From "bottom of the class" in their first year to pro AI developer: The incredible twist for Gen Z at Dai Nam University!

The hours spent diligently studying at the library became a turning point, helping Vu Minh Quoc gradually affirm his abilities and pursue his passion for scientific research.

From being at the bottom of the class in my freshman year to a turning point in my scientific research career.

Despite being only 22 years old, Vu Minh Quoc (born in 2004), a former student of the K16 Information Technology program at Dai Nam University, has an impressive record: publishing one international scientific paper, one domestic scientific paper, winning first prize in the 2026 university-level student scientific research competition, and currently working as a programmer developing artificial intelligence (AI) systems at a Vietnamese technology company.

Few people know that behind those achievements lies a period of immense pressure, when Quoc was among the students with low academic results in his first year of university. In his first semester, he had to retake 3 out of 5 courses. The results were not as expected, leaving Quoc confused and even doubting his own abilities.

"I wondered, with the same curriculum, the same teachers, and the same learning conditions, why could my classmates succeed while I couldn't? That question made me realize the problem lay within myself and forced me to change," Quoc recalled.

During his time studying at Dai Nam University, Vu Minh Quoc published one scientific paper domestically, one internationally, and participated in numerous applied research activities on artificial intelligence.

Without looking for excuses, Quoc began rebuilding his study methods from the most basic principles. For nearly three months, the library became his "second classroom." Every day, he arrived around 7 a.m. and only left after dark to study on his own, find materials, supplement his knowledge, and cultivate discipline.

"Three months at the library were the most challenging but also the most valuable time. I learned how to find materials independently, solve problems on my own, and persevere towards my goals. Without that period, I probably wouldn't have had the foundation to pursue scientific research," Quoc shared.

As his knowledge gradually solidified, Quoc began to approach specialized courses in artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT). Each assignment and project was no longer simply a requirement of the course but became an opportunity to solve practical problems.

The young man, a student majoring in Information Technology, believes that self-learning ability, research thinking, and a never-give-up spirit are crucial assets that have helped him grow from the classroom to the business environment.

It was through these projects in the classroom that Quoc gradually embarked on the path of scientific research. His initial ideas were refined into research topics and scientific papers, igniting his desire to create valuable technological solutions for life.

According to Dr. Le Trung Hieu, Deputy Head of the Faculty of Information Technology, what impressed him most about Quoc was his willingness to choose challenging problems.

"When studying the AI and IoT Systems module, instead of choosing a familiar topic, Quoc proactively built a system using four cameras simultaneously to recognize running activity for the Physical Education class. This problem required synchronized data processing, multi-perspective analysis, and the construction of a highly accurate AI model. He persistently experimented, fixed errors, and optimized the system until he achieved results. It was this spirit of daring to tackle difficult tasks that created Quoc's unique mark," shared MSc. Le Trung Hieu.

A learning environment that fosters individuality and supports students throughout their journey.

From a setback in his first year to winning the First Prize in the 2026 University-level Student Scientific Research Competition, Vu Minh Quoc's journey is a testament to the spirit of continuous learning and persistently overcoming one's own limitations.

Not content with just specialized projects, Quoc continued to be guided by lecturers to participate in academic competitions, AI research groups within the department, and gradually approached research in a more systematic way.

Starting with a technology product, Quoc was guided on how to develop it into a research topic, present it at a scientific conference, complete a paper, and publish the results. This series of experiences helped him develop research thinking, problem-solving skills, and the ability to apply knowledge to practice.

According to MSc. Le Trung Hieu, the training philosophy of the Faculty of Information Technology is to bring students closer to businesses and real-world problems right from their time in the classroom. Lecturers not only impart knowledge but also accompany students from problem analysis, system design, product completion to application deployment.

"What's most valuable about Quoc is not just his research achievements, but also his progressive spirit. He's always ready to accept feedback, embrace what he doesn't know in order to learn, and isn't afraid to redo things when necessary. This attitude has helped him mature very quickly and become capable of participating in high-difficulty AI projects," commented MSc. Le Trung Hieu.

The Faculty of Information Technology at Dai Nam University focuses on training linked to scientific research, practical projects, and the needs of businesses in the technology sector.

According to Professor Hieu, Quoc's story shows that students don't need to be outstanding from the very beginning. What's important is learning in an environment that fosters potential, with supportive lecturers, and being given the opportunity to try their hand at practical projects.

"By participating in research, academic competitions, and working in research groups, students not only develop their expertise but also cultivate creative thinking, teamwork skills, and professional competence. This is also the training direction that the Faculty of Information Technology always pursues," Professor Hieu affirmed.

Students in the Faculty of Information Technology have the opportunity to participate in labs, research new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and develop software from their time in school.

Looking back on his journey, Vu Minh Quoc always remembers the saying: "You will not fail until you choose to give up."

For Quoc, a less-than-ideal result doesn't determine anyone's future. What's important is daring to face one's limitations, persevering in daily change, and constantly moving forward.

Vu Minh Quoc's journey is not only a story of overcoming failure to achieve success, but also a testament to the value of an educational environment that supports and unlocks unique abilities, enabling each student to confidently express their individuality and forge their own path.