Sẩm Pí Diệu serves as a delegate at the 11th National Patriotic Emulation Congress.

Aged nineteen, Sẩm Pí Diệu, a first-year undergraduate reading Computer Science (Advanced Programme) at the Faculty of Information Technology, VNUHCM-University of Science, possesses a formidable portfolio comprising academic excellence, scientific research, and social engagement. Characterised by academic resilience and a commitment to service, Diệu stands as a representative figure honoured as a “Patriotic Emulation Role Model of Ho Chi Minh City for the 2020-2025 Period”.

A Passion for Scientific Enquiry and Academic Milestones at Twenty

A native of Ho Chi Minh City, Sẩm Pí Diệu displayed an early affinity for technology and computer science. Time spent at the High School for the Gifted, VNUHCM, provided access to a research environment and intellectual forums, thereby fostering a scientific mindset. From such experiences, Diệu established the objective of attending VNUHCM-University of Science.

In addition to sustaining elevated academic standards, Diệu engaged in scientific research from an early stage. To date, this undergraduate has contributed two papers to international conference proceedings and two to domestic workshop proceedings; notably, Diệu served as the primary author of one scientific paper indexed within Scopus Q4. These research endeavours concentrate on fields such as Artificial Intelligence, real-time multimedia systems, and the intersection of information technology and biomedicine.

Throughout the course of study and training, Sẩm Pí Diệu has garnered recognition through a series of outstanding achievements in numerous academic, creative, and skills-based competitions. Notable accolades include: Second Prize in the National Science and Engineering Fair for high school students (2023-2024); First Prize in the Ho Chi Minh City AI Challenge 2024 (alongside Second Prizes in 2023 and 2025); Third Prize in the Southern Region Round of the 31st National Youth Informatics Contest 2025; a Bronze Medal at the Central Highlands and Central Coast Informatics Olympiad 2023; a Bronze Medal in the Design – Manufacture – Application Award 2025; Third Prize in the “Students with Aspirations for the Fatherland” publicity product design contest; and various awards at the Youth Informatics Contest, Hours of Code, the “Friend of Science” platform, and the S-Talks public speaking competition.

“Such pursuits stem from innate curiosity and a sense of enjoyment. A fascination with various competitions, regardless of scale, drives participation. Through these contests, one acquires much novel knowledge… Despite occasional fatigue, reflecting upon past experiences reveals that, irrespective of the activity or the presence of a prize, one inevitably derives a lesson, thereby facilitating further learning and daily personal development,” Diệu remarked.

Concerning the motivation for such endeavour, Sẩm Pí Diệu revealed that inspiration often arises from predecessors. These figures may be seniors from the same university or discipline, or simply exemplary young people commended in the media. “Upon observing seniors or younger individuals achieving outstanding results, the realisation follows that should such peers succeed, success remains attainable for oneself, provided one exerts greater effort each day,” Diệu shared.

According to Diệu, titles such as “Outstanding Young Citizen of Ho Chi Minh City”, “Young Talent of Ho Chi Minh City”, “Student of 5 Merits”, or individuals winning science and technology awards serve as positive encouragement. Such examples compel Diệu to practise ceaseless self-improvement and nurture the aspiration to contribute further to the community.

The Dedication of Youth in the Digital Era

Concurrent with academic and research pursuits, Sẩm Pí Diệu remains a dynamic Youth Union member and student association leader. Currently, Diệu assumes multiple roles, including Member of the Executive Committee of the Inter-branch, Head of the Branch Association 25A02, Class Monitor of 25A02, and Member of the Secretariat of the Vietnamese Student Association at VNUHCM-University of Science, term XIII (2025-2028).

These ceaseless efforts have garnered recognition through a plethora of titles and awards, such as: the title of “Outstanding Student of 3 Good Criteria” at the Central level for the academic year 2023–2024; the “Creative Youth” Badge from the Central Youth Union; Commendation and Sponsorship as a Young Talent of Ho Chi Minh City; a Certificate of Merit from the Ministry of Education and Training; alongside numerous distinguished academic awards. “Regarding the title of Outstanding Student of 3 Good Criteria at the Central level for 2023-2024, this honour served as a fulcrum and an objective for striving during the secondary education period. The goal of becoming a ‘Student of 3 Good Criteria’ existed from the initial days of high school, viewing the title as a destination for endeavour,” Diệu confided.

Achieving the title of “Outstanding Student of 3 Good Criteria” at the Central level, academic year 2023-2024.

Notably, the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City recognised Diệu as a “Patriotic Emulation Role Model for the Period 2020-2025”. Such a distinction marks a pivotal milestone in Diệu’s development journey. For Diệu, the award represents not merely recognition of efforts spanning many years, but also the impetus to continue disseminating the image of dynamic, creative students from “Uncle Ho’s City” who possess a strong sense of social responsibility. This title remains the source of greatest pride for Diệu, who confided: “The title of Patriotic Emulation Role Model of Ho Chi Minh City, period 2020-2025, acknowledges the efforts of the past five years and serves as a reminder to continue striving even further in the coming time to broadcast the image of dynamic and creative students.”

Besides academic achievements, Sẩm Pí Diệu actively participates in community activities. For Diệu, contribution need not entail grandiose gestures; rather, the act begins with minor deeds, originating from a spirit of sharing and a desire to assist others.

Strategies for Maintaining Academic Equilibrium

Despite assuming numerous roles and participating in manifold academic and extracurricular activities, Sẩm Pí Diệu maintains excellent academic results. Elucidating the secret to such equilibrium, Diệu candidly admitted to a period of “stumbling” due to perfectionism and undertaking too many tasks simultaneously. “One semester witnessed a decline in grades; the situation caused genuine shock and stress. The realisation dawned that attempting to execute everything alone would inevitably lead to overload,” Diệu recalled.

From that experience, Diệu took the initiative to seek counsel from teachers and seniors, gradually learning to relinquish tasks unsuited to personal capacity and time constraints. “Learning to trust others and subdividing work for collective execution became key. Relinquishing the compulsion to hoard all responsibilities allowed for greater learning from peers, whilst affording additional time to focus on study and research,” Diệu shared.

Regarding extracurricular activities, Diệu exercises careful consideration before participation. Before any competition or volunteer campaign, Diệu cross-references the schedule with academic timetables, examination dates, and personal plans to determine whether the period requires intense focus on study or research. “The query arises: upon participation, can one ensure a balance between study, rest, and contribution? Consequently, participation is not universal, but when undertaken, the aim is quality,” Diệu stated.

Furthermore, applying technology to time management assists Diệu in controlling the workload effectively. Diệu frequently employs digital tools, such as Google Calendar, to assign deadlines, determine priorities, and limit the omission of tasks when handling multiple roles simultaneously. According to Diệu, proactive arrangement and the ability to select the correct moment help maintain a stable learning rhythm, whilst allowing for effective contribution to extracurricular activities.

Delineating future orientations, Sẩm Pí Diệu expressed a commitment to studying to become an Artificial Intelligence Engineer, continuing with postgraduate education, and aiming to research AI applications in the healthcare and community health sectors. Looking further ahead, Diệu desires to bring knowledge and technology to serve the country, contributing to spreading the aspiration for dedication among the young generation in the digital age. The journey of Sẩm Pí Diệu stands as vivid evidence of the image of today’s youth: professionally competent, rich in ideals, and ceaselessly striving for self-development.

Thu Mai – Tien Phong Newspaper