During the 2026 admissions cycle at VNUHCM–University of Science (HCMUS), incoming student Trần Đại Thành Danh stood out for a remarkable record in international mathematics competitions: a Silver Medal at the 2026 International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO), a Gold Medal at the 2026 Asian Pacific Mathematics Olympiad (APMO), and First Prize in Viet Nam’s National Excellent Student Competition in Mathematics for two consecutive years. Admitted directly to the University, Thành Danh is continuing to pursue a passion for mathematics through the Talented Bachelor Programme in Mathematics.

From mathematics books to the Olympiad stage

Trần Đại Thành Danh developed a love of mathematics from an early age. As a child, he was particularly fascinated by numbers and logic puzzles. Whenever he visited a bookshop, mathematics books invariably caught his attention. Before going to sleep, he would often take a mathematics book and a small lamp to bed to read.

His connection with Olympiad competitions began in Year 6, when a teacher showed him an Olympiad paper. Although he did not yet have enough knowledge to solve the problems, the intriguing questions sparked a particular curiosity. ‘From that point on, the word “Olympiad” stayed firmly in my mind and inspired me to dream that one day I would sit in an international examination room and compete alongside students from around the world,’ Danh said.

For Danh, the appeal of mathematics lies in the breadth of the subject and the almost limitless ways of thinking. Each approach offers something different to explore. Solving one problem does not mark the end of a journey; instead, each solution motivates him to take on increasingly difficult challenges. That curiosity and determination have led Danh to continue pursuing mathematics to this day.

At the beginning of the 2025–2026 academic year, Thành Danh identified the APMO and IMO as his two final major goals at upper-secondary level. To earn the opportunity to compete in both, he first took part in the selection examination for the team at VNUHCM High School for the Gifted and then Viet Nam’s National Excellent Student Competition. Danh set himself the goal of achieving the highest award in the national competition and won First Prize, giving him the opportunity to participate in the APMO. For the IMO, he went on to pass the national selection examination for regional and international Olympiads, securing one of six places on the Vietnamese team and ranking third among the six selected members.

Before competing in the APMO and IMO, Danh undertook intensive training at school and later studied at the Viet Nam Institute for Advanced Study in Mathematics. A typical day there began at 8am and ended at 5pm, with a different teacher leading each session. After classes, Danh would usually exercise on the institute campus before studying independently in the evening. The demanding programme involved numerous challenging problems, and on some days he stayed awake until 4am working towards solutions. Even so, Danh remembers this as a joyful and rewarding period, supported by the dedicated teaching, guidance, and care of his teachers.

Two competitions, two experiences, and the journey ahead

The APMO and IMO offered Danh two very different experiences. At the APMO, contestants tackle five problems in four hours. Danh believed that an effective strategy was essential: solving the two easier problems quickly would leave more time for the later questions. However, he was unable to complete the entire paper, solving four of the five problems.

The IMO, by contrast, takes place over two days, with contestants tackling three problems each day in four and a half hours. Danh found the IMO more challenging, particularly because he was competing in a room alongside contestants from many different countries, which brought greater competitive pressure. Looking back, he acknowledged that he had not allocated his time as effectively as he could have.

Danh learnt his APMO result in early June. Winning a Gold Medal brought great joy, while the school, his teachers, and his family called and sent messages to congratulate him and express their pride. Although he was disappointed not to achieve the highest award at the IMO, Danh soon regained his focus, viewing the competition as the close of one milestone and turning his attention to the academic journey ahead.

For Danh, the IMO Silver Medal carries particular significance because the competition had long been his dream and greatest goal. ‘This achievement is the result of many years of hard work and training, the time I spent with the team under the guidance and teaching of my teachers, and my own continuous effort. Despite the challenges and pressure, I regard those days as profoundly meaningful and among the most memorable and rewarding periods of my life,’ Danh said.

Trần Đại Thành Danh’s Gold Medal from the 2026 APMO and Silver Medal from the 2026 IMO. Photo: Năng Khiếu Library

Reflecting on his journey, Danh believes that passion and a love of mathematics come first. Despite long periods of intensive study and considerable pressure, he did not feel discouraged. Persistence and perseverance were equally important. Some problems required a great deal of time to solve, and perseverance helped him continue searching for new approaches rather than giving up.

As he begins university, Danh has chosen the Talented Bachelor Programme in Mathematics to continue pursuing his ambitions and passion while studying in an academic and research-focused environment. He hopes to become involved in scientific research at an early stage, participate in seminars in areas that interest him, broaden his academic network, and learn from scientists whom he admires.

Over the coming years, Danh plans to continue participating in Olympiad competitions, devote himself to study and training, and explore advanced specialist materials and research papers. At the same time, he intends to pursue research in theoretical mathematics. ‘The path ahead may be difficult and demanding, but I will not be deterred. I will overcome those challenges with all the passion for mathematics that drives me,’ Danh said.

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