I want to be a robot expert

As a 12th grade student of CT1, Le Hong Phong High School for the Gifted (HCMC), Le Minh Duc has just become a typical young citizen of HCMC in the first days of the new year 2024. He is mentioned to be associated with his passion for research and creativity.

Le Minh Duc (second from left) with his friends in the research group at Le Hong Phong High School for the Gifted (HCMC) - Photo: THANH DOAN

"I realized my passion for robots since the end of primary school. That was the first time I attended STEM classes, I really enjoyed learning about robots and started making the simplest robots" - Le Minh Duc started the conversation with Tuoi Tre.

Proud to talk about robots from Vietnam

* Let's start with the robot products that Duc invented? - In grade 6, I started researching robot models to solve community and social problems. At that time, I heard about waste dumping polluting the marine environment, so I made a very rudimentary model with the idea of ​​a polluted water filtration chain. I also made a smart library model to participate in the International Youth Robot Competition (IYRC) in Korea with a robot to help the elderly get books from above. Those experiences of learning and practicing making robots nurtured my passion for this field. * What do you like most about the creative process as well as each time you bring your robot to a competition? - I feel happy because engineering and mechanical skills have helped turn my vision into reality. What makes me happiest is seeing the robot working after the programming and assembly process without having to redesign it. With each competition, I feel proud to hold it in my hand and share with international friends that the product comes from Vietnam. I remember the overwhelming feeling when I brought the robot into the exam room at the REGENERON ISEF 2023 International Science and Technology Competition in Dallas (Texas, USA). Many foreign students made very modern projects. After the overwhelming moment, we discussed with each other, helping me realize how good they were and take that as my goal to strive for. * Which exam made you work hard but also left the most impression on you? - That was the REGENERON ISEF 2023 I mentioned above. My friends and I had to prioritize studying first. Many days we had to finish studying first, then start working on the robot at night, working non-stop until 2am - 3am. Perhaps that's why the achievements at this exam also made me happy and felt worthy of the team's efforts throughout the year. The skills and experiences from writing reports to the process of creating robots are all very valuable.

Only 10% talent

* What do you think helped you achieve the results you have today? Was there anything difficult? - I think talent only accounts for 10%, helping me orient what I will do. Thanks to participating in online courses at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (USA), learning from teachers and predecessors, finding a way to balance between studying and making robots, I have achieved the sweet results today. It is all a matter of utmost effort. Actually, balancing studying and making robots is very hard. I used to have problems with both physical and mental health. I have a playlist of music by the group Ca Hoi Hoang, in which each stage has a song that serves as a compass for me because it brings me feelings of comfort, openness and freedom. The messages in the songs tell me how to live a good life, no matter what life is like. * How have your family and school promoted your passion? - I still cannot thank everyone fully for the great support I have received over the past year. Family is the spiritual support, teachers are the learning support, always encouraging us to try harder as well as creating many conditions throughout the scientific research process. Technical teachers always support and are there whenever we need, helping the whole group overcome the most difficult times when researching. I always feel familiar and close every time I enter the school. There is always great encouragement and help from friends in both studying and researching. It is my second home.

Stop to know where you are

* Do we always need to move forward? - I really love the quote "Look at the stars and see yourself flying with them in the Milky Way" by the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius, meaning to use your life to do great things like the stars in the Milky Way. But on that journey, everyone needs a break. I like watching planes from coffee shops in Go Vap district (HCMC). Looking at modern aviation facilities taking off and landing every few minutes, I understand that life is always in a hurry and promotes development and progress. Of course, there are always times when we have to stop to know where we are, take a little time for ourselves.

Dream of making technology products

Becoming a typical young citizen of Ho Chi Minh City is a source of pride, but Minh Duc always reminds himself to try harder to deserve that title. Currently the leader of a research group where students are encouraged to research what they like and are not bound by anything, Duc said he wants to spread the love of science among his schoolmates. "I am still gradually improving myself every day with the biggest dream of becoming an expert in the field of robotics, being able to create scientific and technical products for the people of the country. I hope to be able to realize big technological dreams from the love of my homeland and country with a passion for creativity, which is also partly my strength" - Minh Duc expressed.

Tuoitre.vn

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