Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST) has seen one of its recent graduates, Vu Hai Anh, return to the institution as a faculty member through its talent development program. Anh’s path to academia, marked by a deliberate choice to pursue research over immediate employment, exemplifies a growing trend among Vietnamese students prioritizing long-term career fulfillment.
Anh, who studied Logistics and Supply Chain Management at HUST’s School of Economics, graduated in 2022. Inspired by Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Thi Xuan Hoa, she shifted her focus toward research and a potential academic career. “Initially, I was just a student passionate about research, and never thought I would stand at the lecture hall. My philosophy is very simple: whatever you do, you must finish it and do it as well as possible,” Anh stated, according to a report in Vietnamnet.
Despite receiving a job offer from a major company following graduation, Anh opted to continue her education, enrolling in a master’s program at HUST. During her master’s studies, she participated in research projects at both the university and ministerial levels, culminating in the completion of a university research project and the publication of six articles in international scientific journals. She also spent six months in Germany as part of an academic exchange program, gaining exposure to international research environments.
In early 2024, when HUST announced its first recruitment drive for faculty positions, Anh applied. “The decision to become a lecturer meant embracing a longer path, requiring more patience and discipline than immediate employment. But so far, I have never regretted this choice,” she said.
Anh’s academic ambitions led her to pursue a doctoral degree, and she was accepted into the National University of Singapore (NUS) with a full scholarship. She credits her success in securing admission to NUS to the research accomplishments during her master’s program at HUST. “The results I achieved during my master’s studies were the most vital proof of my research ability when applying to a leading university like NUS,” she explained.
The transition to doctoral studies at NUS proved challenging. Anh described a demanding workload, tight deadlines, and a significant adjustment to a new culture and lifestyle, resulting in a weight loss of 5 kilograms. Although, she views the rigorous environment as essential for fostering discipline and meticulousness in research.
Her experiences in Singapore have shaped her approach to teaching. Upon her return to Vietnam, Anh intends to implement problem-oriented learning methods, interdisciplinary research thinking, and digital skills into her curriculum. She aims to move beyond theoretical instruction, encouraging students to apply their knowledge to real-world problems and integrate technology, including artificial intelligence, into their studies.
As a member of Generation Z, Anh believes her proximity in age to her students allows her to connect with them more effectively, understanding their perspectives and challenges. Whereas sometimes mistaken for a student herself, she considers this a benefit, bridging the gap between instructor and learner. She acknowledges, however, that gaining practical experience and mastering pedagogical techniques will require ongoing development.
Anh’s immediate focus is completing her doctoral program and establishing collaborations between HUST and leading international laboratories and experts. “As soon as I finish the program, I will return to the university to fully dedicate myself to teaching. I want to contribute to creating a dynamic and inclusive academic environment so that polytechnic students can confidently step into the world,” she stated.
HUST, established in 1956, is the oldest and largest technical university in Vietnam, according to information available on audiala.com. The university recently held an opening ceremony for Institutional Quality Accreditation and anticipates graduating nearly 3,000 students in May 2025.
