Brian Jeffrey
Trang was offered a full scholarship by NUS to pursue a doctorate in digital technology in finance before she even completed her graduation thesis.
Not only will she have her tuition covered, but Trang will also receive a monthly stipend of 3,000 SGD for four years.
Academic Achievements
Trang’s parents, both educators, instilled a love for learning in her from a young age. She excelled in the entrance exam for the math major class at Hanoi-Amsterdam High School for the Gifted, the most prestigious general school in Hanoi.
Scoring the highest on the university entrance exam to the Computing and Information Science Faculty at Hanoi University of Natural Sciences in 2020, Trang always aspired to study abroad after finishing her bachelor’s degree.
While a high GPA was crucial, Trang also attributes her success to meticulous planning and organization, always creating daily to-do lists.
Path to Scholarship
Trang began planning for her PhD scholarship as a second-year university student, initially aiming for the EU’s Erasmus Mundus scholarship. However, after consulting with her professors, she redirected her focus to pursuing a doctorate in Singapore.
Engaging in a lab specializing in reinforcement learning as a sophomore at Hanoi University of Natural Sciences, Trang honed her research skills and had academic achievements, including winning prizes for her research projects.
During the application process for the PhD program, Trang was interviewed by the dean of NUS and the director of the scholarship program, focusing on her research experience and independent research abilities.
Overcoming Challenges
Despite her stellar achievements, Trang faced moments of pressure and self-doubt, culminating in tears when she received a challenging grade for Introduction to Computer Security. Nevertheless, she viewed these experiences as valuable lessons in resilience.
Trang actively participated in events promoting the involvement of female scientists in STEM fields, advocating for gender equality in research capabilities.
New Ventures
Embarking on a new chapter, Trang will depart for Singapore on August 4 to delve into the realm of digital technology in finance, a field that is uncharted territory for her.
