Nguyen Gia Ngan, a former physics-specialized student from Pho thong Nang khieu High School, has achieved the highest entrance score for the artificial intelligence program. This international engineering bachelor's program is a collaboration between Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and the University of Technology Sydney, Australia. Ngan achieved a near-perfect admission score of 99,28/100, complemented by an IELTS score of 8.0 and an SAT score of 1560/1600.

The student stated that this top entrant title provides her with additional motivation and confidence, especially after a sudden change in her academic direction just five months ago.

Nguyen Gia Ngan. Photo: Provided by subject

Ngan had harbored ambitions of studying abroad since grade 10. Throughout her three years of high school, in addition to her specialized physics studies, she actively engaged in scientific research and participated in the school's media, economics, and arts clubs.

By the end of grade 11, Ngan intensified her preparation, achieving an IELTS score of 8.0. Subsequently, she pursued the SAT exam, retaking it after not meeting her initial goal and ultimately scoring 1560/1600.

Alongside her academic pursuits, Ngan and a group of friends independently established and managed a charity project. They crafted handmade hair clips and solar-powered nightlights to sell, raising funds. Consistently gathering 5-7 million dong per fundraising drive, the group sustained activities such as distributing Mid-Autumn Festival gifts and essential supplies to disadvantaged children in various shelters.

With a balanced profile of academic excellence and extracurricular engagement, Ngan received admission offers and scholarships from several universities in Singapore and Australia in early May. However, due to various reasons, she ultimately had to decline these opportunities to study abroad.

"I cried a lot then, filled with regret. Studying abroad had been my goal for the past three years," Ngan shared.

It took Ngan over a week to regain her spirits and accept deferring her dream of overseas study, opting instead for a domestic academic path. After the national high school graduation exam, she was initially undecided between pursuing artificial intelligence at a business school or an engineering institution. Following advice from a senior student, she chose the joint program between Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and the University of Technology Sydney. This decision was driven by the program's focus on in-depth technical training, project-based learning opportunities, and exposure to international lecturers.

Coincidentally, a year ago, Ngan and her team participated in an AI competition organized by Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology. Their project involved an artificial intelligence application for translation. The team designed an AI tool capable of listening to a teacher's lecture, synthesizing available documents and textbooks, and then summarizing and translating the content into another language.

Despite limited programming experience, this project captivated Ngan, making her realize AI's potential to solve many real-world problems.

"It felt like fate brought me to Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology. I see this as a new opportunity, another door opening for me," Ngan expressed.

Teacher Dao Son Tra, a mathematics teacher at Pho thong Nang khieu High School, praised Ngan's strong focus and excellent self-study habits. He noted her proactive approach in seeking guidance on study materials and academic pathways to achieve her goals.

"I believe someone as inquisitive and eager for challenges as Ngan will find ample room for growth in the artificial intelligence field," Teacher Tra commented.

Over the next four years, Ngan plans to concentrate on her studies, participate in numerous AI projects and competitions, and seek early employment to gain experience. Her ultimate goal remains to pursue higher education abroad.