Le Thi Ngoc Diem, 22 years old, is the valedictorian of the Computer Networks and Data Communications program at the University of Information Technology, with a grade point average of 3.5/4 and an IELTS score of 7.5.

Diem is set to pursue a master's and doctoral program at Korea University, a prestigious institution part of the 'SKY' group. 'SKY' is an acronym for Seoul National University, Korea University, and Yonsei University, which are the three leading universities in South Korea, highly sought after by multinational corporations for their graduates.

Ngoc Diem. Photo: Provided by subject

Few would expect Diem to have started as a literature major at the High School for the Gifted, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City. Even during high school, she recognized the need to supplement her social science strengths with subjects that foster logical thinking for comprehensive development. She believed that combining logical thinking with flexible expression would greatly benefit her future career.

In her 11th grade year, Diem explored Information Technology and found it to be a suitable field for connecting and solving real-world problems, offering attractive income.

This decision to "switch paths" surprised many. Diem was warned about challenging subjects such as Calculus, Probability and Statistics, and Computer Science. She only truly understood this when she entered the Computer Networks and Data Communications program.

Literature allows for freedom and imagination, while programming demands precise, absolute logic. Initially, Diem struggled with vague thinking, lacking meticulousness and caution.

"In the introductory programming course, I often encountered syntax errors with periods and commas, causing my code to 'freeze'", Diem recounted. "Some nights, I would study and cry because I couldn't solve any problem. But the harder it got, the less I wanted to give up".

Overcoming her initial frustration, Diem dedicated one week solely to practicing the most basic syntax exercises. She developed a habit of carefully checking each line of code and slowly reading compiler error messages. Diem repeated the same type of exercise until she no longer made mistakes.

Through this, Diem solidified her fundamental knowledge, not chasing high-scoring classification problems. Each time she made an error, Diem paused to analyze whether the cause was a calculation mistake, an incorrect formula, or a misunderstanding of the core concept, then corrected it. This process helped Diem develop correct reflexes, eliminating carelessness and ambiguity.

"What I cherish most is the feeling of completely mastering the knowledge, knowing that my foundation is solid", Diem shared. "This meticulousness and persistence are the keys to lasting success".

However, this approach only yielded average scores. Diem admitted she wasn't strong in logical thinking, which made her hesitant to voice ideas in group projects and feel constrained when programming.

In her final year, encouraged by her lecturers, Diem actively presented her ideas and spent more time researching solutions. Consequently, lectures became easier to understand, her scores improved, setting the stage for her graduation thesis on applying advanced AI in medical imaging and clinical diagnosis.

To pursue this direction, Diem searched for overseas universities with strong research labs and was recommended Korea University. The university ranks 61st in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and holds a strong reputation in engineering.

During her scholarship interview with the professor, Diem almost thought her application would be rejected because her four-year transcript showed no courses explicitly named AI. She explained that AI was not a direct training area of her faculty, but she had received guidance from her lecturers. She also presented her graduation thesis on AI applications in medicine – the main focus of the professor's lab. Diem also committed to fully dedicating five years to the master's-doctoral program.

At the end of the interview, Diem was surprised when the professor repeatedly nodded and said "good enough" and "come join us".

"I thought I would have to wait for an email notification of the results, but it turned out the professor signaled his approval right during the interview. This result was beyond my imagination", Diem recalled.

Two weeks before defending her graduation thesis, Diem received the scholarship letter from Korea University, covering full tuition of approximately 2,2 billion VND and a monthly stipend of around 1,000 USD.

Ngoc Diem receiving her diploma at the University of Information Technology, on 28/11. Photo: Provided by subject

Lecturer Tran Manh Hung from the Faculty of Computer Networks and Communications, recalled his impression of Diem when she applied to the research group, clearly stating her goal of studying abroad in South Korea despite having no prior experience in scientific research.

"Diem has high determination, persistence, good foreign language skills, and enjoys critical thinking", Lecturer Hung commented.

Reflecting on her journey, Diem said that even in her most challenging moments, she never regretted her choice.

"I wasn't looking for an easy path, but for self-improvement. The path I chose forced me to train and develop missing skills. But that will benefit my future", the valedictorian shared.

Le Nguyen