Nguyễn Văn Linh, a third-year student majoring in Computer Engineering at the University of Information Technology (UIT), Vietnam National University-Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM), has recently claimed the top position in the National Round of the 2025 International Microelectronics Olympiad (AMO 2025). This remarkable achievement is not only a personal victory but also the culmination of Linh’s unwavering passion for microelectronics and his continuous journey of learning and perseverance.

The Journey to the Top of AMO 2025 - The Result of Persistent Passion

When asked about the motivation behind his decision to participate in the competition, Linh shared that his deep passion for microelectronics and the desire to challenge himself in a large academic arena, where talented students from various universities gather, motivated him to register. “I simply wanted to meet talented students from other universities, learn from them, and engage in more meaningful academic encounters. I love microcircuits and want to go far with it.” When Linh received the news of winning first place in the National Round of AMO 2025, he was filled with surprise and emotion, knowing that this victory was the result of months of hard work and dedication.

For Linh, this was not just a personal triumph; it was also a confirmation of a goal he had set since his first year – to choose microcircuits as his sole path and pursue it to the fullest.

Overcoming Challenges on the Path to Victory

However, no victory comes without its challenges. Linh’s journey to winning the prestigious AMO 2025 was no exception. Few know that Linh’s first attempt at the International Microelectronics Olympiad ended in failure during his first year. “That year, I didn’t have enough knowledge, and I didn’t win a prize. But that experience made me want to return, study harder, and not just aim to compete but to excel.” Linh didn’t stop at his words; he proved his determination by coming back in his second year and winning second place. But he didn’t stop there – in his third year, after preparing carefully and with great determination, he participated again and reached the highest honor at AMO 2025.

When reflecting on his experience during the competition, Linh noted that the greatest challenge came from the pressure of time and the complexity of the exam questions. To maintain his pace and avoid stress, Linh chose to adjust his mindset proactively. “There were parts where I had to think carefully about my approach. To balance this, I always kept my spirit relaxed, took appropriate breaks, and stayed positive before each exam.” Linh also had a well-organized study plan leading up to the competition. “I planned my study sessions each week, focusing on areas I was unsure about, and regularly practiced mock exams to simulate the pressure of the real test.”

Passion Leads the Way with Determination

Linh’s passion for microcircuit design has always been his guiding principle in all academic decisions and career development. Rather than chasing after multiple achievements or participating in many competitions, Linh chose to specialize, dedicating all his time to deepening his knowledge and refining his practical skills in this field. “I chose to focus entirely on microcircuits through personal projects, coursework, and, especially, work at a company – where I have the opportunity to gain real-world experience and enhance my professional skills.”

With confidence, initiative, and a strong desire to showcase his abilities, Linh sought work opportunities at various companies and is currently a Design Verification Engineer at Truechip Vietnam Co., Ltd. Despite his busy academic schedule and heavy technical workload, Linh maintains a balanced approach, organizing his time effectively. “Balancing study and work is a challenge, but I usually plan my weekly schedule, prioritize important tasks, and use my free time between classes to handle work. This helps me maintain effectiveness on both sides.”

UIT – The Foundation of Passion and Guidance

In Nguyễn Văn Linh’s journey toward microelectronics, UIT is the place where his passion was first nurtured, providing clear and long-term guidance. As Linh, a Computer Engineering student, describes it, UIT “is where passionate teachers, like-minded friends, and valuable opportunities to develop expertise come together.”

Moreover, the open learning environment, along with close support from lecturers and the active participation of academic clubs such as the Microcircuit Design Club, has helped not only Linh but also many other UIT students hone their skills, gain hands-on experience with real-world technology, and prepare for large-scale academic competitions.

Taking Steady Steps Toward Success

Looking ahead, Linh shares that he will continue to focus on building his expertise in the long term, further developing his skills to take on higher roles in the industry. In the future, Linh also plans to pursue a master’s degree in microelectronics abroad, to expand his knowledge, access advanced technology, and lay a solid foundation for his career path.

The start of any journey is always the hardest, but it is also an important stepping stone. For Nguyễn Văn Linh, competing in academic competitions is not just a place to showcase his abilities but a space to explore himself, push boundaries, and gain experiences that books cannot offer. “I think everyone is afraid when they begin, but the important thing is to dare to try. You don’t have to be great at the start, just take one small step every day.”