From Asia-Pacific Math Olympiad Gold Medalist to Energy Researcher

One of his achievements is that he won a science and technology scholarship to study abroad for a doctorate from Vingroup worth about 10 billion VND. Currently, Dao Manh Tri (27 years old) is a doctoral student at the Power Transformation Lab, University of California-San Diego (UCSD), USA.

Master Dao Manh Tri

Endless passion for math

Since childhood, Tri has been curious and interested in puzzles and difficult problems. Tri's inspiration and endless passion for mathematics came from his father - a good mathematician who was sent to study for a doctorate in the former Soviet Union. This helped Tri always strive to find practical applications of mathematics.

After finishing high school in Singapore - where Tri won a full scholarship from the Singapore government (A*STAR scholarship), Tri continued to win scholarships to universities, including the National University of Singapore... However, he chose to study for a bachelor's degree in mathematics at the College of Wooster, USA. "I have an urge for America. I don't think any education is the most perfect, but we should experience a lot to determine which is most suitable for our goals," Tri said.

With his first bachelor's degree, he continued to get a bachelor's degree in environmental technology from Drexel University, USA, then researched and received a master's degree in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (energy systems), University of California, USA in 2023.

Mathematics became a useful foundation for Tri to study natural sciences and environmental technology. The gold medalist of the Asia -Pacific Mathematical Olympiad (APMOPS) is passionate about exploring the natural world, identifying outstanding environmental problems and developing solutions. Later, Tri had an internship at the Nyheim Plasma Institute, which is considered the cradle of Plasma medicine. This period of time helped him broaden his perspective on the application of science and technology to serve society.

PhD scholarship 10 billion VND

2021 was an important milestone in Tri's career when he won a Vingroup scholarship for overseas doctoral training in science and technology to study at the University of California-San Diego. He remembers opening his essay with an excerpt from Rachel Carson's Silent Spring : "Nature has brought great diversity to the landscape, but humans have always tended to simplify it. Thus, they have disturbed the natural checks and balances that nature uses to keep species within certain frameworks."

The essay helped him explain in detail his passion and motivation to pursue his studies for a long time, which is a necessary condition for doctoral programs. In addition, his scientific knowledge base, research experience, and ability to approach and solve complex problems creatively and effectively won over the scholarship selection committee.

Tri presented a paper at the ASEAN International Conference on Energy and Environment in Indonesia.

When he started his PhD, Tri focused on the energy sector because it is a central issue, closely linked to many other environmental issues. Since 2021, he has been researching key issues in the energy transition in Vietnam, including energy planning, equitable transition and energy security. Tri is the project leader of the project "A low-emission energy planning model to meet Vietnam's growing electricity demand".

He also presented research results at the American Energy Economics Association Annual Meeting in Texas (2022); Chicago (2023) and the ASEAN International Conference on Energy and Environment (Indonesia), where he received the Best Speaker Award in the Policy and Socio-Economics session...

Tri presented a paper within the framework of the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28)

Overcoming challenges

From the outside, Dao Manh Tri is seen as very successful with his achievements. So what are the difficulties? Tri sincerely said: "There are times when I feel overwhelmed and unable to complete everything according to my expectations. When we are faced with many valuable opportunities, choosing is not easy...".

He recounted a memorable experience. During a business trip to attend the Alpbach European Forum in Austria, he had the opportunity to meet and talk with Professor Joseph Stiglitz, former Vice President of the World Bank and Nobel Prize-winning economist, and his wife. "After the conversation, I felt more motivated, because I believe that today's challenges will take me further in the future."

Tri and his wife, Nobel Prize-winning economist, former World Bank Vice President Joseph Stiglitz

Energy Transition in Vietnam

Leaving Vietnam to study abroad since high school, work, and research in developed countries, receiving job offers from research facilities, climate investment funds... abroad with attractive benefits. However, Tri still wants to return to Vietnam.

He confided on a day in early 2024: "I feel lucky to have had the opportunity and conditions to accumulate knowledge and skills, and I want to apply them to serve my homeland."

What are Tri’s plans when he returns to Vietnam? Tri has conducted some research on the impact of climate change on sensitive areas such as Phu Quoc, where phenomena such as rising sea levels can cause great economic and social damage.

Another pressing issue he is concerned about is the energy transition, especially towards carbon emission reduction. Over the past year, Tri has conducted a number of studies on carbon reduction scenarios for Vietnam’s electricity sector, as well as local renewable energy investment options to ensure social equity.

He is also conducting research to optimize investment options for community wind and solar power, ensuring equity for low-income people. In addition, the PhD student also wants to promote international cooperation, strengthening Vietnam's position in future global dialogues on climate and environment...

Tri (second from left) with colleagues from the University of California-San Diego

Ms. Bui Thanh Hanh, Director of the Science and Technology Scholarship Program for Masters and PhDs Studying Abroad of Vingroup Corporation, managed by VinUni University, said that she has met and interacted with Tri many times. Through that, she realized that he is a young man with leadership qualities, thoughtful thinking and has connections with a very wide network of researchers in his field, both domestically and internationally.

"I see Tri's potential and promise that you will make a change in the field of science and technology, specifically in the field of environment, climate change, energy, etc. in Vietnam. It can be seen that at the recent COP28 Conference, Tri was invited to attend, proving that his talent and efforts are recognized," said Ms. Hanh.

Ms. Hanh said that Vingroup's Science and Technology Scholarship Program seeks out Vietnamese talents and gives them the opportunity to study at the world's leading universities, ensuring that their research is beneficial to Vietnam. Upon completion of the program, PhDs will work abroad for 2 years to gain experience, then return to the country to contribute to the country's science and technology.

"Anyone who knows Tri and studies his profile understands that he has many options for doctoral scholarships with different funding sources, with more open requirements after completing his studies. He is also a dynamic young person, a global citizen with always open opportunities to work abroad. But what is very special is that I always feel Tri's commitment, his very clear message is that he will return to Vietnam. Therefore, his orientation and the vision and mission of the scholarship program are very compatible with each other.", Ms. Hanh told Thanh Nien Newspaper reporter.

Master Dao Manh Tri is currently Head of Project Development Department at the Institute of Natural Resources, Environment and Sustainable Development, under the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations (VUSTA).

He is the co-founder of the Youth Climate Policy Working Group (YPWG) under the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

In 2023, he was the champion of the International Energy Competition of the American Energy Economics Association; champion of the 2019 Boeing - Drexel Business Speech Competition in Philadelphia, USA. In his final year of high school, he won the gold cup of the Singapore Science and Engineering Fair (SSEF)...

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