Two admission methods – a multi-dimensional approach to candidate abilities

In 2026, the university will implement two admission methods to enrolll 2,300 students for both the degree programs offered by the School and the joint training programs. The first method is direct admission and priority admission according to the regulations of the Ministry of Education and Training, with a quota of 1%. Although the percentage is not large, this is an opportunity for students with outstanding achievements according to the current regulations. The second method – comprehensive admission – continues to be the main approach, reflecting a multidimensional admission perspective rather than relying solely on a single exam. The appropriate subjects are all candidates who have graduated from high school or are expected to graduate in 2026.

The admission score is calculated on a scale of 100, based on a combined formula: National High School Graduation exam score (converted), the VNU-HCM Competency Assessment exam score (converted), High School Transcript scores over 3 years (converted), along with bonus points and priority points (if any). This method of calculation helps balance long-term academic ability, the capacity for comprehensive thinking, and the individual achievements of the candidates. Converting to a uniform scale of 100 creates transparency and consistency in the admission process. In addition, for candidates who do not participate in the VNU-HCM Competency Assessment exam or candidates who graduated in previous years but cannot use their high school transcripts or graduation exam scores, this method can still be applied because the missing score sections will be converted using other score sections with the corresponding coefficients.

Bonus points – acknowledging efforts and international integration

In 2026, the school plans to continue awarding bonus points to candidates with international English certificates such as IELTS or recognized equivalent certificates; candidates who have won prizes for excellent students, scientific research awards, or other prestigious competitions. Bonus points are not only an advantage in admissions but also reflect an orientation toward integrated training. In the context of a labor market that increasingly demands foreign language proficiency and research capabilities, encouraging candidates to invest in international certifications early on is a strategic preparation step.

Language proficiency – a prerequisite for the international program

For training programs in collaboration with foreign institutions, according to the regulations of the Ministry of Education and Training, candidates must satisfy the foreign language entry requirements as follows: a minimum of IELTS 5.5 or equivalent to level 4 according to the 6-level foreign language proficiency framework for Vietnam, or B2 according to CEFR. Candidates who do not meet the requirements may be conditionally admitted and must complete the English language skills requirement within a maximum of 12 months. This guarantees that students, when entering the official program, have sufficient proficiency to study entirely in English – a hallmark of the School’s training.

Benefits of becoming an International Unversity student

The biggest difference of International University is that the entire curriculum is conducted in English. Multiple training programs at International University meet global accreditation standards such as ABET (USA), ASIIN (Germany), and AUN-QA. Students study in an internationally standardized academic environment, use updated curricula, access modern teaching methods, and work directly with both domestic and international lecturers. Not only that, with over 70% of faculty holding doctoral degrees, as well as having talented lecturers who graduated from prestigious universities both domestically and internationally, International University will provide students with the opportunity to study and conduct research alongside dedicated “guides”.

In addition, International University always accompanies students through scholarship programs such as admission scholarships with two levels of 50% or 100% tuition fees, semester study scholarships (with rewards up to 120% of the standard level), and many off-budget scholarships funded by partner organizations and businesses.

As members of the Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City system, students benefit from a strong research ecosystem, modern facilities, and an extensive collaboration network. Many students participate in research projects starting from their first year, with the opportunities to publish scientific papers and attend international conferences. In addition, international joint and transfer programs open up opportunities for studying abroad, providing access to advanced educational environments but at a lower cost compared to full-time study abroad.

IU also focuses on training soft skills, leadership skills, critical thinking, and teamwork abilities – essential skills in the globalized labor environment. Graduates are not only proficient in their fields but also confident in integrating.

Toward high-quality human resources

With 24 varied training programs, focusing on main fields such as engineering, technology, economics, management, languages, and life sciences, IU is training the workforce to meet the development needs of Ho Chi Minh City and the country during the digital transformation and extensive integration period

The admission plan for 2026 demonstrates International University’s efforts to expand access to higher education while maintaining international training standards. This is not just an admissions season, but also a strategic move to attract candidates with capability, ambition, and a spirit of integration.

In a growing competitive landscape of higher education, International University continues to assert its position as a high-quality public training environment, where students are fully equipped with knowledge, skills, and confidence to step into the global labor market.

Various recruitment methods – comprehensive assessment of candidates’ abilities

n 2026, International University plans to enroll 2,300 students for both programs: the degree awarded by International University and the joint program with foreign universities. Two recruitment methods are being implemented to ensure flexibility, fairness, and alignment with the trend of multidimensional assessment.

The first method is direct enrollment and priority admission according to the regulations of the Ministry of Education and Training, which represent about 1% of the total quota. Although the percentage is not large, this is a desirable opportunity with a scholarship policy specifically for candidates with outstanding achievements in national and international student competitions according to the current admission regulations.

The second method – Comprehensive Admission – provides a leading role. The standout feature of this method is that it does not depend on a single exam but combines various evaluation criteria. The applicants are all candidates who have graduated from high school or are expected to graduate in 2026.

The admission score is converted to a scale of 100, based on a combination of components: National High School Graduation Exam score (converted), the Competency Assessment Exam by VNU-HCM (converted), cumulative GPA for grades 10, 11, and 12 based on a combination of 3 subjects (converted), along with bonus points and priority points if applicable. This approach helps to fairly comprehensively reflect the long-term learning process, the ability to synthesize thinking, and the stability in the candidates’ academic performance. Converting to the same scoring scale creates transparency, facilitates comparison, and ensures fairness among different groups of candidates

International University (IU) students on a self-study period.

Acknowledging individual efforts and integration capabilities through bonus points

One of the notable features of the 2026 recruitment plan is the bonus point mechanism for candidates with outstanding achievements or holding international certificates. Therefore, the school plans to continue awarding extra points to candidates who have international English certificates such as IELTS or approved equivalent certificates; candidates who win prizes in excellent student competitions, scientific research contests, technical innovation competitions, or other prestigious academic forums.

This policy not only creates a competitive advantage in recruitments but also clearly demonstrates the school’s orientation toward international integration in education. In the context of the labor market increasingly valuing foreign language proficiency, research skills, and critical thinking, encouraging students to invest in international certifications early on is a strategic preparation step, helping to bridge the gap between general education and the international university environment.

Language proficiency standards – the foundation of the English-taught training program

As a public university that teaches entirely in English, International University determines that foreign languages are not just an advantage but a prerequisite for students to study effectively.

For joint training programs with foreign universities, the English language entry requirements are clearly specified: candidates must achieve a minimum IELTS score of 5.5 or equivalent to level 4 based on the 6-level Foreign Language Proficiency Framework for Vietnam, or B2 level according to CEFR. Candidates who do not yet meet these requirements may be granted conditional admissionand must fulfill the English language requirement within a maximum of 12 months. This mechanism not only opens up opportunities for many candidates but also ensures that when they enter the specialized study phase, students have sufficient English proficiency for the academic environment.

International University students are confident and dynamic with their language skills and professional knowledge. After four years of studying at the university, they can find jobs in their field and also apply for top-tier scholarships for postgraduate studies in advanced countries.

International-standard learning environment within a public university

After 22 years of formation and development, International University has gradually established itself as one of the prestigious public higher education institutions in Vietnam. Currently, the University offers 24 undergraduate programs, 11 master’s programs, and 5 doctoral programs, covering fields such as engineering, technology, economics, management, and life sciences.

The quality of education is affirmed through the domestic and international accreditation system. The school has achieved educational institution accreditation from the Ministry of Education and Training (2016), AUN-QA (2018), and ASIIN (2023). Numerous training programs meet the standards of prestigious accreditation organizations such as ABET, ACBSP, FIBAA, ASIIN, and AUN-QA. This is evidence of the approach to international training standards in terms of program content, faculty, facilities, and quality assurance systems.

The entire training program is taught in English, using updated textbooks, modern teaching methods, with an emphasis on interaction and the development of independent thinking. Students have the opportunity to study with a team of both domestic and international lecturers, of whom more than 61% have doctoral degrees, with most having graduated from top universities worldwide. The support of this team not only ensures professional quality but also inspires research and creativity in students.

Research ecosystem and internationalization opportunities

As a member university of the VNU-HCM system, students at the International University have access to a strong research ecosystem, modern laboratories, and an extensive network of collaborations with businesses, research institutes, and international universities.

Many students participate in research projects from their freshman year, working with lecturers in research groups, having the opportunity to publish scientific papers or attend international conferences. International joint and transfer programs allow students to study part of their curriculum in Vietnam and continue abroad, accessing advanced educational environments at a more optimal cost compared to full-time studying abroad.

Alongside professional training, the School emphasizes the development of soft skills, leadership skills, teamwork ability, critical thinking, and problem-solving capacity. These are core competencies in the globalized and digitalized labor environment, helping students not only to be “skilled in their profession” but also to be “resilient”.

Students at the IU, in addition to having solid expertise, are also equipped with practical skills and knowledge suitable for each occupation.

Training high-quality human resources for the new development phase

With 24 undergraduate programs and a diverse system of postgraduate programs, International University focuses on key fields such as engineering, technology, economics, management, and life sciences – academic fields that play a crucial role in the development strategy of Ho Chi Minh City and the entire country.

The 2026 recruitment plan shows a balance between expanding access opportunities and maintaining input standards. This is not merely an annual admission plan, but a strategic move aimed at attracting capable candidates with aspirations to reach out to the world and a spirit of integration.

In the increasingly competitive landscape of higher education, International University continues to assert its position as a high-quality public training environment, where students are equipped with solid professional knowledge, comprehensive skills, and a global mindset. The 2026 recruitment, therefore, not only opens the door to university classrooms but also marks the beginning of the journey to becoming professional citizens in the international labor market.

Two recruitment methods – expanding opportunities, ensuring fairness

In 2026, IU – VNU-HCM expect to enroll 2,300 students for both programs: Degree awarded by the IU and the joint program with foreign universities. Two admission methods will be implemented: Direct admission, priority admission according to the regulations of the Ministry of Education and Training (accounting for about 1% of the quota), and Comprehensive admission – the main method.

The comprehensive admission method is built on the principle of integrating multiple sources of evaluation data. The admission score is converted to a scale of 100, including the National High School Graduation exam score; the Competency Assessment exam score of VNU-HCM; the final average scores from grades 10, 11, and 12 according to the combination of 3 subjects, along with bonus points and priority points (if any). This calculation method helps balance long-term academic ability, the capacity for comprehensive thinking, and performance in standardized tests.

Converting the components to a common scoring scale not only ensures transparency but also helps candidates easily track and proactively calculate their chances of admission. assessing abilities in a multidimensional way rather than relying entirely on a “decisive moment”.

Extra point – encourages integration and creativity

A significant point in the 2026 admission plan is the bonus points policy for candidates with international English certificates such as IELTS or equivalent; candidates who win prizes in excellent student competitions, scientific research awards, or prestigious academic contests.

This policy clearly reflects the school’s orientation toward integrated training. In the context of globalization and digital transformation, foreign language proficiency and research and creativity skills have become important factors that help students quickly adapt to the international academic environment. Appreciating these efforts right from the admission stage not only motivates high school students but also helps the school select candidates who align with its educational philosophy.

Language proficiency standards – a mandatory foundation for an international learning environment

As the first public university in Vietnam to teach entirely in English, IU identifies language proficiency as a pre-requisite. For training programs in collaboration with foreign institutions, candidates must achieve a minimum IELTS score of 5.5 or the equivalent of level 4 according to the 6-level Foreign Language Proficiency Framework for Vietnam, or B2 level according to CEFR.

In case of failing to fulfill the standards, candidates may be conditionally accepted and must complete the English requirement within a maximum of 12 months. This mechanism both guarantees the quality of incoming students and creates opportunities for potential candidates to access an international training environment.

Studying entirely in English helps students directly access the latest curricula and academic materials, while also developing professional thinking linked to the global context. This is an important advantage when entering a highly competitive job market.

Various training program system, aligns with international accreditation standards

After 22 years of development, IU currently offers 24 undergraduate programs, 11 master’s programs, and 5 doctoral programs. The fields of study focus on engineering, technology, economics, management, and life sciences – essential disciplines in the country’s development and integration process.

The quality of education is affirmed through domestic and international accreditation systems. The school has achieved educational institution accreditation from the Ministry of Education and Training (2016), AUN-QA (2018), and ASIIN (2023). Numerous programs achieve the standards of prestigious accreditation organizations such as ABET, ACBSP, FIBAA, ASIIN, and AUN-QA. This is a testament to the school’s continuous efforts in standardizing its training programs according to international practices.

The faculty team, with over 61% holding doctoral degrees, most of whom were trained at prestigious universities abroad, contributes to ensuring the quality of teaching and research. Students not only acquire knowledge but are also guided in independent learning methods, critical thinking, and scientific research skills.

Educational environment connected to research and practice

As a member of VNU-HCM, IU students gain access to modern facilities and a strong research environment. Undergraduates are encouraged to engage in high-level research alongside faculty as early as their first year, had the opportunity to publish scientific papers, and attend international conferences.

In addition, international joint and transfer programs open up opportunities for studying abroad in a flexible pathway. Students can experience an advanced academic environment, expand their international network that still optimize costs compared to full-time studying abroad.

IU also focuses on training soft skills, leadership skills, teamwork, and problem-solving – essential competencies in a globalized work environment. Graduates not only meet professional requirements but also confidently integrate and adapt to the rapid changes in the labor market.

Recruitment 2026 – a strategic step for a new development phase

The recruitment plan for 2026 of the IU demonstrates a harmonious combination of expanding opportunities and maintaining quality standards. In the context of a competitive higher education environment with high demands for integration capabilities, the University continues to position itself as a high-quality public training institution, closely linking teaching, research, and internationalization.

For candidates, choosing IU is not just about selecting a field of study, but also about choosing a standard training environment where specialized knowledge, comprehensive skills, and global thinking develop in parallel. The 2026 recruitment, therefore, is not just an admission milestone, but the starting point for the journey to become high-quality human resources in the era of integration.

Established in 1974 as Victoria’s first regional university, Deakin University has steadily expanded its scale and strengthened its reputation over more than five decades of development. Today, Deakin is recognized as one of Australia’s dynamic and influential higher education institutions in both teaching and research, with growing global impact.

Transnational Education Partners Week (TNE Week), organized by Deakin International with support from the Victorian Government’s Yes to International Students Fund (YISF), serves as a key forum bringing together global education partners. The program offers participants first-hand experience of Deakin’s academic environment while facilitating in-depth scholarly exchange through presentations and roundtable discussions among partner universities from nine countries and territories.

Assoc. Prof. Le Van Thang, President of International University (second from right), signed the strategic partnership agreement with Mr. John Molony, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International) of Deakin University (Australia).

The year 2026 marks the 10th anniversary of the partnership between International University and Deakin University. To commemorate this milestone, the two institutions formally signed the strategic partnership agreement on March 19, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening comprehensive collaboration in education, scientific research, and the development of international academic programs.

Notably, the signing ceremony was attended by student representatives from joint programs between International University and Deakin University currently studying at the Melbourne campus. Their presence added significance to the occasion and stood as a testament to the sustained and effective partnership nurtured over the past decade.

The agreement is expected to unlock new opportunities for academic exchange, enhance training quality, and provide students with greater access to an international learning environment—further reinforcing International University’s position on the global higher education map.

The Innovation and Entrepreneurship Incubator Co., Ltd., a unit affiliated with VNU-Hanoi, plays a key role in advancing the university-based startup ecosystem through project incubation, training, and resource networking. The incubator supports students and startup teams in refining ideas, developing business models, and moving toward product commercialization.

Grok Vietnam, a member of Grok Global, specializes in supporting universities in internationalizing education through global market engagement and strategic development. With extensive experience and a broad international network, Grok partners with higher education institutions to promote innovation, design practice-oriented and sustainability-driven programs, and enhance competitiveness and global integration in the evolving education landscape.

During the meeting, the parties discussed and agreed on several strategic areas of cooperation. In the field of innovation-driven entrepreneurship, they will jointly implement project incubation initiatives and co-organize training programs, workshops, and seminars to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset among students. Through these initiatives, students will gain access to practical models, further develop creative ideas, and gradually bring startup projects to fruition.

International University signed a cooperation agreement with the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Incubator Co., Ltd., an affiliate of VNU Hanoi.

In addition, collaboration in education for sustainable development will be a major focus. The partners agree to jointly design and deliver programs and courses that integrate innovation with sustainability, aligned with the Education for Sustainable Development agenda toward 2030. These activities aim not only to raise awareness but also to provide students with hands-on opportunities to engage in real-world projects, thereby strengthening creative thinking, problem-solving capacity, and entrepreneurial skills.

Dr. Tran Thi Ngoc Diep, Director of the Center for Innovation and Technology Transfer at International University, signed the agreement with Ms. Pham Thi Phuong Thao, Director of Grok Vietnam Co., Ltd.

Dr. Tran Thi Ngoc Diep, Director of the Center for Innovation and Technology Transfer at International University, stated: “Through this partnership, our students will have greater opportunities to experience real-world working environments, engage with societal challenges, and develop comprehensive skills essential in an increasingly globalized context. At the same time, stronger university–industry linkages will help cultivate a dynamic ecosystem of learning, innovation, and creativity that meets the demands of modern society.”

The signing ceremony not only marks an important milestone in the partnership among the institutions but also opens up broader international collaboration opportunities, enhancing the capacity to implement innovation and sustainable education initiatives. By leveraging shared resources and global partner networks, the parties aim to achieve their strategic goals while contributing to the advancement of VNU-HCM’s position, with the long-term aspiration of ranking among the Top 200 universities in Asia.

Speaking at the ceremony, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Van Thang, President of International University (VNU-HCM), noted that since its establishment in 2003, the university has defined its mission as training high-quality human resources with strong international integration capacity and a commitment to contributing positively to social development. Therefore, from its early days, the university has implemented all academic programs in English. Today, after more than 20 years of growth, over 70% of the university’s faculty hold doctoral degrees or higher.

On the afternoon of March 12, International University signed a cooperation agreement with Thanh Nien Newspaper.

In the context of new responsibilities and emerging challenges, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Van Thang expressed his hope that the partnership between the two sides would be implemented in a practical and comprehensive manner, building on their respective strengths. With the reputation and experience of Thanh Nien Newspaper, together with the academic excellence of International University, both parties are expected to support each other in fulfilling their shared mission.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Van Thang – President of International University – (center) delivered the welcoming speech.

“The cooperation agreement signed today unlocks numerous opportunities for both sides to leverage their strengths. We expect that in the coming time, International University and Thanh Nien Newspaper will coordinate to organize communication initiatives, academic activities, career-orientation programs, and student-focused events. At the same time, this partnership will help spread positive stories about education, scientific research, and the creativity of Vietnam’s young generation. I am confident that with the credibility, experience, and influence of Thanh Nien Newspaper, together with the strong academic foundation and international learning environment of International University, this cooperation will bring practical and sustainable value to both parties, as well as to the student community and society,” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Van Thang shared.

The two sides also agreed to continue discussions on specific cooperation programs, such as implementing enterprise-based semester training models for the university’s students. With their strong foreign-language skills, students could also serve as core volunteers for future editions of the Thanh Nien International Student Football Tournament.

Journalist Hai Thanh – Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Thanh Nien Newspaper – spoke at the ceremony.

For four decades, Thanh Nien Newspaper has affirmed its role as one of the most reputable and influential media agencies in Vietnam’s social landscape. Beyond being a reliable source of information for readers nationwide, the newspaper has consistently accompanied young people, especially students, through a wide range of meaningful programs in education, career orientation, and community development.

The delegation from Thanh Nien Newspaper took time to visit several key laboratories of the International University.

]]> https://hm88nhacai.com/en/international-university-joins-the-first-time-in-the-vietnam-education-pavilion-at-apaie-2026/ Fri, 27 Feb 2026 06:31:25 +0000 https://hm88nhacai.com/?p=22044 For the first time, Vietnam is participating in and organizing the Vietnam Education Pavilion at the Asia-Pacific Association for International Education (APAIE) Conference and Exhibition 2026, taking place from February 23 to 27, 2026, in Hong Kong (China). Under the leadership of the Ministry of Education and Training, VNU-HCM is attending APAIE 2026 as part of Vietnam’s unified national education delegation

Recognized as one of the four largest global events in international education, APAIE 2026 brings together more than 5,000 leaders, education administrators, and experts from over 1,000 universities and prestigious educational organizations worldwide. The VNU-HCM delegation includes more than 30 leaders, faculty members, and international relations officers from its member universities and affiliated units. Among them is Associate Professor Dr. Dinh Duc Anh Vu, Vice President of the International University.

In 2026, Vietnam officially debuts the Vietnam Education Pavilion at APAIE. The event attracts approximately 2,500 delegates from more than 65 countries and territories.

Associate Professor Dr. Dinh Duc Anh Vu, Vice President of the International University, joined the leadership delegation of Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City in attending the APAIE 2026 Conference in Hong Kong.

Originally first held in Seoul (South Korea) 30 years ago, the APAIE Conference and Exhibition stands alongside other major global education events such as NAFSA (United States), EAIE (Europe), and AIEC (Australia). The Vietnamese education delegation, led by the Ministry of Education and Training, officially inaugurated the Vietnam Education Pavilion at APAIE 2026 on February 23, 2026.

Vietnam’s debut national pavilion at APAIE marks a major milestone in the country’s global educational integration, led by its pioneering higher education sectorThis shift represents a move from individual institutional participation to a coordinated, national-level, systematic, and professional approach. Vietnam’s message at the event highlights a dynamic higher education system committed to academic excellence, scientific research development, and deep international integration.

Associate Professor Dr. Dinh Duc Anh Vu, Vice President of the International University, and Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Duy Phuong, Head of the Office of External Relations, held discussions with Ms. Becky George, representative of the University of California, Santa Cruz.

At APAIE 2026, Vietnamese universities are focusing on several key objectives: enhancing international student recruitment; attracting distinguished global experts, lecturers, administrators, and scientists to work in Vietnam; and promoting the quality of Vietnam’s undergraduate and postgraduate education.

The initiative also aims to foster academic exchange and international cooperation in faculty and student mobility; strengthen the recognition and reputation of Vietnam’s higher education brand in the global market; explore opportunities for collaborative research and international publications; and attract international resources and partners to invest in and support educational development in Vietnam.

The Vietnam Education Pavilion at APAIE 2026 features 17 representative universities and educational organizations, showcasing the diversity and strengths of Vietnam’s education system, particularly in higher education. Here are a few ways to make this long sentence much more readable: The Most Professional (Balanced) Key participants include VNU-HCM (featuring the International University), recognized for its multidisciplinary research and technology transfer, and UEH University, a leader in economics, finance, and sustainable development.

Associate Professor Dr. Dinh Duc Anh Vu, Vice President of the International University, together with Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Duy Phuong, Head of the Office of External Relations, engaged in discussions with two representatives of Taejaen University (South Korea): Dr. Taehee Kim, Vice President of Taejaen University, and Mr. D’Arcy Drachenberg, Director of the Global Network Center.

The event also includes technical and technology-focused institutions, international universities, joint international training models, and other higher education establishments.

Beyond the exhibition, the Vietnamese delegation will participate in conference sessions, deliver presentations on policies to attract investment in education, and conduct bilateral meetings with international partners.

With a population exceeding 100 million and a potential learner base of more than 25 million people, Vietnam benefits from a young demographic structure and a rapidly expanding middle class. Demand for high-quality education-particularly higher education and postgraduate studies – continues to rise.

Vietnam is not only one of the leading sources of international students studying in developed countries, but is also increasingly becoming a destination for international students, thanks to competitive tuition costs and internationally recognized academic quality, as reflected in prestigious global university rankings such as QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) and Times Higher Education (THE).

BTT: Why did Mỹ Trà choose this research topic?

Bùi Thị Mỹ Trà: I am currently a final-year student majoring in Marketing. Besides my academic studies, I have actively participated in extracurricular activities and competitions related to the environment and sustainable development. Throughout that journey, I gradually identified the research direction I wanted to pursue, and I can say that this topic lies at the intersection of two major passions of mine.
Through literature review and my own personal experiences, I realized that although Generation Z is often considered a group that supports green brands, this support does not easily translate into loyalty—especially in the context of digital transformation. This gap between “concern” and “commitment” led me to question the underlying factors behind young consumers’ green consumption behavior, which ultimately became the motivation for this research.

BTT: During the research process, what were the biggest difficulties you faced, especially since you conducted the study on your own

Bùi Thị Mỹ Trà: (Laughs) The biggest challenge was carrying out the entire research by myself, especially since this was my first time engaging in scientific research. From building the research model, choosing methodologies, collecting and processing data, to analyzing results and writing the report—I had to learn and do everything independently. During this process, I experienced significant time pressure, and there were moments when I doubted whether the research direction I was pursuing was truly appropriate. In addition, accessing high-quality academic literature was also a major challenge for me due to my limited experience.

Bùi Thị Mỹ Trà and the poster of her research project at the 2025 Conference.

BTT: So how did you overcome those difficulties? Are there any “hard-earned lessons” or specific experiences you would like to share so that others can better understand your journey of “fighting the monster” alone?

Bùi Thị Mỹ Trà: To overcome these challenges, I chose not to give up and to keep learning continuously. I proactively reread materials multiple times, taught myself additional research methods, and boldly reached out to my supervisor, Dr. Thảo Hiền, whenever I felt stuck. Her timely guidance and constructive feedback helped me adjust my research direction and gain more confidence in the process.

The biggest lesson I learned is that research is rarely a smooth journey from the start—especially when working alone and doing it for the first time. However, having the courage to begin, to ask questions, to revise, and to persevere until the end helped me grow tremendously. I believe that for students who have never done research before, they should not be too afraid of not being “good enough,” because doing research is a process of learning while doing—not something you wait until you are perfect to start.

BTT: While conducting this research, what aspect of your work did you find most meaningful or compelling?

Bùi Thị Mỹ Trà: What impressed me most were the results that differ from previous studies when examined in the digital environment. They show that “green” is no longer just a story about products, but about corporate behavior. Gen Z no longer places trust simply because a product is labeled as sustainable; instead, they carefully observe how brands communicate, respond, and take responsibility on digital platforms. To me, this is especially meaningful because it demonstrates how digital transformation is reshaping Gen Z’s loyalty—from loyalty to products to loyalty to how brands behave.

Bùi Thị Mỹ Trà receiving the First Prize at the 6th Student Scientific Research Conference in 2025.

BTT: Do you expect this research to have practical applications in the future?

Bùi Thị Mỹ Trà: In an era when Vietnam and the world are focusing on digital transformation while simultaneously pursuing sustainable development, I hope this research can be applied by businesses, especially those targeting young consumers. My study shows that to build sustainable loyalty, companies cannot focus solely on products; instead, they must pay close attention to how brands communicate, interact, and demonstrate responsibility across the entire digital environment. These insights can help businesses adjust their communication and marketing strategies to better align with today’s context and their target audiences.

BTT: Do you plan to further develop this research after the competition—for example, by expanding the study, improving it, commercializing it, publishing academic papers, or registering intellectual property?

Bùi Thị Mỹ Trà: After the competition, I hope to further develop this topic by linking it more closely to the application of artificial intelligence in marketing activities—a field that is becoming increasingly automated and personalized. I believe that as technology continues to advance, the key question will no longer be just “how to sell more,” but rather “how to sell in a way that preserves consumer trust” in today’s digital transformation era. This is also the direction I want to continue pursuing in my research journey.

Poster of Bùi Thị Mỹ Trà’s research project, which won the First Prize at the 6th Student Scientific Research Conference in 2025.

BTT: Do you have any advice for students who want to start doing scientific research, especially those working independently like you did?

Bùi Thị Mỹ Trà: From my personal experience, I would like to say that students should not be too afraid to start doing scientific research, especially when they do not have much experience yet. The most important thing is not knowing everything from the beginning, but having the courage to start, staying persistent, and always being proactive in learning. The university’s lecturers have strong expertise, are very dedicated, and are always willing to support students in their research projects. Therefore, I believe that finding a suitable supervisor, managing time effectively, and being open to revising and correcting mistakes throughout the process will help make scientific research a truly valuable journey—not only in terms of results, but also personal growth.

When selecting their research topic, the three final-year students majoring in Space Engineering were fortunate to work with lecturers from the Department of Physics—on a topic that was entirely new compared to the knowledge they had previously acquired in class. “Our group was completely captivated by the topic suggested by a lecturer of the department,” shared Nguyễn Hồng Phước, the representative of the research team.

The team’s research focuses on quantum computing and quantum computing frameworks, both of which are widely regarded as the next major leap beyond the limitations of classical computers. However, at present, most quantum computing systems remain relatively small in scale, with a limited number of qubits (or are prohibitively expensive for widespread research use). Simply put, the more complex a problem is, the more qubits—acting as information carriers—are required to store and process data in parallel.

“This makes research and experimentation on real quantum computers extremely costly, so many studies have to rely on simulations. In that context, quantum machine learning—a relatively new research field—has emerged as a promising direction, but it also raises a critical question: how can we identify suitable configurations and models when quantum resources are still limited?” emphasized Hà Quang Huy, a member of the research team.

After weeks of careful consideration, the team decided to adopt the Genetic Algorithm, as all members agreed that it is an optimization method inspired by natural evolution, capable of searching for high-quality solutions in very large spaces without exhaustively testing every possibility. By combining Genetic Algorithms with a quantum learning framework, the team approached the problem in a more practical way: leveraging the potential of quantum machine learning while reducing the cost of pure “trial-and-error” experimentation. The motivation behind the project stemmed precisely from the gap between the theoretical potential of quantum computing and the real-world constraints of its current implementation.

Nguyễn Hồng Phước, Hà Quang Huy, and Võ Cự Khôi—students from the K2021 cohort of the Department of Physics—posed with their certificates recognizing the highest achievement at the 6th International University Student Scientific Research Conference in 2025.

Recalling the difficulties they faced when first starting the project, the group emotionally reflected on the initial stage of entering a completely new research field, which required a significant investment of time to build the necessary foundational knowledge. The complexity of the topic exceeded their initial expectations and repeatedly led the team to consider adjusting or even changing their research direction. At the same time, differences in individual perspectives posed additional challenges, demanding a strong spirit of collaboration and effective coordination.

After encountering these obstacles, the group discussed and analyzed the underlying causes together, eventually realizing that their greatest limitation throughout the project was a lack of proactive communication with their academic supervisors. “Overconfidence and hesitation to share our real difficulties caused us to miss many opportunities for timely guidance, which unnecessarily prolonged our search for solutions,” recalled Võ Cự Khôi, a member of the research team.

After winning First Prize and spending several consecutive months working with dedication, the group gained a deeper appreciation for the value of connection and the importance of timely, enthusiastic support from their lecturers.

“The quality of a research project does not lie solely in students’ knowledge or skills, but also in the wise guidance of those who lead the way. Despite our stumbles and avoidable mistakes, we were incredibly fortunate to have our lecturers constantly by our side—patiently guiding us and opening up directions we had never imagined. Thanks to that, today we can proudly stand here with a truly meaningful achievement,” all three final-year students from the Department of Physics shared in agreement.

Upon completion, the group’s research proposed a method for identifying optimal quantum circuits for different types of datasets without requiring deep insight into the internal workings of the quantum circuits themselves. This approach lays the groundwork for broadening accessibility and accelerating the application of quantum computing across various fields.

“At the current stage, we view this topic as a preparatory step that supports future research in quantum computing in the near term. As quantum hardware gradually stabilizes and larger numbers of qubits become widely usable, the need to optimize models and resources will become extremely important. Our work aims to serve as an automated tool for finding good configurations, helping to reduce experimental costs,” Võ Cự Khôi further shared about the group’s future aspirations.

From a practical application perspective, the group’s research direction can be applied to a wide range of optimization problems or problems with very large sample spaces, especially in fields that require complex data processing. Examples include finance (portfolio optimization), logistics (route optimization and resource allocation), as well as materials science and pharmaceuticals (discovering new structures or formulations). These are all problems characterized by vast solution spaces, where genetic algorithms and quantum computing are expected to demonstrate significant advantages.

Poster presenting the group’s First Prize–winning research project at the 6th Student Scientific Research Conference, 2025.

Nguyễn Hồng Phước added: “In the short term, the project can be applied in research and simulation environments, supporting scientists in testing quantum machine learning models more effectively. In the long term, we hope it will contribute to bringing quantum machine learning closer to real-world problems faced by businesses and industry.”

Keyword: HCMIU, IU, SDG4-Quality education , SDG9-Industry innovation and infrastructure

BTT: Why did the team choose this research topic? Did the motivation stem from a real-world problem, industry trends, or personal experience?

Research Team: From a practical standpoint, the use of blue light in healthcare and daily life is rapidly expanding; however, laboratory tools for assessing its cellular toxicity remain insufficiently standardized. Most existing setups rely on improvised lighting systems with limited accuracy. In terms of industry trends, biomedical engineering is clearly shifting toward high-throughput systems and digital control to replace manual methods, with the goal of improving reproducibility and experimental precision.
Through hands-on work in the lab, our team experienced firsthand the difficulties of adjusting light intensity using voltage regulators and dealing with temperature-related errors that could damage or kill biological samples. These challenges motivated us to design a fully automated platform.

BTT: During the research process, what were the major challenges your team faced?

Research Team: From a technical and equipment perspective, the greatest challenge was the discrepancy between theory and experimental results. We spent extensive time in the lab reviewing each line of code and every hardware component to identify the root causes of system errors. Calibrating the equipment to achieve high accuracy and managing the heat generated by LED light sources so as not to affect biological samples proved to be particularly demanding, both in terms of time and effort.

Mr. Võ Đăng Khoa – a fourth-year student of the Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, and Mr. Nguyễn Nhật Minh – a graduate student of the Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, received the First Prize certificates at the 6th Student Scientific Research Conference in 2025.

BTT: How did the team overcome these challenges? Were there any “hard-earned lessons” along the way?
Research Team: To overcome these challenges, the team persistently carried out a systematic troubleshooting process, combining hardware optimization with precise calibration using specialized measurement instruments. The most significant “hard-earned lesson” we learned was the critical importance of temperature control and digital component management. Instead of using fixed resistors, switching to digital potentiometers completely resolved the lack of flexibility in controlling light intensity. A key practical takeaway was the need to consistently cross-check experimental data with standard measurement devices rather than relying solely on theoretical calculations. This approach enabled the team to achieve extremely high experimental linearity, with an R² value exceeding 0.99.

BTT: Could you share the highlight that your team finds most meaningful in this research project—for example, a new discovery, experimental result, model, method, dataset, or demo product?
Research Team: The aspect we feel most proud of is the successful development of a flexible digital light-control system integrating an ESP32-S3 microcontroller, a CAT4104 driver, and an AD5160 digital potentiometer. This solution allows lighting intensity and pulse-width modulation (PWM) modes to be configured entirely via software with exceptionally high accuracy and repeatability, fully replacing manual adjustments that are prone to error. Experimental results demonstrated the superiority of this system, achieving near-perfect linearity with an R² value of up to 0.999, effectively transforming a low-cost research device into a reliable, standardized platform for phototoxicity assessment.

Poster of the research project by Mr. Võ Đăng Khoa – fourth-year student of the Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, and Mr. Nguyễn Nhật Minh – graduate student of the Faculty of Biomedical Engineering.

BTT: How does the team expect this research topic to be applied in practice?

Research Team: We expect this system to become a standardized tool in biomedical laboratories for in-depth studies on the effects of light on cells. Specifically, the project can be applied in the following areas:

• Biomedical Research and Ophthalmology: Used in research institutes to determine safe exposure thresholds of blue light, particularly in studies on retinal damage and macular degeneration.
• Pharmaceuticals and Drug Screening: Applied in photosensitive drug testing processes, enabling rapid assessment of phototoxicity in high-throughput screening workflows using 96-well plates.
• Clinical Treatment: Supporting the development of safer and more effective light-based therapy (phototherapy) protocols in fields such as dermatology or rehabilitation medicine.
  Target users: Scientists, healthcare professionals, and students in Biomedical Engineering who require a highly accurate yet cost-effective experimental platform.

With its flexible programmability and stable temperature control, the device is expected to replace improvised lighting setups, thereby enhancing the reliability of domestic research outcomes and helping them meet international standardization requirements.

Keyword: HCMIU, IU, SDG3-Sức khỏe và cuộc sống tốt, SDG4- Hm88nhacai tỷ lệ kèo WC 2026 có chất lượng, SDG9- Hm8888 còn Trải Nghiệm Độc Đáo sáng tạo và phát triển hạ tầng