On the occasion of the celebrations in Ho Chi Minh City for the 50th anniversary of the liberation of South Vietnam and the reunification of the country, Dr. Nguyen Dinh Uyen, a lecturer at the Faculty of Electronics and Telecommunications at the International University of the National University of Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City, was honored as one of the nine educators for their significant contributions.
After many years working at NASA, the American space agency, Dr. Nguyen Dinh Uyen surprised many when he decided to return to Vietnam in 2008 to teach and pursue a career in applying technology to agriculture.
Dr. Nguyen Dinh Uyen at the Microwave Laboratory of the Department of Electronics and Telecommunications at the International University of the National University of Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: VOH.
The hallmark of his mission is to adapt technology to the needs of Vietnamese farmers.
Upon his return, Dr. Nguyen Dinh Uyen chose to work at the International University of the National University of Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City, teaching and conducting research in the field of electronics and telecommunications.
One of his most notable approaches involves bridging academic research with practical applications. Instead of just focusing on the classroom, he actively seeks collaboration models to integrate students’ research topics into experimental environments.
Recognizing the lack of cutting-edge technologies in the country’s agriculture, he embarked on a project to bring modern technologies to farmers in the Quang Trung Software Park.
Initially, the task proved challenging as automated systems, even with locally tailored software to reduce costs, remained unaffordable for most manufacturers. This failure marked a decisive turning point in his thinking: instead of imposing existing models, he focused on research and development to create tailor-made technological solutions, adapted to the specific economic needs and requirements of each unit.
One of Dr. Uyen’s most remarkable achievements is his mastery of microwave drying technology. Despite initial limited experiments, once finalized and implemented, this system proved exceptionally effective for drying shrimp and dried shrimp paste, with unique and unprecedented characteristics. Additionally, he successfully addressed a problem for seed export companies by eliminating parasitic fungi while preserving the viability of seeds worth up to $40,000 per kilogram.
Dr. Uyen’s creativity is also evident in his approach to democratizing modern drone technology. In banana plantations spanning up to 1,000 hectares in Ba Ria – Vung Tau, he used sensors on drones to accurately detect the exact location of plants suffering from water scarcity due to clogged drip irrigation systems – a previously challenging task for farmers.
Moreover, he flexibly applied spectroscopic technology to help companies identify counterfeit alcohol, fake fertilizers, or distinguish real from fake medicinal herbs such as Centella asiatica, bringing transparency to the market.
From a mobile ice cream seller to an inspiring doctor for the younger generation.
Dr. Nguyen Dinh Uyen’s childhood was marked by challenging years after the liberation when the economic situation remained very precarious. At seven, as he started elementary school, he had to sell ice cream in the evenings to help his family. He had little time to study, yet every year, he ranked among the top ten students in his class.
Life became increasingly difficult. At 14, his mother took him and his younger sister out of Vietnam. The days at the refugee camp were a defining period, where education remained an absolute priority.
“During my stay at the refugee camp, while others sat or played, my mother forced me to attend classes organized within the camp, including English classes.”
Upon his arrival in the United States, he took on various jobs to finance his studies and took out a bank loan to cover his expenses. It took him over ten years to repay this debt. From high school to university, through a master’s and a doctorate, each step was marked by acquiring knowledge through personal efforts.
In 2008, after working in the field of science and technology in the United States, he decided to return to Vietnam, a choice that surprised many. This intention had germinated earlier when he participated in the Vietnam Education Foundation (VEF) program, where he taught Vietnamese students in short courses.
However, as he shared, the desire to return had actually been simmering for a long time.
“Honestly, at that time, going back home was just a secret dream. Family, work, stability—everything held me back.”
At the International University of the National University of Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City, he mentored and guided many generations of students, helping over 20 of them secure scholarships to study abroad. In addition to teaching, he actively connects students with international professors and researchers, offering Vietnamese students the opportunity to access an international academic environment.
Besides his teaching work, he is also involved in several community support activities. He works with a group of overseas Vietnamese on bridge construction, makes solar lamps for lighting remote areas, and researches support equipment for fruit dragon culture.
In the lecture hall, he not only imparts knowledge but also inspires the younger generation. During his numerous interactions with students, he always encourages them to apply for scholarships to study abroad to acquire valuable knowledge that they can then use for the country’s technological development, continuing the commitment he has always had at heart.
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