just a technical project but an opportunity for Trung to explore his research capabilities. “Professor Hà taught me not only the specialized knowledge but also how to think and work in a creative research environment. That was the time I learned the most.”
The result of this effort was an outstanding thesis and scientific paper, both of which received excellent evaluations. Trung views this as a key turning point in his academic journey and personal development.
The Formula for Success: Initiative – Focus – Discipline
When asked about the key to his success, Trung summed it up in three words: IDF – Initiative, Focus, and Discipline. According to Trung, initiative helps him seize opportunities, focus helps him learn quickly and creatively, and discipline is what allows him to persevere. These are the three key factors that have helped him overcome all difficulties and challenges.
In addition to studying, Trung also actively trained physically through Karatedo and spent time relaxing with friends, which helped him maintain a balanced life.
With valuable experiences throughout his university journey, Trung sincerely advises future students: “Don’t let your university years pass by meaninglessly. Always focus on your goals, improve your foreign language skills, and expand your relationships. Especially, health is crucial in this journey—take care of yourself and maintain a balanced life.”
Aspiration to Go Further and Contribute
Despite receiving an invitation from a prestigious university in Ho Chi Minh City, Âu Đoàn Trung chose to decline in order to pursue further studies abroad. Trung is preparing for the IELTS exam in November and aiming for a Master’s scholarship overseas. He not only wants to continue researching automation systems but also aspires to contribute to the industry through advanced technological solutions, particularly in the field of autonomous vehicles. Trung believes that only by accessing the world’s most cutting-edge technologies can he fully exploit his potential and bring sustainable value to the automation industry in Vietnam. This choice reflects his determination to go further in the future.
The journey from a Physics specialty class in Sa Đéc to becoming the top graduate in Control Engineering and Automation Technology is not just a story of Âu Đoàn Trung’s success. It is also a lesson in willpower, perseverance, and the ability to overcome challenges. Trung has proven that success is not a random result, but the outcome of relentless effort. His journey is an inspiration for future generations of HCMUTE students and anyone pursuing a challenging academic path.