Dong Nai student awarded Sigma Gold Scholarship after interview with Prof. Ngo Bao Chau

Phan Hai An, a former mathematics-specialized student at Luong The Vinh High School for the Gifted in Dong Nai, is among nine students awarded the Sigma Gold Scholarship under the VIASM Mathematical Talent Development Program. Having won second prize in Vietnam's 2025–2026 National Excellent Student Competition in Mathematics, she is currently a student majoring in mathematics at the University of Science, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City.

Phan Hai An, a former mathematics-specialized student at Luong The Vinh High School for the Gifted, is among nine recipients of the Sigma Gold Scholarship.

National second prize paves the way for university admission

On October 16, the Vietnam Institute for Advanced Study in Mathematics (VIASM) announced the nine recipients of the Sigma Gold Scholarship, the highest level of financial support under the VIASM Mathematical Talent Development Program. Phan Hai An, a 2023-2026 mathematics-specialized student at Luong The Vinh High School for the Gifted in Dong Nai, was among those selected following an application review and an in-person interview with Prof. Ngo Bao Chau and the selection committee.

The scholarship recognizes the efforts of promising students majoring in mathematics, including Hai An, who devoted her high school years to expanding her knowledge, developing her analytical thinking skills, and pursuing her passion for mathematics.

During her three years at Luong The Vinh High School for the Gifted, Phan Hai An achieved notable academic results, particularly winning second prize in Vietnam's 2025–2026 National Excellent Student Competition in Mathematics, an accomplishment she is most proud of.

To secure a place in the national competition team, Hai An underwent highly competitive selection rounds and intensive training, progressing from the school level to the municipal level. She also actively participated in mathematics summer schools, took mock examinations, and attended intensive training camps organized at her school.

Throughout this journey, mathematics summer schools held in various provinces and cities left a particularly lasting impression on her. "Those trips allowed me to connect with peers who share the same passion, work through open math problems together, and receive dedicated mentorship from esteemed teachers. Those were truly invaluable days for me," said Hai An.

Hai An with her fellow members from the national mathematics competition team and their teachers.

Nguyen Tat Thu, head of the Mathematics Group at Luong The Vinh High School for the Gifted, has mentored Hai An since she was in ninth grade. Through years of teaching her, Thu recognized that although Hai An possesses a natural aptitude for mathematics, her ability to study independently and her perseverance are her most outstanding qualities.

"Hai An is naturally gifted at mathematics, but what impressed me most was not just her intelligence, but her remarkable self-discipline and rare perseverance. When tackling difficult problems, An would tirelessly seek solutions, sometimes spending an entire month solving one," remarked Thu.

Her second prize at the national competition earned Hai An direct admission to the mathematics program at the University of Science, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City. The achievement was not only the culmination of a long journey of effort and overcoming challenges but also a solid springboard, strengthening her confidence and determination to pursue advanced mathematical research at the university level.

Journey to securing the Sigma Gold Scholarship

Upon learning about the Sigma Gold Scholarship through official information channels, Hai An proactively reviewed the eligibility requirements and prepared her application. The application process required candidates to submit an academic portfolio, a record of achievements, and an essay discussing a mathematical problem of their choice.

In her essay, Hai An examined how generating functions could be viewed as corresponding to different stages in a counting problem. She sought to present her ideas concisely and intuitively, using applied problems to illustrate her problem-solving approach and mathematical reasoning.

After passing the initial application screening, Hai An was invited to an in-person interview with Prof. Ngo Bao Chau and the selection committee. The interview took place in a fairly open and relaxed atmosphere. She listened carefully to the questions, shared her thoughts and discussed her field of interest with the professor and the selection committee.

Hai An participates in an interview for the Sigma Gold Scholarship.

Upon receiving the notification that she had been selected, Hai An was both surprised and deeply moved. "Throughout the application process, I simply wanted to do my best in mathematical research and articulate my ideas as clearly as possible to the professor and the committee. I was truly surprised because I never imagined the professor would place so much trust in me," said Hai An.

The Sigma Gold Scholarship provides a monthly sum of 15 million VND for 10 months of each academic year throughout the standard duration of the academic program. Students enrolled in the Mathematics Talent Bachelor’s Program at the University of Science under Vietnam National University, Hanoi and Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City also receive support covering 100% of their tuition fees. The financial support is maintained for the standard duration of the program, provided recipients meet the academic performance requirements assessed through annual reviews.

For Hai An, the scholarship not only provides essential financial support for her university studies but also offers opportunities to pursue advanced academic activities.

"The Sigma Gold Scholarship and her recent achievements provide a promising springboard, but the path toward the highest levels of academic achievement will bring even greater challenges. I am confident that with her inner drive and relentless pursuit of knowledge, Hai An will continue to bring pride to Luong The Vinh High School for the Gifted and make meaningful contributions to the nation's mathematical community," teacher Nguyen Tat Thu said when discussing her achievements.

Beyond her academic pursuits, Hai An enjoys traveling, discovering new destinations, and appreciating the unspoiled beauty of nature. Her personal motto is "Stay true to yourself, because in the end, you are the only one who stays with you."

In addition to her passion for mathematics, Hai An enjoys exploring new places with friends.

Over her four years at university, Hai An aims to develop a firm grasp of fundamental mathematical knowledge, strengthen her scientific research skills, and deepen her understanding of applied mathematics. After spending sufficient time exploring and learning more about both pure and applied mathematics, she plans to choose a suitable research direction and pursue postgraduate studies.

By Minh Hanh – Translated by Minh Hong, Thu Ha