The Jade Goddess of Science

Associate Professor Dr. Tran Ngoc Mai was awarded the youngest Associate Professor title in 2024, at the age of 33. She has affirmed her position in the academic world with more than 30 valuable scientific publications revolving around the fields of investment, global trade and sustainable economic development.

The profession chose me

Associate Professor, Dr. Tran Ngoc Mai received the Capital's Outstanding Young Face Award 2024. Photo: Xuan Tung

“Doing science is a profession that… chose me. It was quite a surprise,” Mai smiled softly, her eyes looking far away as if looking back at the path she had traveled, full of unexpected turns.

The first impression of her is the freshness and energy radiating from her bright eyes. Few people would have guessed that she was once a weak little girl, with such fragile health that she became a constant worry for the whole family.

During her high school years, a serious accident forced her to undergo brain hematoma surgery. This major incident not only worried her family, but also sowed in her doubts about her future, especially her ability to pursue a stressful and demanding scientific path.

Young female Associate Professor shares and inspires students.

“Back then, I only thought of lofty dreams like becoming a writer, poet or musician,” she recalls. Neither her family nor she herself ever imagined that one day she would embark on a career in science.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Business Administration, majoring in International Business from the University of Nebraska (USA), Ms. Mai decided to return to Vietnam to become a lecturer. In the early years, she did not like doing research because she did not have the patience to sit in one place, nor did she have enough concentration to persevere in doing one thing.

But in the process of trying to complete her work, from master's to doctorate, Mai suddenly realized that scientific research had transformed her. It was a positive transformation when Mai could diligently research for many hours with a clear mind.

“This is an extremely miraculous thing for me, becoming a person that I never thought I could achieve before. And I decided to pursue the path of science,” she said happily when she “caught” the “fate” with academia.

Solutions from green FDI flows

The main research direction of Associate Professor, Dr. Tran Ngoc Mai focuses on international investment, international trade, behavioral management and business practices, and sustainable economic development.

One notable achievement is a series of scientific publications related to sustainable development through the implementation of corporate social responsibility, CO2 emission reduction and green logistics application.

The study has demonstrated a strong positive correlation between FDI inflows and renewable energy development. The study has shown that GDP and CO2 emissions, if left unchecked, will negatively impact clean energy development and economic sustainability.

On the contrary, green FDI, when managed effectively, will become a driving force for digital transformation, improving supply chain efficiency, and supporting Vietnam's sustainable development goals.

Research by young scientists shows that attracting and effectively implementing FDI capital flows, especially green FDI, plays a key role in promoting renewable energy and reducing CO2 emissions.

The journey of Associate Professor Dr. Tran Ngoc Mai is not a story of a “jade girl” whose path has been paved, but a living testament to courage, self-transcendence and tireless perseverance. She has shown that all limits can be broken, when people dare to listen to themselves and keep moving forward.

Studies also emphasize that applying green logistics models not only brings environmental benefits but also increases competitive advantages for businesses in the international market.

The publications of the young female Associate Professor have become a solid scientific basis for businesses and managers in integrating economic development and environmental protection goals, providing methodological suggestions for further research on green logistics.

With basic research, Ms. Mai always believes that even theoretical research can still be applied or disseminated to benefit the community.

The art of balance

“As a woman, why can’t I be content with being a lecturer who teaches in class all day and comes home at night to cook and take care of the family?” - Mai wondered. It seemed that sometimes she was also tired in her persistent journey with science, with many responsibilities on her shoulders.

Associate Professor, Dr. Tran Ngoc Mai - Photo: Hoang Manh Thang

But in those moments, she thought, if life does not have progress, it is a boring life. When talking about gender prejudices in society, the female Associate Professor affirmed that she herself is the one who decides whether she is affected by those prejudices or not.

"In the study, women "I have a delicate, detailed and mentally resilient personality, so I am very careful, meticulous and flexible. I realize that balancing many responsibilities and duties in life has molded women to withstand pressure and maintain energy better," she shared.

Scientific research can sometimes be boring. Therefore, “endurance” lies not only in the effort to pursue a new discovery, but also in the persistence in carrying out repetitive, sometimes monotonous, and dry work.

The nickname not only evokes feminine beauty but also contains the shine like a jade polished over time. It is an entity that harmonizes the artistic spirit in the soul that was passionate about dance, passionate about music , cherished literary dreams and a sharp scientific mind.

“Being “interrupted” in the process of striving to fulfill their duties as wives and mothers is a way for them to allow themselves some time off to listen and improve themselves. When they return, they feel like they have more strength to go faster,” Ms. Mai confided.

When receiving the title of youngest female Associate Professor in 2024, Mai had sleepless nights, worrying that she could not bear the expectations that society was placing on her shoulders...

The title of youngest Associate Professor may be a big burden at first, but for Mai, it is also a reminder of responsibility and an invitation to continue the journey to conquer new heights.

Through her experience and contemplation, she chose to inspire with a gentle but powerful message: "Erase the limitations within yourself so you can fly far and wide!"

Source: https://tienphong.vn/ngoc-nu-khoa-hoc-post1737043.tpo