Driven by curiosity: How Nguyen Phi Hoai Nam turned a childhood question into Academic Excellence

With a distinguished GPA of 3.7/4.0, recognition as a Party member during his junior year, and multiple awards for scientific research, Nguyen Phi Hoai Nam is more than just a high-achieving student of Hanoi University of Industry (HaUI). He is the embodiment of resilience, curiosity, and ambition - a young man determined to prove that with enough passion and perseverance, no dream is ever too distant.

Growing up in Ha Tinh, Nam’s fascination with cars began with a seemingly naïve question: “How do cars move?” As a high schooler, he would watch vehicles speed past, captivated by the mystery of the intricate systems hidden beneath their metal exteriors. That innocent curiosity set the stage for a lifelong pursuit, ultimately guiding him to the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Automotive Technology at HaUI. There, he embarked on a journey not only to understand the structure and operation of cars but also to explore the technological philosophy that drives the automotive industry forward.

Hoai Nam is a young man determined to prove that with enough passion and perseverance, no dream is ever too distant

During his four years of study, Nam developed a strong affinity for two core subjects: Engine Theory and Vehicle Structure. “They are like the backbone of the car,” he explained. “Once you truly understand how a vehicle breathes and moves, every other technical aspect becomes easier to grasp.” This foundational knowledge gave him the confidence to tackle even the most complex challenges in his field.

Yet, his path to excellence was far from effortless. Nam openly admits that there were times when lessons seemed impossible to master. “I’m not naturally gifted,” he shared candidly. “Sometimes, I had to read and practice over and over before I understood. But I believe persistence always wins. If you can’t do it the first time, try again. If not the second, then the third. Eventually, you’ll get there.”

From those tentative early steps, Nam gradually grew into a proactive learner - one who thrives on asking questions, exchanging ideas with peers, and fearlessly starting over whenever needed. He attributes much of his success to the unwavering support of his family, friends, and professors. “Every person I’ve met had something unique I could learn from. I’m grateful for all of it,” he reflected.

This mindset fueled his greatest achievements: graduating with distinction, earning a place in the Communist Party of Vietnam while still a student, and excelling in scientific research. Beyond academics, Nam immersed himself in HaUI’s 4C Club, where he sharpened technical skills, cultivated leadership qualities, learned responsibility, and discovered the joy of giving back to his community. These experiences laid the groundwork for his research projects and strengthened his drive to grow not just as an engineer but as a person of purpose and contribution.

Nam credits his lecturers, particularly Dr. Pham Minh Hieu, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Automotive Engineering, for their guidance in shaping his academic journey and career vision. “They didn’t just teach me how engines work - they taught me how to think, how to approach problems, and how to dream bigger,” he said.

Hoai Nam (second from left, second row) poses with faculty members and classmates from the Faculty of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, HaUI, during his graduation thesis defense

Now, as he steps out of university life and looks for opportunities in Hanoi’s automotive sector, Nam remains humble and focused. He sees his degree not as a final milestone but as a starting point: “I have so much more to learn, so much more to do before I can truly call myself an accomplished engineer.”

Reflecting on his journey, Nam smiles and quotes a favorite line from a journalist: “Never hesitate before any challenge. If you don’t try, you’ll never know if you can overcome it. But if you try - whether you succeed or fail - that’s what youth is all about.” For Nguyen Phi Hoai Nam, youth is a time to dream fearlessly, to embrace challenges head-on, and to build a future powered by curiosity, courage, and conviction.