From Remote Village to Academic Success: The Journey of Hoang Duc Chung

Hoang Duc Chung, a young man from the Nung ethnic minority, achieved remarkable success by scoring 28.7 out of 30 on his university entrance exam five years ago, culminating in a GPA of 3.91 out of 4.

Growing up in VanLang commune, a poor area in Dong Hy district of Thai Nguyen province, Chung faced many challenges but recognized that education was his pathway out of poverty.

His family relied on tea farming, and Chung’s early education took place in a modest local school, where he stood out academically.

After primary school, his mother enrolled him in Dong Hy Ethnic Boarding Secondary School, which significantly enhanced his learning opportunities and marked a crucial change in his life.

During his seventh-grade informatics classes, Chung was introduced to computers, igniting his love for technology. This passion led him to excel in university entrance exams to Thai Nguyen University of Industrial Technology.

In his first year of university, Chung focused on strengthening his knowledge base and maintaining excellent grades, diligently attending classes and studying independently.

By his second year, Chung began teaching an online class of 10 peers, helping them master challenging subjects such as Calculus and Chemistry, which also aided his own understanding.

With a solid academic foundation, he found his specialized courses in the third year more manageable, allowing him to engage in skill development activities.

Chung actively participated in research and various competitions, earning accolades such as second place in the National Physics Olympiad and first place at his university’s Physics Olympiad.

In 2022-2023, Chung was recognized as one of the “Top 5 Students” nationally, received the Sao Thang Gieng Award in 2022, and was acknowledged as an Outstanding Ethnic Minority Youth in 2023, among other honors.

To balance his academic and extracurricular commitments, Chung adeptly organized his time, setting clear deadlines to accomplish his goals and enhancing his self-study techniques.

“I always remind myself why I pursue my goals. When fatigue sets in, reflecting on this helps me regain my motivation and determination,” he shared.

Chung sees each obstacle as an opportunity for growth, equipping him with critical problem-solving skills.

As graduation approached, Chung secured a job offer and joined a telecommunications group in Hanoi as a software development engineer. He aims to expand his expertise, improve his skills, and learn new languages to become a proficient programmer.