The "seed planter"

During the computer class at Lao Cai Specialized High School, the sound of keyboards echoed along with the enthusiastic exchanges between teachers and students. A "digital space" is being built not only by knowledge but also by the passion for creativity and the aspiration to conquer new heights of many students. The person who sowed the seeds of that aspiration is the Distinguished Teacher Mai Hong Kien.

For many students, Computer Science used to be a difficult subject to approach, but under Mr. Kien's guidance, it has become a creative journey: honing critical thinking, problem-solving, exploration, and innovation. From this small classroom, many useful science projects and technological products have emerged, leading students from the mountainous border region of Lao Cai to win awards both domestically and internationally.

Vietnam's educational reform journey is a testament to the power of strategic decisions. Resolution 29-NQ/TW of 2013 by the Central Committee laid the foundation for "fundamental and comprehensive reform of education and training," aiming towards industrialization, modernization, and international integration. After more than a decade of implementation, Conclusion 91-KL/TW of 2024 by the Politburo further affirms the enduring value of Resolution 29, while also calling for accelerated reforms in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and globalization. In particular, Resolution 57-NQ/TW of 2024 by the Politburo has added new impetus, considering science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation as breakthroughs, opening up a strong development space for education. The synergy of these three documents has enabled Vietnamese education, whether in the plains or in remote mountainous regions, to proudly proclaim its "epic of digital integration."

Born and raised in the mountainous region, and recognizing the disadvantages faced by students there, in 2008, upon returning to teach at Lao Cai Specialized High School, Mr. Kien harbored the aspiration to transform Computer Science – often considered a dry subject – into a key to unlocking a bright future for his students. Following the spirit of Resolution 29-NQ/TW of 2013 by the Central Committee , Mr. Kien always prioritizes students, encouraging research and fostering creativity. For him, the resolution is not just a macro-level directive, but a guiding principle for daily action.

Instead of traditional teaching methods, the teacher incorporates practical situations: writing software to serve the community, simulating technological solutions for education, healthcare, and production. The virtual traditional room software developed by the teacher and his students has been implemented at Lao Cai Specialized High School and several other localities. Mr. Mai Hong Kien, Head of the Informatics Department at Lao Cai Specialized High School, shared: “ In my opinion, textbook knowledge is only the foundation. More importantly, it is about igniting students' passion and curiosity in each lesson. Therefore, I try to make Informatics lessons a real experience for students.”

“Since the school's founding, Distinguished Teacher Mai Hong Kien, currently the Head of the Computer Science Department, has made many important contributions to the professional development of the department. Besides teaching, he actively participates in scientific research, trains national and international teams of outstanding students, and guides students in research that has brought home major awards, contributing to raising the school's prestige. Most valuable is his patience and innovative spirit in turning difficulties into opportunities, helping students access modern knowledge.”

Mr. Ngo Thanh Xuan, Principal of the High School Lao Cai Specialty.

A highlight of Mr. Kien's career is his consistent string of achievements. Lao Cai Specialized High School has become a shining example of education in Northwest Vietnam thanks to the leadership of dedicated teachers, including Mr. Kien. These achievements not only affirm his pedagogical competence but also demonstrate his practical teaching methods and rare dedication.

Mr. Ly Van Hoang, a math teacher, shared: “For many years, Mr. Kien has maintained his unwavering passion for the profession. His students have consistently won national and international awards. This reflects his innovative teaching style and his pioneering role in digital transformation. The field of Computer Science requires continuous integration and updating of trends, and he has led his students to keep pace with that trend.”

From 2008 to the present, Mr. Kien has guided his students to win more than 60 national-level awards in Informatics, including: 1 first prize, many second prizes, and dozens of third and consolation prizes.

In the classroom, Mr. Mai Hong Kien ignites a passion for technology; outside of class, he accompanies his students in scientific research and in conquering intellectual competitions. Thanks to these persistent efforts, three students from Lao Cai Specialized High School – Tran My Chi, Nguyen Anh Minh, and Nguyen Huy Phong – have consecutively achieved success: First Prize in the National Science and Technology Competition, Third Prize in the VOAI Artificial Intelligence Competition, and a Bronze Medal in the Asia-Pacific Informatics Olympiad.

These achievements transcend individual glory, becoming vivid evidence of educational innovation linked to the resolution, where teachers and students together continue to write the journey of digital integration.

Tran My Chi - "Mobile Blood Bank" Project

In the 2021-2022 school year, at the National Science and Technology Competition, My Chi - a student in the specialized Physics class at Lao Cai High School for Gifted Students - impressed the judges with her software connecting hospitals and blood donation volunteers, helping to promptly meet the needs of emergency cases due to blood shortages.

My Chi shared: “Initially, I found computer science dry, but through Mr. Kien's lessons, I realized that technology can create practical products for the community. When I saw software contributing to saving lives, my passion grew even stronger.”

Winning first prize nationwide not only brings honor to the school but also serves as concrete evidence of the spirit of Resolution 57-NQ/TW (2024) on digital transformation to serve life. This achievement affirms that students in mountainous areas can absolutely use technology to solve social problems – a "sweet fruit" that lays the foundation for further successes.

Two contestants, Tran Phong and Tran My Chi, along with their instructor Mai Hong Kien (Lao Cai Provincial High School for the Gifted), won first prize in the National Science and Technology Competition.

Nguyen Anh Minh - a pioneering figure in artificial intelligence.

Continuing the research tradition, Mr. Kien's students expanded into the field of artificial intelligence (AI). In 2025, Nguyen Anh Minh - a 12th-grade student specializing in Computer Science - made history for the school by winning Third Prize in the VOAI Artificial Intelligence Competition organized by the Ministry of Education and Training.

Minh shared: “Initially, I only knew about AI through the media; Mr. Kien encouraged me to try it out, sparked my thinking, and helped me believe that students in mountainous areas can also master modern technology.”

Outperforming hundreds of other contestants, Anh Minh has proven his mettle in a new and challenging field.

Principal Ngo Thanh Xuan commented: “The VOAI Third Prize is not only a source of pride for Minh, but also affirms the new technological approach – the result of teacher Kien's persistent leadership.” After months of diligent research, experimentation, and starting over, Minh reached the finish line, realizing the spirit of Resolution 57 on innovation in education – another “sweet fruit of digital integration” for the teachers and students in the highlands.

Nguyen Anh Minh and teacher Mai Hong Kien - teachers who train gifted students in Informatics at Lao Cai Specialized High School.

Nguyen Huy Phong - reaching continental heights

Not stopping at artificial intelligence, Mr. Kien's students continue to achieve success in many other fields. In the 2024-2025 school year, Nguyen Huy Phong (11th grade, specializing in Informatics) brought honor to Lao Cai province with a Bronze Medal at the Asia-Pacific Informatics Olympiad (APIO 2025) in Uzbekistan - the first medal in an international cultural competition in the history of Lao Cai province's students.

Phong recalled: “During the exam, I was both nervous and proud. Teacher Kien always advised me: 'Consider this an opportunity to show yourself, not pressure.' His words of encouragement helped me feel more confident.”

According to Principal Ngo Thanh Xuan, Phong's achievement shows that students in mountainous areas can absolutely access and master science and technology. This is also proof of the method of cultivating a passion for scientific research that Mr. Kien pursues.

Phong's success is a "sweet fruit of destiny," continuing the journey of innovation and creativity of teachers and students in the highlands, joining the flow of integration.

Nguyen Huy Phong - Bronze Medalist at the Asia-Pacific Informatics Olympiad (APIO 2025) in Uzbekistan.

Vu Nam Hai - First Prize winner of the national excellent student competition in Informatics.

Vu Nam Hai, a 12th-grade student from Lao Cai Specialized High School, won first prize in Informatics in the national excellent student selection exam for the 2023-2024 school year.

Vu Nam Hai, a 12th-grade student from Lao Cai Specialized High School, who won first prize in Informatics in the 2023-2024 national excellent student selection exam, said: “During my studies with Mr. Mai Hong Kien, what impressed me most was his dedication, guidance, and timely encouragement. He helped me become more disciplined, motivated, and confident to conquer big goals.”

With his dedication to "sowing seeds of hope" in the border regions of our country, Mr. Kien has always been trusted and loved by parents.

Mr. Vu Hong Minh, parent of student Vu Nam Hai, emotionally shared: "My son, a student from a mountainous region, has stepped onto the national stage, a miracle thanks to the dedication of Teacher Kien. Every year, during training programs, he always accompanies the students. The most valuable thing the children receive is not only knowledge, but also self-confidence to reach further."

The achievements of students in recent years are vivid evidence of the vision of Resolution 29-NQ/TW (2013) and Conclusion 91-KL/TW (2024): fundamental and comprehensive reform, aiming towards integration, helping the young generation of Vietnam to have the confidence to compete internationally. These medals are not only a source of pride for individuals and schools, but also an important milestone for education in Lao Cai, affirming that even from the highlands, a brilliant "epic of digital integration" can be written.

These initial successes quickly became a powerful catalyst, igniting a spirit of learning and research among students at Lao Cai Specialized High School. From excelling in the regular curriculum, they gradually shifted to a "learn and do" mindset, viewing technology as a tool for solving community problems and seeing Informatics as a journey of creativity.

Most valuable is the innovative approach; stemming from the belief that "highland students can master modern technology," many ideas have taken root and been diligently nurtured by teacher Mai Hong Kien. Classes don't end in the classroom; in the afternoons and evenings, the computer lab remains brightly lit, where teachers and students tirelessly discuss, experiment, and refine their products.

Principal Ngo Thanh Xuan said: "Over the years, Mr. Kien and his students specializing in Informatics have continuously won many awards at national and international student competitions, bringing glory to the school and to the education sector of Lao Cai."

According to the school, three key factors contribute to its success: early identification and nurturing of gifted students starting from grade 10; innovative and inspiring teaching methods that foster self-learning abilities; and online and in-person connections with experts from universities and academies, helping students stay updated on trends and confidently participate in international competitions.

The expanding research and innovation movement has enabled the school to consistently have its projects recognized at various levels, affirming its position as a highland school on the national education map.

These are not isolated achievements, but concrete steps to implement Resolution 57-NQ/TW (2024) on promoting innovation, bringing new technologies into education, and creating conditions for the younger generation to proactively enter the digital age. These successive "sweet fruits" are proof of Mr. Kien's correct orientation and belief in his students' abilities.

The milestones set by teacher Mai Hong Kien and his students have transcended the school's boundaries, paving the way for progress in the Northwest region. From national-award-winning projects to success in high-tech competitions, and the first-ever continental medal at an international cultural competition, the teacher and students of Lao Cai Specialized High School are establishing new standards that the region has never before reached.

That result didn't come from inherent advantages, but was built upon the perseverance and faith the teacher placed in his students. Teacher Mai Hong Kien affirmed that, in scientific research, besides passion, students need guidance and inspiration for their ideas. Thanks to this, many projects have been completed, winning high awards at the national and international levels.

From remote classrooms to international arenas, the journey of teacher Kien and his students is not just a series of medals, but also evidence of innovation in mountainous education in particular and Vietnamese education in general. Milestones such as: First Prize in the 2022 National Science and Technology Competition, Third Prize in the 2025 AI VOAI Competition, and Bronze Medal in the 2025 APIO Competition affirm that even in the mountainous Northwest region, where conditions are limited, a "Symphony of Digital Integration" can still be achieved. This also symbolizes the spread of national education in the new era: placing students at the center (Resolution 29), persistent action from the grassroots (Conclusion 91), and proactive integration and digital transformation (Resolution 57). The story of Mr. Kien and his students at Lao Cai Specialized High School shows that with aspiration, dedication, and a spirit of innovation, education – wherever it is – opens the door to the future, enabling Vietnamese students to confidently step into the digital age and stand shoulder to shoulder with their international peers.

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/nguoi-gieo-hat-so-post880991.html