FPT University’s Top Graduate Receives a Full Scholarship from South Korea

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Original article (VnExpress, in Vietnamese): Thủ khoa đầu ra ĐH FPT nhận học bổng 100% từ Hàn Quốc

On July 23, 2024, VnExpress published a story about my path from a stable job in Lâm Đồng back to university, and on to a fully funded PhD in South Korea.

Starting over

I was born in 1996. A few years into a steady job in Lâm Đồng, I left it to go back to school and study Information Technology at FPT University, Ho Chi Minh City campus. It was a risky move, but I wanted to work in computing and research.

Phương Nam at FPT University, Ho Chi Minh City campus
Phương Nam earned many outstanding academic results at FPT University, Ho Chi Minh City campus. Photo: FPT University

Top graduate in Information Technology

In 2023 I graduated as the valedictorian of the Information Technology program at FPT University, Ho Chi Minh City campus.

Phương Nam at graduation as the top Information Technology graduate
Phương Nam, top graduate of the Information Technology program in 2023, FPT University, Ho Chi Minh City campus. Photo: FPT University

Research during my undergraduate studies

During my studies I got into research early:

  • I was first author of two research papers, published by Springer and IEEE.
  • One of them won a Best Paper Award at ICTC.
  • I was also a co-author on papers submitted to ICIIT and ICOIN. In 2024 I presented work at the ICOIN conference.
Phương Nam with colleagues at ICOIN 2024
Phương Nam (third from left) presenting research at ICOIN 2024. Photo: provided by Phương Nam

A 100% PhD scholarship at Kyung Hee University

These results helped me win a 100% scholarship for a PhD in Computer Science at Kyung Hee University, South Korea.

Looking ahead

My PhD focus is Artificial Intelligence. After graduating, I want to keep doing research or become a university lecturer. I also want to build long-term skills in teaching and management.

Thanks to FPT University, my mentors, and everyone who supported me along the way.