Satyam Mishra, the very first foreign valedictorian of the Informatics and Computer Engineering program at International School – Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU-IS), excelled in academic achievements thanks to a straightforward yet effective approach: listening carefully, making detailed notes, and asking questions in every single lecture. He shared that he had a “nothing short of extraordinary” learning journey at VNU-IS.

– Congratulations to our new valedictorian of the Informatics and Computer Engineering program. How do you feel right now?

– Thank you so much! I’m genuinely overwhelmed and deeply grateful to receive this valedictorian award. This recognition means a lot to me, and I owe it entirely to the unwavering support and guidance I’ve received along the way.

First and foremost, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to my parents and to God Krishna for their constant blessings and support. I would also like to extend my deepest thanks to my mentors at VNU- IS – Dr. Mai Nguyen Tuyet Hoa, Dr. Le Trung Thanh, Dr. Nguyen Van Tanh, Dr. Le Anh Ngoc, Dr. Pham Ngoc Thanh, and Dr. Nguyen Thanh Tung. These incredible individuals have always stood by me, offering guidance and encouragement through every challenge.

I also want to thank my best friends – Vu Minh Phuc, Michael Marshal, Lin Acosta, Kim, Le Anh Duc, and Lina – along with my close-to-heart friend, Phung Thao Vi. Their support, both inside and outside of class, made my college journey so much easier and more enjoyable. Without them, this experience would have been like a dish without seasoning. Their friendship and encouragement added flavor and joy to every moment.

A special thanks as well to the teams at OAA and ORPD for their continuous support, opportunities, and the unwavering love they’ve shown me. My achievements are as much theirs as they are mine. I am filled with immense love, respect, and gratitude for everyone who has been a part of this journey. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

– Can you tell us about your experience at the International School? Are there any memorable moments or highlights from your time here that you’d like to share?

– My experience at the International School has been nothing short of extraordinary. I arrived with the dream of becoming a software engineer, but I gained so much more than just technical knowledge. I learned how to manage pressure, meet deadlines, and grow both personally and professionally.

Some of the most memorable moments include my first research collaboration with Dr. Nguyen Thanh Tung, Dr. Le Trung Thanh, Dr. Nguyen Van Tanh and Dr. Le Anh Ngoc. That experience not only deepened my understanding of my field but also fostered a strong bond with my mentors.

Participating in and hosting Youth Union activities also stands out as a highlight. These experiences allowed me to immerse myself in Vietnamese culture, and I truly fell in love with Vietnam through them. The professors at IS have been incredibly supportive—they made me feel like I was part of a family. I hold a deep love and respect for all of them.

Additionally, my time at the National University of Singapore Summer Program (NUSSP) and the overseas immersion program with Ngee Ann Polytechnic were invaluable. These experiences broadened my perspective, exposed me to different learning environments, and allowed me to connect with peers and professionals from diverse backgrounds. They were instrumental in shaping my global outlook and enhancing my academic journey.

One particularly special memory is singing “Hello Vietnam” under the guidance of Miss Hang Hoang. Standing on stage, performing that song in front of the Vietnamese flag, gave me goosebumps. It’s a moment I’ll cherish forever, and I’m grateful to Miss Hang Hoang for creating that unforgettable experience.

– Your academic achievements in your program have been quite impressive. What strategies or approaches did you find most effective in earning those high marks? And beyond just excelling in the course content, how did you also work to develop and refine important soft skills during your studies?

– From the very first day of each semester, I aimed for excellence by planning for a full score. My approach was straightforward but effective: I paid close attention during lectures, made detailed notes, and actively engaged by asking questions. When exam time came around, reviewing these well-prepared resources made the difference in achieving high marks.

One key lesson that shaped my approach was something I learned from Dr. Le Trung Thanh during his Digital Signal Processing (DSP) class. He once said, “The universe is always listening. If you plan well, it will help you achieve well. So, plan and take action.” This philosophy resonated deeply with me and aligned perfectly with the teachings of my supreme mentor, Krishna, who emphasizes, “Focus on Karma (action), i.e., your duty.” These principles guided me throughout my studies and kept me focused on my goals.

When it came to developing soft skills, I took a proactive approach. I regularly researched the skills that are essential for being job-ready and then worked on building those skills by undertaking relevant projects. This hands-on experience not only helped me refine my abilities but also ensured that I was job-ready by the time I graduated. My readiness to enter the workforce is a testament to this strategy.

– During your studies, you have been actively participating in diverse activities for international students. How have you balanced that engagement with the demands of your academic workload? And in what ways have those extracurricular pursuits complemented or benefited your studies?

– Since my second semester of the first year, I’ve been dedicated to creating a welcoming environment for international students by organizing and participating in diverse activities that showcase Vietnamese culture. My goal has always been to help others fall in love with Vietnam, just as I have, or at least see the culture through the same appreciative lens. Thanks to Dr. Mai Nguyen Tuyet Hoa for always supporting me in my crazy ventures.

Balancing these activities with my academic workload was challenging, but I found inspiration in the words of my mentor, Dr. Nguyen Van Tanh, who often reminded me that our duty extends beyond just studying; we must also strive to make a positive impact on society through our actions. This philosophy motivated me to engage fully in both my studies and extracurricular activities at VNU-IS.

Participating in these activities not only allowed me to connect with students from different cultures, but it also enriched my own academic experience. The bonds I formed with international peers provided me with diverse perspectives, and they often supported me when I needed it most. These experiences have been invaluable, and I am truly grateful for the balance and growth they have brought into my life.

– Where are you currently working? Do you want to live and work in Vietnam in the long run? Can you share a bit about your future plans?

– I am currently working in two roles: Firstly, as an Artificial Intelligence Engineer at Verysell Technologies in Switzerland, and secondly, teaching senior AI research programs at Vision Mentors LLC. I owe a special thanks to Mr. Murray from VNUIS for introducing me to Vision Mentors—his support has been invaluable, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity.

I currently live in Hanoi, where I work remotely for Verysell Technologies. In addition, I teach at Vision Mentors on alternating evenings during the week. My plan is to continue in these roles while pursuing my PhD at VNUIS. Looking ahead, I aim to complete my PhD by 2027 and then join ETH Zurich as a Postdoctoral researcher.

Vietnam has been my home, and I’ve grown to love it here. While I plan to further my career abroad, particularly with the PostDoc opportunity at ETH Zurich, I do envision maintaining strong ties with Vietnam, possibly returning to contribute further in the future.

Nguyen Thu Ha

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