The young man got his PhD at the age of 27, chose to return home to pursue the semiconductor industry.

In early December 2025, Nguyen Quang Khanh (born 1998) successfully defended his doctoral thesis at Hanyang University (Korea).

At the age of 27, he became one of the first people in the semiconductor industry to complete his degree ahead of schedule. During the 4 years and 8 months of continuous study and research, there were times when he felt pressured and wanted to give up.

Nguyen Quang Khanh at his PhD thesis defense in early December 2025 (Photo: NVCC)

In 2016, Quang Khanh became a student of the Chemistry Department of the University of Science , Vietnam National University, Hanoi. During his studies, he had access to academic programs and professional exchange activities introduced by lecturers in the department.

These experiences gradually inspired in him a passion for scientific research. His initial research direction was the synthesis of nanomaterials, applied to the analysis of practical products in life such as food and pharmaceuticals.

At the beginning of his research, due to lack of funding, many tools and equipment were not available, so he had to borrow from other research labs and institutes, so the experimental process took more time and effort.

“At that time, I didn't think much about it. My lecturer, Associate Professor Dr. Pham Thi Ngoc Mai, always encouraged me that if I didn't have the equipment, I could borrow it, 'ask for a discount and buy it', as long as I could successfully complete my research,” Khanh recalled.

New PhD in the research lab in 2022 (Photo: NCVV)

In 2019, while in his third year of university, he applied for a three-month internship program in India at a catalytic materials laboratory. The internship allowed him to access a systematic research process, use modern equipment, and participate in ongoing projects.

Returning from the internship made him clearly determine his direction of pursuing scientific research at an in-depth level in an international learning environment.

After graduating from university in 2020, he planned to apply to a European country to study for a master's degree. However, the COVID-19 pandemic affected his plans, so he changed his direction to a combined master's and doctoral program at Hanyang University (South Korea).

He was fortunate to receive a research scholarship from a professor and a full scholarship from Hyundai Group with a total value of more than 4 billion VND for 5 years of study and research at Hanyang University. He began his journey of study and research in Korea in April 2021.

During the first six months in Korea, Khanh faced many pressures: language differences, lab culture, and high work intensity right from the first week. “I was not used to working around the clock, reporting continuously, and having to meet weekly deadlines. There were many days when I left the lab at around 4-5am ,” Khanh said.

The pressure from the workload and the difference in working environment accumulated over many days, causing him to feel "overloaded" and think about stopping.

Thanks to the encouragement from his supervisor and fellow researchers at Hanyang University, who always reassured him that it was normal to struggle in the early stages, he gradually regained his working rhythm. The professional and mental support helped him adapt better to the research environment in Korea and continue pursuing his ongoing projects.

At Hanyang University, Nguyen Quang Khanh pursued research in advanced thin-film semiconductor materials. His work focused on the synthesis and development of thin-film semiconductor materials for electronic and energy devices.

Nguyen Quang Khanh at the 51st International Micro and Nano Engineering Conference in Southampton, UK, September 2025 (Photo: NVCC)

In November 2025, he was awarded the “Outstanding Young Vietnamese Scientist in Korea” award by the Vietnamese Student Association in Korea and the Vietnam Science and Technology Office in Korea for his series of international publications, contributions to the field of advanced materials research and academic networking activities between the two countries.

The award was presented right before the doctoral thesis defense, creating a strong motivation for the final stage of study and research at Hanyang University.

After completing his study program in Korea, Mr. Khanh will return to Vietnam with the desire to contribute to the development and application of accumulated knowledge and experience in the field of semiconductor materials in domestic science and technology projects.

"The field of semiconductor material development is being focused on by the government. During this period, I really want to return to Vietnam and contribute to the development and innovation of my homeland," the new doctor shared.

Giang Pham

Source: https://vtcnews.vn/chang-trai-lay-bang-tien-si-o-tuoi-27-chon-ve-nuoc-theo-duoi-nganh-ban-dan-ar991577.html