First Prize TTVN 2005: Choosing the Hometown to Experience

Graduated with a Master’s degree from ENST (www.enst.fr), previously worked at Wengo SAS, part of Neuf Telecom. Developed through the high-quality Vietnam-France engineering training program PFIEV, the first cohort. Passionate about researching and developing telecommunications systems, especially mobile systems. This is the self-introduction of Thai Huynh Nghia, a member of the Connecting team – First Prize Winner of the Vietnam Intelligence Contest 2005.

From France, Nghia returned to Vietnam to receive the award and celebrated the Lunar New Year of the Dog in 2006 at his hometown. VietNamNet’s reporter had a conversation with Nghia in the early days of the new year…

Thai Huynh Nghia stepping up to the winner’s podium at the Vietnam Intelligence Award 2005 ceremony. Photo: B.D

* It is known that the Connecting team approached the Vietnam Intelligence Contest 2005 quite late, when the submission deadline was extended. In fact, after registering online and waiting for a response from the organizers without success, the team considered not submitting their product. However, just before the award night, Thai Huynh Nghia predicted that the team’s software product would surpass 12 others to win first place. Why was this the case? Is there a contradiction here? Are you confident or unsure about any aspect of your product?

– Thai Huynh Nghia: The award night was indeed an impressive and unforgettable night for all of us. Not just me, but I believe all the teams also predicted that their product would win first place. This is simply a strong desire to showcase the results of our hard work, so there is no contradiction.

We think the important thing is not that we initially did not pay attention to the contest. More importantly, we were genuinely engaged and did our utmost throughout the competition. If I could express my wish, I would want to participate in a contest where all products in the final round would win first place.

* Nghia is studying and working in France, Hưng is studying in the UK, but vn3Dpocket is a joint product of the two. It seems you have found a way to work and create a product “across distances”…?

– (Laughs). We actually knew each other before; in real life, Duy Hưng is my brother-in-law. Besides us, there are others who have worked passionately even for a short time, like an architect who we owe a lot of thanks for her enthusiastic collaboration. Therefore, after renaming to “Connecting,” I feel it still reflects everyone’s dedication.

* What do you think about the fact that many important awards of the Vietnam Intelligence Contest 2005 went to you, the Vietnamese students studying and working abroad?

– With a judging panel of experienced and professional members, I think that when judging, the panel does not really distinguish between overseas students or domestic students and lecturers. They surely evaluated the presentation and the product to draw conclusions.

During this conversation on VietNamNet, I would like to send my best wishes to the judges and the organizing committee of the contest for the new year.

* What are some useful things you have gained from studying abroad (specifically in the UK and France) that are lacking or less emphasized in education in Vietnam?

– Although I don’t want to mention it, the working and learning environment that I have experienced has become professional for a long time. This means it also demands a lot of fierce competition. If you can overcome it, you will become stronger. If not, you will have to strive and put in a lot of effort to succeed. But no matter where we are, we are Vietnamese students and always keep our focus on our homeland.

Embracing the glory. Photo: B.D

– We will strive to bring the product to the community for further development. As for assigning a specific value, that may take some more time.

* Nghia has just married, your birth certificate says 1982, but you were actually born in 1981 – the year of the Rooster, is that correct? So it seems that being “of age” has brought you joys beyond expectations? What is your secret to success?

– Perhaps it is a coincidence. I really enjoy randomness and nature; I like to immerse myself in nature. I used to wander in the rain in Hanoi while I was still in high school….

Getting married has completely changed my life; I set a new milestone for myself and started working. I always feel that I lack knowledge and want to learn a lot.

* At the Vietnam Intelligence Award 2005 ceremony, only Nghia represented the team to receive the award, while Nguyen Duy Hung, another member of Connecting, was not present. This year, Nghia is in Vietnam, but Hưng just went to the UK to continue studying. But wherever you are, it seems you are all very busy?

– I have graduated with a Master’s degree; I still want to pursue a Ph.D. but not right now, rather in the future when I have enough experience. Because I realize that only through experience can one acquire the knowledge necessary to undertake significant projects that matter to everyone.

* Nghia, how do you feel about the Lunar New Year? In the atmosphere of welcoming spring in your homeland, what do you miss the most about France?

– Tet is wonderful; no matter where I am, Tet is still the best day of the year for me, a milestone to reflect on what I have done and set new goals.

I miss France, miss Paris, miss my friends, and remember how I celebrated Tet last year with friends at the Vietnamese Embassy in France. On the occasion of the upcoming traditional New Year, I send my best wishes to everyone in and outside the country, wishing you a new year filled with new successes and the achievement of many set goals.

* I want to ask one last question, what is the biggest goal you want to achieve during your youth?

– I have decided to stay in Vietnam to gain more experience domestically. I will strive and work hard!

Thank you, Nghia, for the interesting conversation at the beginning of the year. Wishing you and your “new home” a happy and joyful new year!

Bui Dung