Listen to the inspiring story of a talented VNUK alumnus who conquered the prestigious titles of Global Talent and Emerging Leader in Digital Technology in the UK, in today’s episode of “Talk with Alumni”!
Proud to be officially recognized by the UK Government as a Global Talent
Master Ngo Le Huy Hien, a former VNUK student majoring in Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) from the 2016-2020 cohort, has officially been awarded the Global Talent status along with the Emerging Leader in Digital Technology certification by the UK Government.
This prestigious recognition is granted to individuals who have achieved significant accomplishments and contributions on a global scale in their fields. It covers three main categories:
Academia or Research
Arts and Culture
Digital Technology
Huy Hien was honored in the Digital Technology category. According to UK Government statistics, only about four individuals from Southeast Asia receive this certification each year in the same category as Huy Hien.
Image 1: Ngo Le Huy Hien recognized as a Global Talent by the UK Government
An outstanding academic foundation to reach the international stage
Born into a family with financial difficulties, Huy Hien never gave up on his dream to conquer the field of technology and has achieved remarkable accomplishments. After graduating from high school, he was admitted to five prestigious universities, receiving scholarships from four of them ranging from 75% to full scholarships. However, his passionate interest in Computer Science and Engineering led him to VNUK, where he was awarded the full Tate & Lyle Scholarship worth $12,000 for four years of study.
“Thanks to the full scholarship and living allowance, throughout my four years at VNUK, I was relieved of financial burdens and had the freedom to develop myself through social programs, starting from small roles such as a volunteer to becoming a National Director of an international organization. I can say that VNUK helped me build a solid foundation to develop and improve my knowledge, skills, and network,” Huy Hien shared.
His thirst for knowledge did not stop there. After graduating as valedictorian at VNUK, Huy Hien continued to receive a full scholarship from the European Commission to pursue four outstanding master’s degrees through the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Degree program in GENIAL (GrEen NetworkIng And cLoud computing). This program is designed and delivered by universities in the UK, France, and Sweden. To date, Huy Hien has traveled to 48 countries and territories across five continents, thanks to fully-funded programs and scholarships.
Image 2: Ngo Le Huy Hien has set foot in 48 countries and territories worldwide thanks to full scholarships and sponsorships
An overwhelming emotion upon receiving the Global Talent certification in record time
To achieve this certification, candidates must meet strict criteria, face strong competition, and undergo an 8-week review process. Therefore, when submitting his application, Huy Hien did so with little expectation. However, he was truly overwhelmed and moved when his application was approved and he officially received the Global Talent certification after just 7 days.
With this certification, Huy Hien is permitted to work and reside permanently in the UK without any additional restrictions until he obtains citizenship. Notably, he is allowed to establish and register a company in the UK. If the company obtains a license, it can sponsor citizens from other countries, including Vietnam, to work in the UK. Therefore, through this certification, Huy Hien hopes to connect and support Vietnamese businesses to further develop in the UK and Europe.
Image 3: Notification letter of receiving the Global Talent certification (photo provided by Huy Hien)
Strict criteria for Huy Hien to be recognized as a Global Talent
Huy Hien’s area of expertise is Artificial Intelligence (AI). To be granted this certification, he had to satisfy numerous rigorous criteria, including:
Demonstrating innovation as a leader of a product or a digital technology company
Having published documents in professional journals
Making significant contributions to technical improvements
Making considerable contributions in evaluating the work of others within the Digital Technology field
Contributing to the Digital Technology sector outside of formal employment
Providing academic contributions through research beyond his official job and maintaining an excellent academic record
With experience working for technology companies at management level and above, managing international collaborative AI technology projects, publishing papers in reputable scientific journals in AI, serving as a reviewer for international scientific journals, mentoring others in the Digital Technology field, participating in international programs across multiple countries, and possessing outstanding academic achievements, Huy Hien successfully convinced the UK government’s certification authority.
Image 4: Ngô Lê Huy Hiền has explored and learned from many places around the world
Keep contributing actively, and luck will smile on you
Looking back on his journey, Huy Hien realizes that seemingly small and voluntary contributions brought unexpected value.
“If I hadn’t actively volunteered as a Reviewer for international scientific journals before, I might not have met their criteria.
At that time, I only thought of gaining experience because reviewing did not come with extra salary or allowance. Similarly, mentoring others in projects and during the application process for Technology programs was purely voluntary, but it turned out to be one of the criteria I satisfied during the application review.
After all, I believe that when we contribute and dedicate ourselves to the field and community selflessly, one day we will receive the results worthy of those contributions. That will become a springboard for our future development.”
Image 5: The young man with a scholarly face, always actively contributing to the community
Always grateful and appreciative of the support and connections
“I am truly fortunate to have received support from many people throughout the process of preparing and submitting my application. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the Professors, entrepreneurs, experts, and teachers from many countries who are pioneers in their fields and who actively wrote recommendation letters for me.
At the same time, I am very thankful to more than 20 people—mentees, colleagues, and staff I have led across various countries—who wrote evaluations of my expertise and leadership skills during the application process. The encouragement and support from everyone gave me the confidence and belief in myself to complete and successfully submit my certification application.”
Image 6: Every place visited is a beautiful memory for Ngô Lê Huy Hiền
Wishes for VNUK’s 10th anniversary – Always proud to be a VNUK-er
“As one of the first student cohorts of VNUK, I feel that the Institute has made significant innovations and breakthroughs over the past decade. From a young man coming from a poor family, reaching out to the world, setting foot in 48 countries, and now being recognized as a Global Talent, I can only express my deepest and sincerest gratitude to VNUK and the teachers who have supported me.
On the occasion of the recent November 20th (Vietnamese Teachers’ Day), I sincerely thank and wish all the teachers good health and success. I also wish the Institute continued growth, producing more talents who contribute to society and soon becoming an International University.”
A few words for VNUK-ers
“I encourage students to actively and enthusiastically develop themselves, so that you can participate and contribute positively to the community, turning your dreams into reality. Sometimes, even if we are not the best, with effort and dedication, we can earn recognition, affection, and trust from others. I wish the next generations of VNUK students many memorable experiences and great success at VNUK.”
Wishing Huy Hiền good health and even more achievements in the future! See you again at VNUK!
