“My greatest aspiration is to contribute to Viet Nam’s development—particularly by nurturing the next generation of talented Vietnamese engineers and scholars,” said Dr Trương Trung Kiên.

As one of the distinguished scholars selected under the VNU350 Programme launched by Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNUHCM), Dr Trương Trung Kiên has chosen to continue his academic mission at VNUHCM–University of Science (HCMUS).

This marks a continued commitment to advancing science and educating the next generation of engineers. With a doctorate from Texas State University (USA), multiple patents, and extensive international experience in research and teaching, Dr Kiên brings a determined vision to cultivate a modern academic environment—where the interface between research and practical application takes precedence. With the dedication of scientists such as Dr Kiên, HCMUS is steadily advancing towards the strategic goal of becoming a regional centre for technology and innovation.

An Exemplary Early-Career Scientist

Dr Trương Trung Kiên earned a PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Texas State University. He formerly served as Head of Engineering at Fulbright University Viet Nam, where he led the development of the Humanist Engineering undergraduate programme—a pioneering model that integrates technical disciplines with humanistic thinking and innovation. This model introduced a novel direction for engineering education in Viet Nam.

Throughout his research career, Dr Kiên has been granted five U.S. patents related to foundational technologies underpinning 4G and 5G networks. His publications have appeared in high-ranking international journals and conferences, receiving several “Best Paper” awards. In 2015, the Ministry of Science and Technology recognised him as one of Viet Nam’s outstanding scientists under the age of 35.

For Dr Kiên, such accomplishments serve as a foundation for deeper contributions to national progress. He remarked, “Although many years have been spent studying and working in the United States, the commitment to advancing academic excellence in Viet Nam has remained constant. The foremost aspiration has always been to contribute to national development—especially through fostering emerging engineers and researchers.”

This enduring motivation led to Dr Kiên’s participation in the VNU350 Programme, which he regards as a timely and strategic initiative aligned with Viet Nam’s growing momentum in science and technology. Dr Kiên emphasised the programme’s comprehensive design—not merely through incentives for talent attraction, but through fostering an autonomous and dynamic academic ecosystem where scholars are empowered to deliver real impact. In his view, the VNU350 Programme functions as a catalyst for forming high-capacity research teams capable of addressing complex national challenges and maintaining global competitiveness. Such a foundation, he believes, positions VNUHCM to assert academic and technological leadership within the region.

Strategic Agenda in Teaching and Research

Currently serving as a lecturer in Semiconductor Technology and Microelectronics at HCMUS, Dr Kiên approaches this new role with a clear and purposeful agenda across both teaching and research.

In education, Dr Kiên advocates for contemporary pedagogical approaches: experiential learning, project-based curricula, integration with industry practice, and the development of design and systems thinking. “Courses are intended not merely to convey knowledge, but to foster a mindset of innovation—opening pathways for collaboration, international student exchange, and preparing Vietnamese students to thrive in a globalised environment.”

In research, the focus lies in establishing a high-impact research group anchored in two core domains: high-performance solutions for 6G networks based on Open Radio Access Network (ORAN) standards, and artificial intelligence-integrated IoT systems deployed at the edge. The overarching goal is to close the gap between academic research and industrial application—ensuring that scientific achievements are rapidly translated into societal benefit.

Dr Kiên’s long-term vision aligns with national strategic priorities. He has expressed a strong commitment to contributing to the implementation of the “Viet Nam Semiconductor Industry Development Strategy to 2030, Vision to 2050”, and to supporting VNUHCM in realising its ambition to become a premier regional technology centre. The five-year roadmap includes key thematic areas: developing 6G and ORAN technologies, optimising energy efficiency in IoT systems, building a semiconductor ecosystem through university–industry–international linkages, and training a new generation of highly skilled professionals.

Recruitment of Outstanding Young Scientists and Leading Experts

On 27 February 2025, VNUHCM issued Notice No. 390/TB-ĐHQG announcing the first round of recruitment for the VNU350 Programme, seeking outstanding early-career scientists and leading academic figures.

Applicants must hold a doctorate, demonstrate independent capacity in both teaching and research, and show a clear commitment to the advancement of VNUHCM and Viet Nam’s higher education.

Candidate Type	Eligibility Criteria
Outstanding Young Scientists	Must fulfil at least one of the following: Publications in reputable journals or conference proceedings Patents or registered inventions Scientific or technological products transferred to real-world use Novel, high-potential research direction aligned with VNUHCM’s strategic development
Leading Academic Figures	Must fulfil all of the following: Prior leadership of a research group or laboratory Principal investigator roles in funded scientific or technological projects Publications in reputable journals or ownership of exclusive patents Experience in teaching and supervising doctoral students Established national or international research collaborations

Translated by PMN