Professor Vo Tong Xuan (4th, from right) participates in the selection committee for students to stay at KYX for free at Co May - Nong Lam
Professor Vo Tong Xuan is one of the great agricultural scientists not only in Vietnam but also in the world. With more than half a century of dedication to agricultural research and development, he has left a deep mark through his research projects, breakthrough practical solutions, and especially his great contributions to improving the sustainable lives of millions of farmers.
Vision of sustainable agricultural development
Immediately after hearing the news of Mr. Xuan's passing, I posted on my personal page and sent it to community and professional groups... and received comments from experts, scientists, managers, journalists... who had met and worked with him: "He devoted his entire life to the cause of education and agricultural and rural development, a great personality"; "He was one of the great ancient trees - a great scientist and teacher of Vietnam"; "I was very lucky to interview him several times - a great personality has passed away"...
Professor Xuan is famous for his research on rice, one of the most important food sources in the world. His works have contributed significantly to improving rice productivity, not only in Vietnam but also in many other countries around the world. He not only contributed scientifically but also created practical solutions, helping farmers access advanced farming techniques, improve their lives and escape poverty.
With a series of great contributions to agriculture, especially in the research and development of rice, Professor Xuan has changed the lives of millions of Vietnamese farmers, helping them increase productivity and improve their lives. He is the one who brought breakthrough solutions in farming, contributing to turning Vietnam from a food importing country to one of the world's leading rice exporting countries.
One of the special things about Professor Vo Tong Xuan is his vision and philosophy in agricultural development. He always emphasizes the role of sustainable agriculture, adaptation to climate change and environmental protection. He is not only a scientist but also a teacher, an inspiration to the younger generation, encouraging them to continue the path of research and development of sustainable agriculture.
Professor Vo Tong Xuan is also a symbol of modesty and dedication. Despite his great achievements, he always lived a simple life, close to farmers, and constantly strived to contribute to the community. The values he brought were not only limited to his research projects but also spread throughout his philosophy of life and work.
"For the students, teachers must try!"
A memorable memory with the teacher: When Professor Vo Tong Xuan became the first Vietnamese scientist to win the VinFuture Prize with the work "Invention and dissemination of disease-resistant rice varieties" at the award ceremony held on the evening of December 20, 2023 in Hanoi, I congratulated him and shared with him: "Teacher Xuan! Congratulations! With this prize, you will create a scholarship fund for students majoring in agriculture, right teacher? It's great and meaningful!"
And the teacher replied: “That's right. It's very meaningful and I want to do something more to motivate students studying agriculture. I also hope that the state and government need to have more breakthrough policies so that the country's agricultural sector can develop, not be disadvantaged, must promote its advantages to not be disadvantaged... and the prize money from the award must definitely be created in a fund, it should not and cannot be used separately."
The author took a photo with Professor Vo Tong Xuan at the Vietnam Economic Forum.
The teacher seemed tireless and did not want to rest. He should have rested but there was one strict person who did not allow him to rest, and that was THE TEACHER HIMSELF! He is a member of the selection committee for students with difficult circumstances and good academic performance to stay in the Co May free dormitory. Co May is the first and only free dormitory in the country, formed from the cooperation between Ho Chi Minh City University of Agriculture and Forestry and Co May - Dong Thap Company Limited. Every year, the dormitory welcomes about 100 students to stay and is completely exempted from tuition, living expenses, food and accommodation, skills training, etc.
The target is students from public schools in Ho Chi Minh City (To date, about 900 students have been supported). In 2023, he joined the student selection council. At that time, he had just overcome a serious illness, his health was not really good, but he said that for the students, he had to try. And when reading the students' profiles, almost all members of the selection council had difficulty controlling their emotions, and had to exclaim: you are so good but also so miserable, especially your spirit of overcoming difficulties and rising up...
Inspiration for generations of scientists
Previously, on January 26, 2023, after a period of serious illness, with extraordinary determination and the care of the medical staff and family, he overcame and recovered. So that everyone would not have to worry, he sent everyone, including me, a message: “Dear Ly and friends, I wish you all a healthy, lucky and happy new year. I was discharged from the hospital and returned to my daughter's house after 1 month in the Heart Hospital under the treatment of cardiologists from the Heart Hospital, Cho Ray Hospital and the Vietnam Heart Association. My health has recovered well. Now I can go to the toilet and walk around the house by myself. I still don't feel like eating normally. I would like to inform you all. VTX”.
In everyday life, he is always sincere, sometimes very humorous, telling funny stories after stressful conferences and seminars. Sitting down to lunch with him, there is Ms. Ba Huan, he humorously said: "Every morning, if I don't have a pair of Ba Huan's eggs, I can't stand it."
It can be said that Professor Vo Tong Xuan is a great symbol of the combination of scientific knowledge and love for agriculture. The legacy he left behind will forever be a source of inspiration for many generations of scientists and farmers around the world. His passing is a great loss not only to the agricultural sector but also to the whole country.
He left behind a priceless legacy, a shining example of patriotism, creative work spirit, and tireless dedication. We will always remember him with deep gratitude and will continue to make efforts to develop Vietnamese agriculture, as he devoted his whole life to pursuing.
We bow our heads to bid farewell to a teacher, a scientist, an outstanding son of the nation. The career and personality of Professor Vo Tong Xuan will forever live in the hearts of every citizen, especially Vietnamese farmers.
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