The 2026 Graduation Ceremony of the Vietnam–UK Institute for Research and Executive Education (VNUK), University of Danang, concluded in a solemn and deeply emotional atmosphere. More than marking a significant milestone in the journey of hundreds of new graduates and engineers, the ceremony was also a moment to honor three outstanding valedictorians—individuals who represent a spirit of continuous learning, the courage to overcome challenges, and the perseverance to become better versions of themselves.
What makes their achievements truly remarkable is not simply their academic results or list of accomplishments, but the stories behind them: stories of perseverance, of standing back up after setbacks, and of having the courage to keep moving forward when the road ahead remains uncertain.
This is also the spirit embodied in this year’s Graduation Ceremony theme:
“Beyond the Degree. Beyond Yourself.”
1. Tran Van Dat – Data Science (22DS): The Valedictorian Who Dared to Begin Again
Not only did Tran Van Dat graduate as the valedictorian of the computer science and engineering field, but he was also selected to represent the graduating class and deliver a speech at the 2026 Graduation Ceremony.
Behind this achievement lies a journey built on perseverance and a strong belief in himself. For Dat, every setback was never an ending but an opportunity to begin again—stronger than before.
“Moving slowly does not mean you are going the wrong way. And starting again does not mean you have failed.”
— Excerpt from the graduation speech by Tran Van Dat, VNUK Valedictorian 2026
Perhaps it was this mindset that allowed Dat to remain persistent throughout his four years at VNUK, continuously pursuing scientific research and achieving numerous outstanding accomplishments:
- Three international scientific publications, focusing on applied research in smart manufacturing, computer vision, and artificial intelligence:
- LSTM-based Welding Quality Forecasting System in Smart Manufacturing
- A Comparison of Deep Learning Models for Predicting Calcium Deficiency Stage in Tomato Fruits
- Omni-Dimensional Adaptation for MobileNetV3 using Bayesian Hyperparameter Tuning
- Participation in a scientific research project: Applying Metaheuristic Optimization Methods in Hyperparameter Tuning in Machine Learning
- Recipient of the Merit Scholarship for two consecutive years.
Dat has always kept close to heart a quote by Steve Jobs:
“You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future.”
2. Tran Ngoc Anh Thu – Biomedical Science (22BMS): A Journey Reaching Beyond Borders
As the valedictorian of the biomedical science program, Tran Ngoc Anh Thu has made her mark through her dedication to scientific research and her aspiration to engage with the international academic community.
During her time at VNUK, Anh Thu achieved a number of notable milestones:
- Co-authored a domestic scientific paper on computational drug discovery.
- Presented a research poster at the International Conference on Integrative and Computational Biosciences (ICISE), Quy Nhon 2025.
- Completed the Summer Research Program at the University of Tsukuba, Japan.
- Was selected for the Fudan International Summer School of Life Sciences at Fudan University, China.
- Won Third Prize at VNUK Innovation Challenge 2023.
- Received the Merit Scholarship 2024 and Encouragement Scholarships in 2025–2026.
- Actively participated in numerous community activities.
Anh Thu’s journey reflects the qualities of a VNUK student: strong academic expertise, a passion for research, and the readiness to step confidently into the international academic environment.
3. Tran Nguyen Gia Hieu – International Business and Management (22IBM2): The Valedictorian with a Spirit of Service
As the valedictorian of the International Business and Management program, Tran Nguyen Gia Hieu not only maintained an outstanding academic record but also actively contributed to the community and participated in international activities.
Among Gia Hieu’s notable achievements are
- Recipient of the VNUK Merit Scholarship for two consecutive years.
Consolation Prize at VNUK Innovation Challenge.
- Consolation Prize at the VNUK English Olympiad 2023.
- Former Head of Design at Tucano – VNUK Public Speaking Club and member of the External Relations Committee of VNUK Book Club.
- Worked as an interpreter and liaison officer at various international events, including the 16th ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Information Conference, Youth Expedition Project, Child Sponsorship Trip (World Vision 2024), and the Danang Friendship and Cooperation Cities Forum (2024, 2025).
Gia Hieu represents the image of a dynamic VNUK student—proactive in connecting with others, embracing opportunities, and always ready to contribute to the community.
“Moving Slowly Does Not Mean You Are Going the Wrong Way”—A Moving Message from Valedictorian Tran Van Dat
If the achievements of the three valedictorians are evidence of their relentless efforts, Tran Van Dat’s graduation speech was undoubtedly one of the most touching moments of this year’s ceremony.
He shared a journey in which he had to put his dream of attending university on hold twice: first, after missing the admission score for a military university by just 0.2 points, and later when his opportunity to study abroad in Taiwan was interrupted by the pandemic and health-related challenges.
There were days when Dat took on various jobs, from washing dishes to carrying goods at the port, to support himself before making the decision to return to the university classroom.
Amid circumstances that seemed to close the door to his future, what gave Dat the courage to move forward came from a simple question he asked his parents:
“Mom and Dad, can you let me go back to school one more time?”
His story is not one of immediate success from the starting line. Instead, Dat’s journey is a powerful reminder that sometimes, what matters most is not where you begin or how fast you move, but whether you have the courage to begin again.
In his graduation speech, Dat shared a message with young people:
“Today’s graduation ceremony is not only the destination of our years of learning, but also a celebration of the people we have become. The degree we receive today is certainly a milestone to be proud of, but what matters even more is the person we have become.
If you are going through a period of uncertainty, please do not be afraid, and do not be too quick to think that you are falling behind others. Everyone has their own journey. Success is not a race in which everyone has to reach the finish line at the same time. Moving slowly does not mean you are going the wrong way. And starting again does not mean you have failed. We do not need to see the entire path before we can take the next step. We only need enough courage to take one more step.”
Continuing the Journey “Beyond Yourself”
The graduation ceremony came to an emotional close as all the new graduates and engineers stood together and turned toward their families to express their gratitude. The moment was met with heartfelt applause, bringing a meaningful conclusion to a memorable graduation season.
The three valedictorians followed three different paths, yet they shared one common point: the determination to continuously go beyond themselves.
One conquered milestone in scientific research. Another reached beyond borders to pursue international academic opportunities. Another spread positive values through a spirit of service and community contribution.
Together, they have created a proud and inspiring chapter in VNUK’s 2026 Graduation Ceremony.
Once again, congratulations to the three valedictorians and all graduates of the 2022 admission cohort of the Vietnam–UK Institute for Research and Executive Education (VNUK), University of Danang.
May your stories continue to inspire generations of VNUK students to come.
May you always have the courage to pursue your dreams, the perseverance to stay committed to your choices, and the determination to continuously go beyond yourself.
Because, as Tran Van Dat shared:
“Moving slowly does not mean you are going the wrong way. And starting again does not mean you have failed.”
VNUK – Vietnam–UK Institute for Research and Executive Education, University of Danang
- Institution Code: DDV
- Address: 158A Le Loi Street, Hai Chau District, Da Nang City, Vietnam
- Website: vnuk.udn.vn
- Admissions Website: tuyensinh.vnuk.udn.vn
- Admissions Hotline: 0236 3738 399 – 0905 55 66 54
- VNUK Admissions 2026 Zalo Group: https://zalo.me/g/qiasdz432
