Phan Cong Duy Khiem: A Doctoral Journey that Began at the Taiwan Study Fair 2025
Phan Cong Duy Khiem, an alumnus of the Computer Engineering program at the University of Information Technology (UIT) – Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM), has officially become a Ph.D. candidate at National Tsing Hua University (NTHU), Taiwan.
Driven by a passion for exploration and problem-solving—particularly in the field of semiconductor design—Khiem has continuously sought opportunities to grow academically and personally. Reflecting on his journey at UIT, Khiem shared:
“During my thesis, I was interning and conducting research in SoC design—a field that few students choose. It was quite challenging at first, but thanks to the dedicated guidance of Dr. Nguyen Minh Son and other faculty members, I managed to overcome the difficulties and complete my thesis.”
For Khiem, the research outcome was not the ultimate goal; it was the process that truly shaped his mindset. Throughout his years at UIT, he held close a message from his mentor:
“University teaches you how to learn. How you apply that knowledge is up to you.”
A Life-Changing Encounter at the Taiwan Study Fair 2025
Khiem’s journey to NTHU began at the Taiwan Semiconductor Job and Study Fair 2025, an event jointly organized by UIT (VNU-HCM) and Taiwan’s Institute for Information Industry (III) on May 8, 2025.
“At the fair, I had the chance to meet professors from leading Taiwanese universities, learn about research directions, and explore study opportunities,” Khiem recalled.
“After my interview and with encouragement from Dr. Son, I decided to apply to National Tsing Hua University. The learning environment and research orientation here align perfectly with my goals.”
Khiem is now pursuing the Master’s in International Semiconductor and IC Design, a specialized program designed to develop engineers with both solid academic foundations and practical industry skills—preparing them for the fast-evolving global semiconductor industry.
Four Months of Preparation and Perseverance
Earning the Taiwan Government Scholarship was not easy. Khiem spent nearly four months preparing—from securing recommendation letters and attending interviews to completing medical checks, visa applications, and other administrative procedures. Balancing work and paperwork was his biggest challenge.
“Time was my biggest enemy,” Khiem said with a smile. “But the discipline, self-learning, and project management skills I gained at UIT helped me stay focused and get through the pressure.”
When asked about his “secret” to success, he shared:
“The most important thing is to define your goal clearly and plan in detail. A clear roadmap keeps you on track. Don’t hesitate to seek support from your professors, friends, or academic communities—because in research, no one walks alone.”
He added:
“Grades matter, but perseverance and determination matter more. Start early—set your goals, gather information, build your roadmap, and stick with it. When the opportunity comes, that preparation will make you ready.”
Carrying the UIT Spirit to the World
To Khiem, UIT was not only a place to gain technical knowledge but also a training ground that built his “mental resilience.” The rigorous coursework, projects, and academic pressure taught him patience and persistence—qualities that have become invaluable as he steps into the international research arena.
At National Tsing Hua University, Khiem hopes to engage in research on semiconductor and computer system design while challenging himself in a world-class academic environment.
“I want to take part in semiconductor and computer-related research projects and push myself to grow in a highly competitive international environment. After graduation, I aim to pursue a career in research and development in the semiconductor industry—a field that demands both expertise and innovation.”
