Embracing challenges

The Vietnamese female doctor shared that more than 15 years ago, she decided to pursue a career in biomedical materials research right after graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from the Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT).

In 2022, Phuong is one of the 10 winners of Vietnam's Golden Globe Science and Technology Award (Photo courtesy by Le Thi Phuong).

“At that time, I was working at the Institute of Applied Materials Science for 2 years and was in the first semester of Graduate School at the Ho Chi Minh City Polytechnic University. I dreamed of studying abroad.

However, I hesitated because many people advised me not to drop out of school and my English was not good. But because I was so determined, I went to study a joint Master's and PhD degree in South Korea," said Phuong.

Studying at Ajou University (Suwon city), one of South Korea's leading universities, Phuong gradually learned to adjust to the unfamiliar and demanding environment.

"I didn't pay attention to learning foreign languages ​​when in Vietnam, I just studied to pass that subject in school. When I started living in South Korea, I tried to talk to my Korean professor and we couldn't understand each other.

With colleagues in the lab, I had to use a lot of body language to express myself. At that time, I realized I must improve my English communication skills," said the young scientist.

When communication was no longer a big issue, Phuong decided to make the most of her time abroad by engaging in many activities with the Vietnamese community at Ajou University as well as in Suwon city.

Studying at Ajou University (Suwon city), one of Korea's leading universities, Phuong gradually learned to adjust to the unfamiliar and demanding environment (Photo courtesy by Le Thi Phuong).

Besides the long hours studying in the lab, Phuong enjoyed her free time with outdoor activities. She even became a trusted "big sister" by the school's Vietnamese youth association.

“I joined the activities organized by the Vietnamese Youth Association whenever I could. When a student delegation from Suwon city needed to travel by bus or subway to Seoul city to participate in exchange tournaments or to attend cultural festivals, I was trusted to guide the new students. When others participated in performances and competitions, I also helped them prepare and practice," Phuong said.

Vietnamese students, including Phuong (far left) at the culinary cultural exchange festival between countries at Ajou University (South Korea) (Photo courtesy by Le Thi Phuong).

A teacher's simple joy

The young doctor is starting a brand new chapter after returning to Vietnam in early 2022.

Despite the wonderful memories of her time in South Korea and the attractive work opportunities abroad, Phuong decided to return to Vietnam to finally "be independent".

“In Vietnam, there are also many advantages for conducting research such as ministerial-level programs, research funds or large corporations sponsoring science and technology development. If I were to do my research abroad, the conditions may be better and I can expect higher pay. But I won't be able to do my own research ."

In 2021, Phuong received the award for female scientists with outstanding research projects awarded by the Korean Biological Materials Association (Photo: fye.org.vn).

In her new lecturer role, Phuong enjoys the simple joy brought to her every day by the energetic students.

“I will not be able to have this experience if I continue to live aboard. I love teaching, inspiring, and sharing life lessons with my students. That is also one of the main reasons to return to Vietnam," Phuong shared.

She believes aspiring scientists need a strong will to confront difficulties and embrace the challenges. Although young, Phuong is an expert in her field. Students love listening to her realistic advice and valuable insights.

Phuong recently participated in the Seventh National Congress of Advanced Youngsters following Uncle's Teachings as an honorable delegate (Photo courtesy by Le Thi Phuong).

"Challenges are unavoidable no matter where you are. If you stay in Vietnam, you have to pay many expenses such as buying chemicals, setting up a council...to do your research. On the other hand, there are scholarships, salaries, and grants when scientists study abroad, but they must face a competitive environment with a lot of pressure," said Phuong.

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