Le Duy Khanh, an 11th-grade specialized physics student from Lam Son High School for the Gifted in Thanh Hoa, achieved the top score of 34/40 in the national gifted student exam for physics. His achievement, announced by the Ministry of Education and Training on 19/1, placed him first among nearly 680 candidates. While confident after the exam, becoming the national valedictorian was unexpected for Khanh.

"I felt emotional and surprised," Khanh shared. "Perhaps I was luckier than other candidates."

This year's national physics exam comprised 10 problems covering various topics. Khanh found the exam not overly difficult due to his thorough preparation. He particularly enjoyed the electricity section, a field related to his father's profession. The question that most intrigued him involved the p-n junction, an applied concept in semiconductor technology that demands strong analytical ability.

Le Duy Khanh, national physics exam valedictorian for the 2025-2026 academic year. Photo: Le Hoang

With a mother who is a doctor and a father who is an electrical engineer, Khanh received academic motivation from a young age.

"Whenever I observe natural phenomena and content on social media, I become very interested and want to explore. My parents always encourage me to pursue my passion," Khanh explained. This encouragement has led to numerous high academic achievements. During junior high, Khanh secured second prize at the provincial level and was the runner-up for admission to the 10th-grade specialized physics class at Lam Son High School for the Gifted. Last year, he earned a gold medal and the highest score in the gifted student exam for specialized schools across the Northern Coastal and Red River Delta region.

Regarding his study approach, Khanh emphasizes intense focus during classroom lectures and diligent completion of all homework. After solving original problems, he challenges himself by developing harder variations and seeking different solution methods. Khanh also utilizes online resources and materials recommended by teachers and senior students.

To manage stress, he watches football or funny clips on social media. Additionally, he maintains a habit of going to bed before midnight, balancing study and rest to sustain high academic performance.

Nguyen Ba Tu, Khanh's homeroom teacher, noted that Khanh's achievement was not surprising, given his stable performance across multiple exams.

"Khanh possesses special qualities, including a very good memory. He is highly self-disciplined and can independently conceptualize new problems from the knowledge teachers provide, leading to a deeper understanding," teacher Tu remarked.

Teacher Nguyen Ba Tu, Khanh's homeroom teacher. Photo: Le Hoang

Khanh's immediate goal is to prepare for the national team selection round, aiming to compete in the International Physics Olympiad and the Asia-Pacific Physics Olympiad, both scheduled for march.

For his long-term career, he plans to pursue Artificial Intelligence or Semiconductor Technology, fields that align with current trends and his personal strengths.

Le Hoang