MEET THE TWO ENTRANCE VALEDICTORIANS OF 2025: IU’S TALENTED DUO “A WITTY AND REFINED GENERATION”

Dang Le Truc Linh and Nguyen Vu Hoang Phuc were the standout faces at the Opening Ceremony for the 2025–2026 academic year of the International University (VNU-HCM), being honored as the top scorers in the entrance exam of 2025. With bright smiles and confident energy, they both shared their unique perspectives on learning and personal growth as members of Generation Z—often humorously dubbed the “witty and refined generation.”

IU’S “DUAL VALEDICTORIAN”

Nguyen Vu Hoang Phuc – a former Biology major from Le Hong Phong High School for the Gifted, Ho Chi Minh City – became the dual valedictorian of the International University’s 2025 admission season. His name topped both admission categories: Method 01 (Direct and Priority Admission) and Method 03 (Admission based on the 2025 National High School Exam results).Although the university does not officially rank valedictorians for Method 01, Phuc was awarded a perfect 30/30 score based on his Third Prizein the National Excellent Student Contest in Biology. Under Method 03, he was officially recognized as valedictorian with 28.5/30 points.

This Gen Z student shared much about his journey and the reasons behind his decision to pursue a degree in Biomedical Engineering, a relatively new but rapidly growing field in Vietnam.

Communications Board (BBT): As a Biology major from one of the most prestigious high schools in Ho Chi Minh City,Le Hong Phong High School for the Gifted, your choice to pursue Biomedical Engineering at the International University (IU) is quite different from many of your peers. Why did you choose this path?

Nguyen Vu Hoang Phuc: Since I specialized in Biology, most of my teachers advised me to study medicine and become a doctor. But deep down, I knew that wasn’t the right path for me—medical school takes too long! (laughs) More importantly, I felt I would be better suited to something different. After discussing my thoughts with my homeroom teacher, she sincerely encouraged me to explore Biomedical Engineering as it is a fascinating field that connects to Biology but doesn’t require as much clinical work or direct patient interaction. She also told me that it involves working with advanced technology and modern equipment, which really aligns with my interests.

I took her advice to heart and did my own research online. I found that the Biomedical Engineering program at the International University stands out as one of the best in Ho Chi Minh City. So I boldly listed it as my first choice, especially since it’s a public university with an all-English curriculum.

BBT: How did your parents react to that decision?

Nguyen Vu Hoang Phuc: Fortunately, my mother has never interfered much in my studies since I was young. No matter what I choose to do, she always supports me. When I told her I wanted Biomedical Engineering as my top choice, she simply asked for more details about the program—no objections, just full support. I’m truly lucky to have a mother who loves and trusts me.

Communications Board (BBT): Linh, as a young woman, why did you choose to study Data Science? Was it because of social trends or outside influence?

Dang Le Truc Linh: First of all, I’ll admit that it’s a tough major, especially for me since I had zero background in computer science throughout high school (laughs). But I believe that in the future, data-related fields will be the foundation for global development. The demand for data science is only expected to grow. Personally, I’ve always been curious about how data powers the systems that shape our everyday lives. Whether it’s staying at home, going to work, traveling, getting medical care, or even eating out with friends—data plays a key role everywhere. It’s one of the main links that can help a country transform and evolve. The ways data is stored, searched, secured, and analyzed to make major decisions and policies—that’s fascinating to me. And I genuinely want to explore and understand that process on a deeper level.

BBT: Still, Data Science is quite a demanding major. Have you thought about the challenges ahead? What if, after a while, you find it too difficult or start to lose your interest? Would you consider giving up?

Dang Le Truc Linh: I knew from the start this would be a tough road, and I did think about the worst-case scenario—what if I lose interest one day? But I’m a very cautious person, so before finalizing my application, I made sure to carefully review the program structure. I saw that IU’s Data Science program under the School of Information Technology offers many electives and allows students to branch into different areas later on. That gave me confidence. So even if there are parts I don’t particularly enjoy, I know I’ll find applications that inspire me. As for perseverance—yes, I have plenty of it. I’m determined to push through and keep learning, no matter how challenging it gets.Communications Board (BBT): When it comes to choosing a major, many young people today often wonder: “Will this field make me a lot of money?” Did either of you think that way? And how do you view this question in relation to your chosen majors?

Dang Le Truc Linh: Honestly, I don’t think it’s wrong to care about income when choosing a field of study. I also researched how much demand there will be for this field in the future, what the average salary might be, and my parents did the same by asking for advice, talking to friends and acquaintances about job prospects. But in the end, my parents advised me to choose something I truly enjoy. While every field needs people, the real demand is for those who excel.. So rather than focusing only on income, they told me to ask myself,“Can I be good at this? Can I stick with it in the long run?”

My father once said, “As long as you work hard in something you love, you’ll get through the tough parts. Choose what you like, because only then can you truly get good at it and when you’re good, the money will come naturally.” I really believe that, and that’s what I’m striving for to become excellent at what I love.

Nguyen Vu Hoang Phuc: I think salary and income are, of course, important considerations when choosing a major. No one can ignore that. When I talked to my mother, she questioned me about it too. So I spent about a month researching the job market, and I realized that regarding to the fact that Vietnam’s healthcare sector expanding rapidly, Biomedical Engineering will likely be one of the fastest-growing fields in the near future.

For me, experience truly matters at the beginning. So I’d rather choose a field that’s challenging but meaningful. If I’m skilled enough and patient enough to stick with it, then I believe financial stability will naturally follow later on.

Dang Le Truc Linh: In high school, our curriculum had been revamped, so our teachers mainly guided us and provided us with the basic foundation. If we wanted to excel, we had to study on our own, and often we would learn from each other. After class, my friends and I would regularly meet up to discuss lessons and solve exercises together. That habit of studying with friends helped me improve far more than just studying alone at home. I completely agree that learning from your peers is incredibly important, because the people around you are often brilliant. I I admire my friends for being so capable at our age, and I’m grateful to thembecause their excellence motivates me to get better each day. Being the same age also helps; there’s no generational gap, so we understand each other’s explanations quickly, and sometimes I even grasp concepts more deeply when a friend explains them. I’ve always asked a lot of questions, which I believe is a great trait for any student.. Asking questions is how I’ve made progress. So my advice is very simple: don’t be afraid to ask. As long as you ask politely and respectfully, no one will turn you down.

BBT: People often describe your generation as the “generation of jokesters”. Do you think that label fits you?

Đặng Lê Trúc Linh: I guess I am pretty playful when I’m around my close friends—mostly because they are too! But honestly, that kind of joking around helps relieve stress. Our studies can get intense and the workload is heavy every single day, so having moments to laugh makes everything easier to handle. Of course, we know when to draw the line. There’s a time for seriousness and a time for silliness. When it’s time to study, we focus; when it’s time to unwind, being playful helps us relax and reset. I think that kind of “playfulness” is actually healthy, it’s a smart and effective way to keep balance between work and life.

Nguyễn Vũ Hoàng Phúc: Yeah, I’d say we’re playful too, even in a specialized school, we joke around like anyone else. But to me, being playful isn’t a bad thing at all. When school gets stressful, if I can still joke about it, it means I’m okay, I’m still handling it. The real problem is when you can’t laugh anymore; that’s when things have gone too far. So I try to stay positive and use humor to cope with pressure. And honestly, being playful isn’t just for fun, sometimes it helps me learn better. If I can make a funny connection between something in class and a joke or story, I remember it longer.

BBT: Becoming new students—and even the top scorers—of a member university of VNU-HCMC in 2025, a year filled with historic milestones like the 50th anniversary of Southern Liberation and National Reunification, the 80th National Day of Vietnam, and the 30th anniversary of VNU-HCMC’s founding… How does that feel?

Đặng Lê Trúc Linh: Our generation, the “golden pig” class of 2007, has gotten used to being the first at many things. We were the first to study under the new 2018 national curriculum, so we’ve learned to adapt and be independent. We had to figure out what and how to learn by ourselves instead of waiting for teachers or classmates to push us. That’s made us stronger. This year, with so many national celebrations, I feel proud to be one of the top students of the International University. Honestly, I didn’t expect it at all, so when I got the news, I was surprised and incredibly happy. But at the same time, I also feel a stronger sense of responsibility, both toward my studies and my future.

Nguyễn Vũ Hoàng Phúc: I’ve always liked new beginnings, and 2025 really feels like a turning point for the whole country. You can sense the energy and growth everywhere. In the past, people used to think of government systems as rigid or boring, but through big national events like these, we see a different side like unity, pride, and shared purpose. Knowing that I became a top student in such a meaningful year makes me feel like I’m part of something bigger, a small piece of this evolving story. It’s definitely a memory I’ll never forget. And it’s also a reminder for me to keep working harder to be truly worthy of the title.

BBT: What if your life doesn’t turn out “brilliant”?

Đặng Lê Trúc Linh: I think “brilliance” means something different to everyone. For me, as long as I’ve tried my best, then no matter what the result is, I’ve already lived a brilliant life. I shine simply because I didn’t give up. Maybe I’m not “radiant” in the way others expect, but that doesn’t matter. What matters is that I understand myself, stay true to who I am, and keep moving forward. The fact that I’m not standing still is already something wonderful. So don’t compare yourself to others or force yourself to shine in someone else’s way. Just focus on living your life, or the way you want it to be.

Nguyễn Vũ Hoàng Phúc: One of my teachers once told me, “Keep walking and you’ll arrive; keep knocking and the door will open.” I’ve learned that being “brilliant” isn’t the purpose of life. What matters more is leaving a kind impression on the people who love you. Chasing after some distant idea of brilliance will only drain you and if you don’t reach it, you’ll feel like you’ve failed. Instead, I try to focus on doing small good things every day, bit by bit. I believe that one day, those small efforts will lead to something beautiful. We don’t need to exhaust ourselves chasing someone else’s sparkle, and our own quiet light is enough.