Graduating with distinction in Mathematics and an outstanding cumulative GPA of 9.57/10, Đào Trọng Toàn concludes four years at VNUHCM–University of Science (HCMUS) with an impressive academic record. Yet, when asked how he would introduce himself without referring to grades or awards, Toàn does not begin with numbers. Instead, he describes a journey shaped by a lifelong fascination with the question “why”—a curiosity that has taken him from a love of Mathematics at secondary school to the doctoral research journey he is about to begin.

Pursuing answers to the question “why”

“I would describe myself as someone who has always been fascinated by the question ‘why’. From simple mathematical problems at school to abstract concepts such as hyperbolic spaces and geometric groups, what truly interests me is not finding the answer, but understanding why something is true.” For Toàn, four years at university marked a transition from studying to solve problems to studying in pursuit of knowledge. Every lecturer, every friend, every opportunity to undertake research and every academic paper he encountered contributed to a growing realisation that Mathematics is not simply an academic discipline, but also a way of thinking about and understanding the world.

That passion first emerged during secondary school, when Toàn joined the Mathematics team for gifted students and had the opportunity to learn from experienced teachers and specialists. More than problem-solving techniques, what stayed with him was the way those teachers revealed the broader intellectual landscape behind competition mathematics. From that point onwards, Toàn came to see Mathematics as an academic discipline rather than simply another school subject. When the time came to choose a degree programme, he enrolled in Mathematics at HCMUS, believing the University would provide an ideal environment in which to pursue his academic aspirations.

While many perceive Mathematics as an abstract discipline characterised by formulae and complex proofs, Toàn sees a distinctive beauty within the subject. For him, that beauty lies in logical reasoning and the elegant connections between concepts and ideas that may at first appear entirely unrelated. “Some theorems require only a few lines of proof, yet they connect many different ideas together. The result is a remarkable sense that every piece fits perfectly together.”

That sense of intellectual satisfaction has meant that Toàn has never regarded learning Mathematics as an exercise in memorisation. Rather than committing formulae to memory, he has always sought to understand each concept in depth and explore the relationships between ideas, gradually building an interconnected understanding of the subject. According to Toàn, a sound grasp of fundamental principles makes unfamiliar problems far easier to approach than relying on isolated pieces of knowledge. Such an approach has also helped him develop the habit of asking questions, examining arguments critically and exploring multiple ways of tackling the same problem.

Among his most memorable undergraduate experiences, an exchange semester at the National University of Singapore (NUS) through the DiscoverNUS scholarship programme stands out as a significant milestone. Toàn admits that the first few weeks were far from easy as he adjusted to studying in English and adapted to an academically demanding environment.

“NUS is one of Asia’s leading universities, so I expected the workload to be demanding. Even so, I was still surprised by how capable and hardworking the students were.” What impressed him most was not only the academic ability of fellow students, but also the extensive learning resources and the dedicated support provided by professors and teaching assistants, which encouraged independent learning. To keep pace with the curriculum, Toàn devoted more time to self-study, actively discussed coursework with classmates and gradually adapted to his new surroundings. Those efforts enabled him to complete the semester with a perfect GPA of 5.0/5.0.

Continuing a research journey while sharing a passion for Mathematics

Alongside his formal studies, Toàn became involved in research from the early years of his undergraduate programme. Under the supervision of Professor Mai Hoàng Biên, he conducted research in algebra and participated in the Viet Nam Polymath REU project, focusing on hyperbolic geometry. His research was presented at the DAHITO Conference, the VIASM Polymath Workshop and the HCMUS Scientific Conference. During his first year, he also won First Prize in Algebra and Second Prize in Analysis at the National Mathematics Olympiad for University and Secondary School Students.

As he gained experience, Toàn became involved in organising and teaching programmes for school students with a passion for Mathematics, including Gặp gỡ Toán học, IGO and Trải nghiệm VMO. According to Toàn, these activities not only strengthened his presentation and organisational skills, but also reinforced an important realisation: “Sharing knowledge is also a way of learning more effectively.”

Throughout his undergraduate journey, Toàn speaks with particular gratitude about Professor Mai Hoàng Biên, who supported him from his first year through to graduation. Beyond providing academic guidance, Professor Mai Hoàng Biên also helped him develop the habit of asking meaningful questions and cultivate the mindset and working practices of a researcher. Opportunities to learn from lecturers and researchers through seminars and collaborative research activities in Viet Nam and overseas further broadened his understanding of contemporary Mathematics and the long-term academic career he hopes to pursue.

Upon graduating, Toàn says that academic achievements were not the first thing that came to mind. Instead, he felt profound gratitude towards his family, friends and lecturers who had supported him throughout his university years.

“I feel deeply grateful and would like to express my sincere thanks to my family, my friends and the lecturers who believed in me and devoted so much time to supporting me.” He also expressed his appreciation to HCMUS and Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City for providing a vibrant academic environment that offered numerous opportunities to learn, grow and challenge himself.

Reflecting on four years at university, Toàn believes that the most valuable lesson has little to do with grades. “For me, the most valuable thing I have gained is the ability to learn independently and the perseverance to tackle difficult problems.”

University life, he says, taught him that no one can teach another person everything. Meaningful progress depends on reading independently, seeking out resources, asking questions and accepting that some problems require considerable time before genuine understanding emerges. He believes that capacity for independent learning will remain invaluable throughout his doctoral studies and in whatever path he chooses in the future.

In August 2026, Đào Trọng Toàn will continue his academic journey by commencing doctoral studies at the National University of Singapore (NUS) under a fully funded doctoral scholarship. He plans to pursue advanced research in group theory, geometry and dynamical systems—fields he first encountered during his undergraduate studies and now hopes to explore in greater depth through his doctoral research.

Offering advice to prospective students preparing to study Mathematics, Toàn chooses not to emphasise awards or natural ability. Instead, he highlights perseverance and a genuine enthusiasm for learning. “Don’t be discouraged if you don’t understand a concept or a problem straight away. Almost everyone who studies Mathematics has experienced that feeling. Mathematics does not require you to be the smartest person in the room. Rather, success depends upon perseverance, curiosity and a willingness to keep learning. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, find friends who share your interests, and make full use of every opportunity to learn from your lecturers.”

CTV