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Four years at VNUHCM–University of Science (HCMUS) shaped more than Đỗ Tiền Hải’s academic record. Graduating with First-Class Honours and a cumulative GPA of 9.51/10, he also secured admission to the Elite Master’s Programme in Theoretical and Mathematical Physics at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU Munich), Germany. Behind these achievements lies a lasting passion for mathematics, the guidance of dedicated mentors, and an enduring curiosity to explore new ideas.

Pursuing the Beauty of Connections

Rather than introducing himself through grades or awards, graduate Đỗ Tiền Hải offers a more personal description: “I think I’m a combination of One Piece and Naruto. From One Piece, I learned to pursue ambitious goals and to keep exploring new things. From Naruto, I learned that progress comes from perseverance and never giving up after failure.”

That spirit has been with Hải since his secondary school years at Quang Trung High School for the Gifted (formerly Binh Phuoc Province), where his passion for mathematics grew through participation in the national mathematics team. Among those who influenced him most was teacher Lê Ngọc Thành. After winning Second Prize in the National Excellent Student Competition, Hải spent nearly a month studying and travelling around Ha Noi with his teacher while preparing for the international team selection. Those weeks extended well beyond mathematics. They shaped his way of thinking, broadened his perspective on life and strengthened his enjoyment of discovering new ideas. The experience also reinforced his determination to pursue mathematics as a lifelong endeavour.

At the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science, VNUHCM–University of Science (HCMUS), Hải continued to develop that passion by focusing on understanding fundamental principles rather than memorising formulas. He reworked every new theorem from first principles and organised new concepts through mind maps before applying them to specific problems. For Hải, a solid understanding of the underlying ideas makes knowledge more enduring and allows it to be applied across a wide range of contexts.

What fascinates Hải most about mathematics is not numbers or formulas, but what he describes as “the beauty of connections”. Ideas that appear simple at first often emerge across different areas of mathematics and offer elegant ways to solve complex problems. After days of reflection, the moment when seemingly unrelated pieces suddenly fit together naturally remains one of the most rewarding aspects of studying mathematics and continues to inspire him to explore further.

His greatest challenge at university, however, was not solving difficult mathematical problems. Instead, it was discovering the path he genuinely wished to pursue. During his second and third years, Hải found himself weighing several possibilities. Rather than rushing to a decision, he actively participated in summer schools, seminars and academic programmes, where he met scientists, lecturers, doctoral researchers and students working across a wide range of mathematical disciplines. Those experiences gradually helped him understand his own interests more clearly and confirmed his enthusiasm for research. “Sometimes overcoming a challenge doesn’t mean finding the answer immediately. It means being patient enough to explore until you discover the answer that is right for you.”

Growing Within an Academic Community

Reflecting on his undergraduate years, Hải believes the greatest influence came not only from the curriculum, but also from the open and supportive academic environment of the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science at HCMUS. Academic staff consistently encourage students to take part in seminars, summer schools, conferences and other scholarly activities, providing opportunities to engage with research from an early stage. Through programmes organised by the Vietnam Institute for Advanced Study in Mathematics (VIASM), Hải met mathematicians from ˮ����AV��˵ and abroad, broadening his academic perspective and helping him define his own research direction.

Among those who have had the greatest influence on his development are Professor Phan Thành Nam and Professor Đặng Đức Trọng, supervisors of his undergraduate thesis. Beyond academic guidance, both encouraged him to think differently about mathematics and research. Hải particularly recalls Professor Phan Thành Nam’s advice: “Begin with a problem that is beautiful enough to reveal the whole mathematical landscape.”

For Hải, those words serve as a reminder that researchers should first understand the significance and broader context of a problem before focusing on technical details. Professor Đặng Đức Trọng, meanwhile, instilled the values of intellectual rigour and careful scholarship—qualities Hải believes will remain with him throughout his academic career.

Alongside his formal studies, Hải actively participated in academic competitions and programmes in ˮ����AV��˵ and overseas. He represented HCMUS at the National Mathematics Olympiad for University and School Students on multiple occasions, competed at the AKHIMO International Mathematics Olympiad in Uzbekistan, and attended specialised programmes including the VIASM Summer School and the International Summer School for Outstanding Students organised by KAIST in the Republic of Korea. These experiences introduced him to emerging research directions while enabling him to build lasting academic connections with fellow students and scholars from around the world.

A Foundation for the Next Chapter

Those experiences and sustained efforts have shaped a remarkable undergraduate journey. After enrolling in the Mathematics programme in 2022, Hải completed the Talented Bachelor’s Programme one semester ahead of schedule and graduated with First-Class Honours, achieving a cumulative GPA of 9.51/10. His research was accepted for presentation at the International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Statistics (AISTATS) 2026 and selected as a Spotlight Presentation—a rare distinction for an undergraduate researcher. Building on these achievements, he has been admitted to the Elite Master’s Programme in Theoretical and Mathematical Physics at LMU Munich, Germany.

Receiving his degree, however, Hải’s thoughts were not centred on his own accomplishments. “I don’t see this degree as my achievement alone. It belongs to everyone who believed in me, supported me and accompanied me throughout these years.” He speaks with gratitude of his family, teachers, senior students and friends, whose encouragement has been a constant source of support throughout his studies and research.

Looking back, Hải believes the most valuable part of his undergraduate years was not the grades or awards, but the people he met and the experiences he shared. Hours spent studying with classmates, conversations after seminars, academic exchanges in ˮ����AV��˵ and abroad, inspiring teachers and friends who shared his passion all helped him grow, better understand himself and gain confidence in pursuing a career in research.

Next, Hải will join the Elite Master’s Programme in Theoretical and Mathematical Physics at LMU Munich, Germany. Looking further ahead, he hopes to become both a researcher and a lecturer, continuing to explore new mathematical questions, contribute to the scientific community and inspire future generations of students, just as his own teachers inspired him.

Reflecting on his own experience, Hải offers a simple message to incoming students: “Don’t worry if you haven’t yet discovered what you truly want to pursue. Be willing to learn, explore and meet as many people as possible. Above all, stay curious and never lose your enthusiasm for discovery. That curiosity will take you a long way—not only in mathematics, but in science as a whole.”

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