VNUHCM–University of Science (HCMUS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Festo Co., Ltd., part of the Festo Group headquartered in the Federal Republic of Germany and operating in automation, technology and technical education. The agreement aims to strengthen links between university education, applied research and industry needs amid digital transformation and Industry 4.0.

At the ceremony, VNUHCM–University of Science and Festo Co., Ltd. agreed to collaborate in education, practical training and scientific research. Areas of cooperation include developing academic programmes, establishing online courses aligned with international standards, providing students with opportunities for industry placements, and promoting academic and professional exchange between the two sides.

Festo will also provide consultancy on the development of laboratories, training programmes and technical solutions for teaching, practical training and research. These activities are expected to contribute to improving educational quality through a stronger emphasis on practical competencies, exposure to advanced technologies and alignment with workforce requirements in engineering and technology.

On the occasion, Festo Co., Ltd. presented equipment to the Faculty of Physics and Engineering Physics at VNUHCM–University of Science for teaching, practical training and scientific research. The addition of practical training equipment will support students in gaining direct experience with technological models and developing operational, analytical and problem-solving skills in an educational environment closely aligned with industrial practice.

Following the signing ceremony, a professional seminar was held on topics including educational technologies in engineering, Industry 4.0, semiconductor integrated circuits and digital transformation solutions for education. Experts also discussed approaches to developing practical training laboratories, academic programmes and technical training models based on German standards.

The Mathematical Physics Summer School 2026 officially opened at VNUHCM–University of Science (HCMUS) on 10 August. Jointly organised by HCMUS and the Vietnam Institute for Advanced Study in Mathematics (VIASM), the Summer School runs from 10 to 14 August 2026, bringing together scientists, lecturers, researchers and students from Ģ����ý and around the world.

Alongside Vietnamese higher education institutions including HCMUS, VNUHCM–University of Technology and Quy Nhon University, this year’s programme features experts from leading research institutes and universities worldwide, including Pennsylvania State University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Brown University and the University of California, Santa Barbara in the United States; CNRS and ENS Lyon in France; Beijing Institute of Technology and the Chinese Academy of Sciences in China; The University of Tokyo in Japan; National University of Singapore in Singapore; and Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich in Germany.

In his opening remarks, Assoc. Prof. Trần Lê Quan, President of HCMUS, and Assoc. Prof. Lê Minh Hà, Executive Director of VIASM, highlighted the significance of the programme in strengthening connections among researchers in Ģ����ý and around the world. As Mathematical Physics continues to develop through increasingly interdisciplinary approaches, the Summer School provides an academic forum for scientists, researchers and students to exchange ideas, engage with current developments and explore emerging research questions.

The programme continued with a presentation by Prof. Nguyễn Trọng Toán, representing the Scientific Committee, who introduced the academic direction and structure of the Mathematical Physics Summer School 2026. The programme has been designed as an intensive academic forum combining foundational lectures, research-focused courses, invited talks and discussions, enabling participants to deepen knowledge, broaden academic perspectives and engage directly with specialists in the field.

As part of the Summer School, international and Vietnamese experts are delivering four specialised lecture series, alongside invited talks and short presentations, covering a range of contemporary research topics including conservation laws, extremal black hole thresholds, large bosonic systems, stochastic quantisation, incompressible Euler equations, epidemic models, quantum mechanics and partial differential equations.

The four main lecture series are led by Prof. Alberto Bressan of Pennsylvania State University, Prof. Christoph Kehle of Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Prof. Nicolas Rougerie of CNRS and ENS Lyon, and Prof. Rongchan Zhu of Beijing Institute of Technology. The lecture series address advanced topics in conservation laws, extremal black holes, semiclassical tools for large bosonic systems and stochastic quantisation.

The programme also features invited talks by Prof. Yao Yao of National University of Singapore, Prof. Akitoshi Hoshiya of The University of Tokyo, Prof. Oanh Nguyen of Brown University and Prof. Xiangchan Zhu of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The talks broaden the scope of academic exchange, connecting different approaches to contemporary research in Mathematics and Mathematical Physics.

In particular, short presentations by early-career researchers from Ģ����ý, China, Germany and the United States have created a lively forum for discussion, presenting recent findings in areas of Mathematical Physics including quantum spin systems, nonlinear Schrödinger equations, fermionic systems on lattices, quantum walks and Bose–Einstein condensates.

The Mathematical Physics Summer School 2026 builds on VIASM’s academic collaboration in Mathematical Physics, following the VIASM–IAMP Summer School 2023 in Quy Nhon and the VIASM Summer School 2024 in Hue. The programme also looks ahead to the International Congress on Mathematical Physics (ICMP 2027), scheduled to take place in Da Nang in 2027.

Following a working session and the signing of a cooperation agreement with the International College of Semiconductor Technology at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University on 5 August, the delegation from VNUHCM–University of Science continued working with National Tsing Hua University and National Central University on 6 and 7 August 2026. The activities focused on education and training, research, and human resource development in semiconductor technology.

At National Tsing Hua University (NTHU), the HCMUS delegation held discussions with representatives from the College of Semiconductor Research (CoSR), the Department of Electrical Engineering, units within EECS and TSRI, WBG Lab, and several relevant research groups. Discussions covered areas of expertise, research priorities, and opportunities for collaboration between research groups in semiconductor technology, integrated circuit design, and semiconductor materials.

Student exchange opportunities were among the key topics discussed during the working session. Representatives from NTHU introduced opportunities for HCMUS students to participate in academic exchange programmes and explore pathways towards Master’s-level study at NTHU, subject to the university’s admission procedures and supervisory requirements. NTHU also provided information on scholarship opportunities funded by TSMC for students meeting programme eligibility requirements.

Following the discussions, the HCMUS delegation toured laboratory facilities at NTHU, gaining an insight into equipment used for semiconductor material fabrication, processing, and characterisation. The visit provided further reference for the planning, organisation, and operation of laboratory facilities supporting education and research in semiconductor technology.

 

On 7 August, the delegation continued the programme at National Central University (NCU), with a focus on postgraduate education and training in semiconductor technology. HCMUS and NCU signed a joint Master’s training programme under a 1+1 model, under which students will spend one year at HCMUS and one year at NCU. Students who participate in and are admitted to the programme may have access to scholarship opportunities funded by businesses during the course of study.

As part of the programme at NCU, the HCMUS delegation visited the Department of Optics and Photonics, including a cleanroom for semiconductor fabrication and facilities for LED chip packaging and testing. The visit provided an opportunity to gain further insight into infrastructure, research processes, fabrication, and testing of semiconductor products at an institution with strengths in photonics and semiconductor technology.

 

The series of activities in Taiwan from 5 to 7 August 2026 contributed to strengthening cooperation between HCMUS and partners with established strengths in semiconductor technology. Through working sessions, academic exchanges, and visits to research infrastructure, HCMUS has gained a stronger foundation for developing concrete collaborations in education and training, scientific research, faculty and student exchange, and engagement with the semiconductor industry ecosystem.

On the morning of 5 August, VNUHCM–University of Science (HCMUS) signed a cooperation agreement with the International College of Semiconductor Technology (ICST), National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU, Taiwan), marking a significant step towards strengthening collaboration in semiconductor education and research.

NYCU is recognised for excellence in semiconductor education and research, supported by strong links with Taiwan’s semiconductor industry ecosystem.

A key component of the agreement is the introduction of a 1+1 Master’s joint study pathway, allowing students to spend one year at VNUHCM–University of Science (HCMUS) and one year at NYCU. Alongside the Master’s programme, both institutions agreed to strengthen collaborative research, academic exchanges involving faculty members, researchers and students, and the joint development of education and research activities in semiconductor technology.

Following the signing ceremony, the two institutions held a Seminar & Discussion featuring researchers from both sides. ICST presentations were delivered by Prof. Kuan-Neng Chen, Assoc. Prof. Yu-Sheng Su, Dr Chun-Hao Chen, Assoc. Prof. Chang-Ching Tu, and Assoc. Prof. Niall Tumilty, covering lithium chemistry for next-generation batteries, advanced packaging technologies, power semiconductor devices, and semiconductor materials.

Representing VNUHCM–University of Science (HCMUS), presentations were delivered by Assoc. Prof. Lê Đức Hùng, Dr Nguyễn Quang Khôi, Assoc. Prof. Phạm Kim Ngọc, Prof. Trần Thị Thanh Vân, and Assoc. Prof. Vũ Thị Hạnh Thu. Presentations highlighted research achievements and future directions in Edge AI System-on-Chip (Edge AI SoC), semiconductor optoelectronics, memristor materials, rare-earth-doped luminescent materials, together with broader research directions in semiconductors and photonics.

Discussion centred on advanced packaging technologies, semiconductor materials, power semiconductor devices for electric vehicles and artificial intelligence, Edge AI System-on-Chip (Edge AI SoC), and optoelectronics, while also identifying promising opportunities for future collaborative research between the two institutions.

As part of the programme, the HCMUS delegation visited NYCU’s Nano Center/Cleanroom. The visit provided opportunities to explore cleanroom facilities, microchip fabrication and testing processes, and the centre’s research infrastructure. The programme also enabled further discussions on future collaboration in education and research, together with academic exchanges involving faculty members and students.

The cooperation agreement establishes a strong foundation for VNUHCM–University of Science (HCMUS) and the International College of Semiconductor Technology to expand joint education programmes, scientific research, and academic exchange in semiconductor technology.

From 27 July to 2 August 2026, a delegation of lecturers and students from the Faculty of Geology, VNUHCM–University of Science (HCMUS), participated in the Taiwan Academic Exchange and Field Experience Programme, jointly organised by the Institute of Mineral Resources Engineering (IMRE), National Taipei University of Technology (NTUT).

The programme marked the second consecutive year in which the Faculty of Geology at HCMUS has joined an international field programme with NTUT. Designed to foster academic exchange, expand international collaboration, and provide opportunities for lecturers and students to explore representative geological systems alongside contemporary research approaches in Earth Sciences, the programme reflects a shared commitment to experiential learning and research cooperation.

The HCMUS delegation included Ms Phạm Thanh Thùy, Research and International Cooperation Assistant at the Faculty of Geology; Mr Nguyễn Tuấn, Student Affairs Adviser at the Faculty of Geology; together with six undergraduate students. Throughout the programme, participants received academic guidance from professors and researchers at IMRE, NTUT, the Department of Geosciences at National Taiwan University (NTU), as well as support from government agencies, research institutes and science museums across Taiwan.

During the programme, the delegation undertook field investigations on the Matsu Islands, examining magmatic geology, granite formations, coastal geomorphology, and geological structures formed within the subduction zone where the Paleo-Pacific Plate descends beneath the Eurasian Plate. Alongside geological studies, participants also explored the relationship between geological heritage, local culture, and the military infrastructure that characterises the islands.

Field activities on the Matsu Islands enabled students to observe geological features directly, connect classroom knowledge with natural geological settings, and strengthen practical skills in field observation, analysis and discussion. Such experience forms a vital component of geological education, particularly in areas including petrology, tectonics, geomorphology and geological resources.

The delegation also visited the National Museum of Natural Science in Taichung, where the exhibition Earth’s Treasures showcases nearly 1,800 mineral and rock specimens. The visit provided lecturers and students with valuable opportunities to study an extensive collection of geological materials, observe modern exhibition practices, and explore approaches to communicating Earth Science knowledge to the wider public.

The programme also introduced current research and technologies in geothermal energy through the thematic session Harmony with Geothermal. At the Taiwan Volcano Observatory in the Tatun Volcano Group, participants exchanged knowledge with specialists on volcanic activity, monitoring systems, early warning technologies, and disaster risk reduction.

A key element of the programme was a working meeting at IMRE, NTUT, where representatives discussed future directions for collaboration in education and research. Discussions focused on academic exchange, joint field research, and the development of collaborative programmes in Earth Sciences.

The Taiwan Academic Exchange and Field Experience Programme not only provided valuable field-based learning opportunities for students but also strengthened professional links between the Faculty of Geology at HCMUS and international scientists, higher education institutions, and research organisations.

Through sustained collaboration with NTUT and partner organisations across Taiwan, the Faculty of Geology continues to broaden opportunities for field-based education, research and international engagement. Such initiatives align closely with the strategic direction of VNUHCM–University of Science in enabling students to engage with advanced knowledge, develop research capability, and build meaningful connections with the regional and global scientific community.

On 2 August, the PiMA 2026 Mathematics and Applications Summer Camp opened at VNUHCM–University of Science (HCMUS). Held under the theme Mathematics in Artificial Intelligence, the nine-day programme brings together 23 upper secondary school students from across Ģ����ý for lectures, research projects, seminars and academic exchange activities.

HCMUS has long partnered with PiMA in organising the summer camp, providing an academic environment where talented students can engage with contemporary mathematics, applied research and leading academics.

PiMA, short for Projects in Mathematics and Applications, was established in 2016 by Vietnamese mathematicians affiliated with leading universities around the world. The organisation promotes mathematics through research-based learning while demonstrating the role of mathematical sciences in addressing real-world challenges across science, technology and society.

The year 2026 marks the tenth anniversary of PiMA. Over the past decade, the organisation has inspired students across Ģ����ý to explore mathematics beyond the classroom, encouraging research-oriented thinking and introducing learners to modern fields of applied mathematics. What began as an academic summer camp has developed into a platform where young people investigate emerging scientific questions, collaborate in teams and develop research ideas under the guidance of academics, specialists and mentors.

The 2026 theme, Mathematics in Artificial Intelligence, reflects the growing influence of AI across education, research, industry and everyday life. Rather than focusing solely on AI applications, the programme highlights the mathematical principles underpinning machine learning, pattern recognition and predictive modelling, enabling participants to recognise mathematics as a foundation for technologies shaping the modern world.

Throughout the programme, participants will attend specialist lectures, undertake collaborative research projects, participate in seminars led by experts and engage in academic discussions with fellow students. Guidance will be provided by academics, specialists and mentors from universities, research institutes and industry in Ģ����ý and overseas. The programme also offers opportunities to strengthen teamwork, academic communication and presentation skills while building connections with peers who share a passion for mathematics and scientific discovery.

The European Patent Office (EPO) has granted European Patent No. 4432220 for the invention Annotation of Slice Images in Volumetric Medical Images, developed by a research team from VNUHCM–University of Science (HCMUS). The patent was officially published in the European Patent Bulletin on 8 July 2026. The achievement recognises the research capability, technological innovation, and international intellectual property protection efforts of Vietnamese scientists in the field of artificial intelligence for medical applications.

The inventors are Dr Lê Khánh Duy, Lecturer at the Faculty of Information Technology; Assoc. Prof. Trần Minh Triết, Vice President; Nguyễn Hồ Thăng Long, alumnus of the Talented Bachelor Programme (Cohort 2018) and researcher at the Software Technology Laboratory (currently a doctoral researcher at Dublin City University, Ireland); and Phạm Minh Khôi, alumnus of the Talented Bachelor Programme (Cohort 2018) (currently a doctoral researcher at Dublin City University, Ireland).

In medical diagnosis, CT and MRI scans are commonly stored as hundreds of individual image slices. To create training datasets for artificial intelligence, specialists must annotate anatomical structures or tumours accurately on every slice. Such work is highly time-consuming, repetitive, and susceptible to inconsistencies between adjacent slices. The process therefore requires considerable effort while maintaining a very high level of precision.

The invention Annotation of Slice Images in Volumetric Medical Images introduces a method for assisting the automatic annotation of 3D medical images by exploiting the spatial relationships between consecutive image slices. Once a user creates or edits an annotation on one slice, a machine learning model predicts and propagates the annotation to neighbouring slices, eliminating the need to repeat the same task manually for every individual image.

A key innovation lies in the ability of the model to analyse not only the content of each image independently but also the visual characteristics of the target structure together with the relative positions of adjacent slices in order to predict the shape of the object throughout the complete 3D volume. As a result, annotations remain more continuous and accurate than approaches that process each slice separately. The system also assigns a confidence score to every annotation, enabling users to identify quickly which slices require further review or refinement. When an annotation is corrected, the system updates and propagates the revised information across other slices, thereby maintaining consistency throughout the dataset. Such capabilities substantially reduce the time and effort required for annotating 3D medical images while producing training data with greater consistency and quality for the development of artificial intelligence systems supporting medical image analysis and diagnosis.

The process of securing a European patent took approximately three years and involved several rounds of examination with specialists from the European Patent Office. According to Dr Lê Khánh Duy, the greatest challenge was demonstrating novelty and inventive step in accordance with European patentability requirements. The research team developed a new interactive approach between users and medical images, enabling faster and more efficient medical data annotation than existing solutions. To satisfy patent examination standards, however, the interaction mechanism had to be formulated as a clearly defined technical solution that fulfilled the requirements of the European patent system. Previous experience gained by Dr Lê Khánh Duy while working with human–computer interaction research groups at technology companies in Europe also proved valuable in addressing technical issues and supporting the patent prosecution process.

A notable aspect of the achievement is that the invention was conceived and filed independently by Vietnamese researchers at a time when, in 2023, international patent filing support programmes remained limited. The research team explained that pursuing patent protection at an early stage reflected a determination to safeguard an idea with strong practical potential, together with continuous encouragement and support from Assoc. Prof. Trần Minh Triết throughout the development process.

Beyond intellectual property protection, the patent application process also enabled the research team to gain valuable experience in intellectual property law, international patent examination procedures, and the preparation of technical patent documentation. According to the researchers, such experience will benefit scientists seeking to transform research outcomes into intellectual assets eligible for international patent protection.

Dr Lê Khánh Duy also emphasised the importance of interdisciplinary research in achieving patentable outcomes. When a core technological solution is developed within a clearly defined application context, the technical value, practical potential, and overall strength of the invention can be demonstrated more convincingly during patent examination.

Following this achievement, the research team continues to pursue projects in virtual reality and augmented reality, with potential applications in physical rehabilitation training and other simulated environments. Further developments are expected to lead to additional patent applications in the future.

The granting of a European patent for Annotation of Slice Images in Volumetric Medical Images represents a significant milestone for research, innovation, and intellectual property activities at VNUHCM–University of Science. The achievement demonstrates that university research can extend beyond scholarly publication to become internationally protected technological solutions, bringing Vietnamese knowledge and research capability closer to the global scientific and technological community.

On 26 July, the Đong Thap Standing Volunteer Team of the 2026 Green Summer Campaign at VNUHCM–University of Science (HCMUS) collaborated with the Standing Committee of the Lap Vo Commune Youth Union to organise the “Chuyến xe yêu thương” (Journey of Kindness) programme. Held in response to the peak activity day “Chiến sĩ tình nguyện uống nước nhớ nguồn”, the programme featured a range of welfare activities, experiential activities and youth projects, contributing to support for local residents and pupils in the area.

On this occasion, MSc Văn Chí Nam – Member of the Standing Committee of the Party Committee and Vice President of HCMUS – together with representatives from faculties, offices and units, visited the Đong Thap Standing Volunteer Team. The delegation met with student volunteers, received updates on campaign activities, encouraged the team and acknowledged the efforts made by students throughout volunteer activities and community service initiatives in the locality.

As part of the programme, the organising committee presented 20 welfare gift packages to policy beneficiary families and households facing financial hardship, along with 30 gift sets comprising backpacks and exercise books for pupils at Binh Thanh Trung Secondary School. The initiative provided practical support to local families while encouraging pupils as they prepare for the new academic year.

 

During the programme, the Đong Thap Standing Volunteer Team also presented a number of youth-led community projects developed in response to local needs. These included the “Máy tính cũ – Tri thức mới” (Old Computers – New Knowledge) initiative, which donated 10 computer sets; the “Tuyến đường cờ Tổ quốc” (National Flag Route) project; the “Tủ sách thiếu nhi” (Children’s Book Corner) project; an air deodorising filter project using water hyacinth; and the inauguration of the “Tuyến đường Sen Xanh – Thắp sáng đường quê” (Green Lotus Route – Lighting Rural Roads) project.

The lighting project comprises 65 solar-powered street lights installed along a 1.8-kilometre road in Binh Hoa 3 Hamlet, Lap Vo Commune, Đong Thap Province. Beyond improving visibility for local residents, the project contributes to public safety, traffic safety and more convenient travel after dark, while promoting renewable energy, supporting the vision of a “Bright – Green – Clean – Beautiful” environment and encouraging greater environmental awareness within the community.

Alongside these community initiatives, the programme featured a series of interactive booths showcasing science, digital transformation and foreign languages, together with cultural performances and interactive games. Through these activities, pupils explored science and technology in an engaging way while interacting with student volunteers in a lively festival atmosphere.

A particular highlight of the event was a professional development workshop entitled “Ứng dụng Generative AI cơ bản trong giảng dạy” (Basic Generative AI Applications in Teaching), delivered by lecturers from HCMUS for teachers across Lap Vo Commune. The session introduced the fundamentals of Generative AI, explored emerging applications of artificial intelligence in education and provided practical guidance on using AI tools to develop lesson plans, design teaching materials, generate illustrations and prepare assessment questions, contributing to improved teaching effectiveness and optimised lesson preparation time.

Through these projects and activities, students from VNUHCM–University of Science gained valuable opportunities to apply academic knowledge and professional skills in real-world settings, contribute their expertise to community service activities and work alongside local communities to address practical needs. The campaign also provides an environment for students to develop a sense of responsibility, strengthen practical working skills and cultivate a commitment to social contribution through volunteer activities.

Minh Tâm _ Translated by PMN

Graduating with distinction in Mathematics and an outstanding cumulative GPA of 9.57/10, Đào Trọng Toàn concludes four years at VNUHCM–University of Science (HCMUS) with an impressive academic record. Yet, when asked how he would introduce himself without referring to grades or awards, Toàn does not begin with numbers. Instead, he describes a journey shaped by a lifelong fascination with the question “why”—a curiosity that has taken him from a love of Mathematics at secondary school to the doctoral research journey he is about to begin.

Pursuing answers to the question “why”

“I would describe myself as someone who has always been fascinated by the question ‘why’. From simple mathematical problems at school to abstract concepts such as hyperbolic spaces and geometric groups, what truly interests me is not finding the answer, but understanding why something is true.” For Toàn, four years at university marked a transition from studying to solve problems to studying in pursuit of knowledge. Every lecturer, every friend, every opportunity to undertake research and every academic paper he encountered contributed to a growing realisation that Mathematics is not simply an academic discipline, but also a way of thinking about and understanding the world.

That passion first emerged during secondary school, when Toàn joined the Mathematics team for gifted students and had the opportunity to learn from experienced teachers and specialists. More than problem-solving techniques, what stayed with him was the way those teachers revealed the broader intellectual landscape behind competition mathematics. From that point onwards, Toàn came to see Mathematics as an academic discipline rather than simply another school subject. When the time came to choose a degree programme, he enrolled in Mathematics at HCMUS, believing the University would provide an ideal environment in which to pursue his academic aspirations.

While many perceive Mathematics as an abstract discipline characterised by formulae and complex proofs, Toàn sees a distinctive beauty within the subject. For him, that beauty lies in logical reasoning and the elegant connections between concepts and ideas that may at first appear entirely unrelated. “Some theorems require only a few lines of proof, yet they connect many different ideas together. The result is a remarkable sense that every piece fits perfectly together.”

That sense of intellectual satisfaction has meant that Toàn has never regarded learning Mathematics as an exercise in memorisation. Rather than committing formulae to memory, he has always sought to understand each concept in depth and explore the relationships between ideas, gradually building an interconnected understanding of the subject. According to Toàn, a sound grasp of fundamental principles makes unfamiliar problems far easier to approach than relying on isolated pieces of knowledge. Such an approach has also helped him develop the habit of asking questions, examining arguments critically and exploring multiple ways of tackling the same problem.

Among his most memorable undergraduate experiences, an exchange semester at the National University of Singapore (NUS) through the DiscoverNUS scholarship programme stands out as a significant milestone. Toàn admits that the first few weeks were far from easy as he adjusted to studying in English and adapted to an academically demanding environment.

“NUS is one of Asia’s leading universities, so I expected the workload to be demanding. Even so, I was still surprised by how capable and hardworking the students were.” What impressed him most was not only the academic ability of fellow students, but also the extensive learning resources and the dedicated support provided by professors and teaching assistants, which encouraged independent learning. To keep pace with the curriculum, Toàn devoted more time to self-study, actively discussed coursework with classmates and gradually adapted to his new surroundings. Those efforts enabled him to complete the semester with a perfect GPA of 5.0/5.0.

Continuing a research journey while sharing a passion for Mathematics

Alongside his formal studies, Toàn became involved in research from the early years of his undergraduate programme. Under the supervision of Professor Mai Hoàng Biên, he conducted research in algebra and participated in the Ģ����ý Polymath REU project, focusing on hyperbolic geometry. His research was presented at the DAHITO Conference, the VIASM Polymath Workshop and the HCMUS Scientific Conference. During his first year, he also won First Prize in Algebra and Second Prize in Analysis at the National Mathematics Olympiad for University and Secondary School Students.

As he gained experience, Toàn became involved in organising and teaching programmes for school students with a passion for Mathematics, including Gặp gỡ Toán học, IGO and Trải nghiệm VMO. According to Toàn, these activities not only strengthened his presentation and organisational skills, but also reinforced an important realisation: “Sharing knowledge is also a way of learning more effectively.”

Throughout his undergraduate journey, Toàn speaks with particular gratitude about Professor Mai Hoàng Biên, who supported him from his first year through to graduation. Beyond providing academic guidance, Professor Mai Hoàng Biên also helped him develop the habit of asking meaningful questions and cultivate the mindset and working practices of a researcher. Opportunities to learn from lecturers and researchers through seminars and collaborative research activities in Ģ����ý and overseas further broadened his understanding of contemporary Mathematics and the long-term academic career he hopes to pursue.

Upon graduating, Toàn says that academic achievements were not the first thing that came to mind. Instead, he felt profound gratitude towards his family, friends and lecturers who had supported him throughout his university years.

“I feel deeply grateful and would like to express my sincere thanks to my family, my friends and the lecturers who believed in me and devoted so much time to supporting me.” He also expressed his appreciation to HCMUS and Ģ����ý National University Ho Chi Minh City for providing a vibrant academic environment that offered numerous opportunities to learn, grow and challenge himself.

Reflecting on four years at university, Toàn believes that the most valuable lesson has little to do with grades. “For me, the most valuable thing I have gained is the ability to learn independently and the perseverance to tackle difficult problems.”

University life, he says, taught him that no one can teach another person everything. Meaningful progress depends on reading independently, seeking out resources, asking questions and accepting that some problems require considerable time before genuine understanding emerges. He believes that capacity for independent learning will remain invaluable throughout his doctoral studies and in whatever path he chooses in the future.

In August 2026, Đào Trọng Toàn will continue his academic journey by commencing doctoral studies at the National University of Singapore (NUS) under a fully funded doctoral scholarship. He plans to pursue advanced research in group theory, geometry and dynamical systems—fields he first encountered during his undergraduate studies and now hopes to explore in greater depth through his doctoral research.

Offering advice to prospective students preparing to study Mathematics, Toàn chooses not to emphasise awards or natural ability. Instead, he highlights perseverance and a genuine enthusiasm for learning. “Don’t be discouraged if you don’t understand a concept or a problem straight away. Almost everyone who studies Mathematics has experienced that feeling. Mathematics does not require you to be the smartest person in the room. Rather, success depends upon perseverance, curiosity and a willingness to keep learning. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, find friends who share your interests, and make full use of every opportunity to learn from your lecturers.”

CTV

Assoc. Prof. Nguyễn Văn Vũ, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Information Technology, delivering the opening remarks at the FIT Summer School on Intelligent Agents and Agentic AI 2026.

On the morning of 27 July, the Faculty of Information Technology at VNUHCM–University of Science (HCMUS) officially opened the FIT@HCMUS Summer School on Intelligent Agents and Agentic AI 2026. Running until 31 July, the programme features a series of advanced lectures on intelligent agents, Agentic AI, and emerging applications of artificial intelligence in software engineering, robotics, cybersecurity, and data processing.

FIT@HCMUS Summer School is an annual academic initiative organised by the Faculty of Information Technology to enable learners to strengthen specialist knowledge, engage with emerging technological developments, and broaden connections with researchers, academics, industry experts, and corporate partners.

Building on previous editions that explored Generative AI, Large Language Models (LLMs), and Multi-Agent Systems, the 2026 programme focuses on Intelligent Agents and Agentic AI. These research directions are attracting growing international attention as AI systems increasingly evolve towards planning, tool utilisation, collaboration with other agents, autonomous task execution, and result verification within complex workflows.

Throughout the five-day programme, participants explore topics ranging from the mathematical foundations of Large Language Models, the principles of Agentic AI, and Multi-Agent Systems to engineering workflows, prompt engineering methodologies, and practical applications in software development, robotic control, document restoration, and cybersecurity.

Through specialist lectures and academic discussions, the FIT@HCMUS Summer School on Intelligent Agents and Agentic AI 2026 provides participants with a systematic understanding of recent advances in artificial intelligence, spanning theoretical foundations, engineering methodologies, and real-world applications.

Participation from researchers, academics, students, engineers, and industry representatives further strengthens connections between education, research, and professional practice. Knowledge shared throughout the programme provides participants with a stronger foundation for developing new ideas, pursuing future research directions, and exploring applications of next-generation AI technologies to address practical challenges.

Speakers and Programme Schedule

Monday, 27 July

Time	Session	Speaker
08:15 – 08:30	Opening Remarks	Assoc. Prof. Nguyễn Văn Vũ, VNUHCM–University of Science (HCMUS)
08:30 – 11:30	Mathematical Foundations of Large Language Models	Dr Cấn Trần Thành Trung, VNUHCM–University of Science (HCMUS)
13:30 – 16:30	Introduction to Foundations of Agentic AI	Prof. Trần Thanh Long, University of Warwick, United Kingdom

Tuesday, 28 July

Time	Session	Speaker
08:00 – 11:00	Agentic Engineering Workflow: Mastering Agentic Processes from Vibe Coding to Vibe Engineering	MSc Nguyễn Huy Khánh and MSc Phạm Hoàng Hải, VNUHCM–University of Science (HCMUS)
13:30 – 16:30	Unlock Your Agent: From Prompt Engineering to Reusable AI Skills	MSc Ngô Ngọc Đăng Khoa, VNUHCM–University of Science (HCMUS)

Wednesday, 29 July

Time	Session	Speaker
08:00 – 11:00	Voice-Controlled Robotics Using LEGO Mindstorms EV3 and Large Language Models	Dr Cao Xuân Nam, VNUHCM–University of Science (HCMUS)
13:30 – 16:30	From LLM Hallucination to Loop Engineering: Why Does AI Need Verification Loops?	MSc Trần Văn Quý, VNUHCM–University of Science (HCMUS)

Thursday, 30 July

Time	Session	Speaker
08:00 – 11:00	Autonomous SOC: Using AI as a Proactive Shield in Cybersecurity	MSc Đỗ Hoàng Cường, VNUHCM–University of Science (HCMUS)
13:30 – 15:30	Automation with AI Agents and Applications in Software Development	Dr Ngô Minh Nhựt, VNUHCM–University of Science (HCMUS)
15:30 – 16:30	OWASP Top 10 for LLM Applications and Prompt Injection Attacks	Mr Nguyễn Thành Lộc, OPSWAT

Friday, 31 July

Time	Session	Speaker
08:00 – 11:00	Introduction to Modern Multi-Agent Systems	Prof. Trần Thanh Long, University of Warwick, United Kingdom
13:30 – 16:30	Autonomous Text Restoration in Degraded Document Images	Dr Nguyễn Hồng Bửu Long, VNUHCM–University of Science (HCMUS)
16:30 – 16:45	Closing Remarks	Assoc. Prof. Nguyễn Văn Vũ, VNUHCM–University of Science (HCMUS)

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