Two Vietnamese scientists listed among Asian Scientist 100

PSNews - Singaporean-based Asian Scientist Magazine has named two Vietnamese scientists, Professor Phan Thanh Son Nam and Associate Professor Nguyen Sum, in its recently published list of 100 leading scientists in Asia.

Asian Scientist Magazine (Singapore) has announced the 2018 edition of the Asian Scientist 100, honouring the region’s top researchers, academics and innovators. Two Vietnamese scientists, namely Prof. Dr. Phan Thanh Son Nam and Associate Prof, Dr. Nguyen Sum have made the list this year.

Professor Phan Thanh Son Nam (first row, left) in the list of 100 top scientists in Asia.
Professor Phan Thanh Son Nam (first row, left) in the list of 100 top scientists in Asia. 

According to the magazine, the list celebrates those who are making significant contributions in a variety of fields ranging from space exploration to structural biology—and everything in between. 

Each of the 100 honourees on the list has won a national or international prize in 2017 for their scientific research or leadership. Together, they represent the best of what Asia has to offer the scientific community as a whole.

Professor Phan Thanh Son Nam, Dean of the Faculty of Chemical Engineering at the Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (National University – HCM City), was one of two scientists awarded the 2017 Ta Quang Buu Awards for his work on molecular catalysts in organic transformation.

Born in 1977, Nam completed his doctoral degree for Chemical and Biological Engineering at the UK-based University of Sheffield and post-doctoral degree at the US-based Georgia Institute of Technology. He obtained the professor level in 2014, at 36, becoming the youngest professor in Vietnam at the time.

Associate Professor Nguyen Sum at the Quy Nhon University was the other laureate of the 2017 Ta Quang Buu Awards for his research on the Peterson hit problem, an open problem in polynomial algebra. The research was internationally published in 2015. Born in 1961, Sum has taken part in 11 scientific studies and published 15 articles on international magazines.

Prof. Dr. Phan Thanh Son Nam and Associate Prof. Dr. Nguyen Sum are being honoured by Asian Scientist in the fields of chemistry and mathematics, respectively.

By Phung Nguyen

Other News

Hanoi approves controlled pilot of two technology projects

Hanoi approves controlled pilot of two technology projects

The two projects involve an intelligent autonomous transportation system developed by Phenikaa-X JSC and a technology for producing mixed rare-earth oxides with a purity of over 95% on a semi-industrial scale developed by the Mining Technology and Construction Consultancy JSC.

Banking industry in AI era: When data becomes competitive advantage

Banking industry in AI era: When data becomes competitive advantage

In just a few years, AI has evolved from an experimental technology into an “assistant” for many banks, supporting everything from customer service, credit approval, and fraud detection to risk management. However, as the technological gap between institutions narrows, a new question is emerging: What will determine banks' competitive advantage in the AI era?

Bac Ninh considers establishing AI centre of excellence

Bac Ninh considers establishing AI centre of excellence

A meeting has been held in Bac Ninh to discuss potential cooperation with Plug and Play in developing the northern province’s innovation ecosystem and establishing an artificial intelligence (AI) centre of excellence, with Standing Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Mai Son receiving a delegation from the global innovation platform.

Hanoi allows 24-month trial of autonomous vehicles at Hoa Lac

Hanoi allows 24-month trial of autonomous vehicles at Hoa Lac

The project aims to assess the safety, reliability and readiness of autonomous vehicles under real traffic conditions, as well as the effectiveness of autonomous public transport and compatibility with existing systems. Its results will contribute to developing technical standards, operating procedures and management models suited to Hanoi’s traffic conditions.

Singapore's experience suggests solutions to Vietnam's human resources challenge in AI era

Singapore's experience suggests solutions to Vietnam's human resources challenge in AI era

As Vietnam accelerates digital transformation and high-tech development, Singapore’s experience and the engagement of global technology companies demonstrate that human resources preparation must stay ahead of the curve. The ability to filter knowledge, collaborate, innovate and effectively use AI will increasingly become essential to helping workers adapt to a changing labour market and strengthening the competitiveness of Vietnam’s economy in the new era.

Protecting national security amid digital transformation, cyberspace

Protecting national security amid digital transformation, cyberspace

Cybersecurity, information security and data security risks must be identified and addressed early and from afar, with appropriate defensive measures ready to neutralise threats and protect national interests in cyberspace, said Lieutenant General Le Xuan Minh, Director of the Ministry of Public Security’s Department of Cybersecurity and Hi-tech Crime Prevention (A05).

Mekong Delta launches first robotics, AI research institute

Mekong Delta launches first robotics, AI research institute

Dr. Nguyen Van Quang, Rector of Nam Can Tho University, said the university is developing a value chain covering training, research, technology development, testing, technology transfer and commercialisation. The model is designed to link research more closely with practical needs, ensuring that technologies generate products and products create value for society.

Vietnam positioned to harness AI wave, World Bank report says

Vietnam positioned to harness AI wave, World Bank report says

The WB report identifies Vietnam as one of the few economies outside the European Union (EU) to have adopted a comprehensive AI regulatory framework as early as 2025. Vietnam applies a risk-tiered approach similar to that of the EU AI Act, imposing different obligations depending on whether an AI system poses “unacceptable,” “high,” “low” or “minimal” risks. The approach is viewed as a strategic step towards ensuring safe and transparent AI governance.

AI offers both opportunities, challenges for Vietnam's growth

AI offers both opportunities, challenges for Vietnam's growth

Dr. Ho Duc Thang, a full-time member of the National Assembly’s Committee for Cultural and Educational, said productivity is the key to sustaining double-digit economic growth, and AI has greater potential to improve productivity than any previous technology.

Top leader unveils people-centred vision for new development model

Top leader unveils people-centred vision for new development model

Vietnam's growth model, long fueled by low-cost labour, resource extraction, contract manufacturing, expanded investment, and capital accumulation, has run out of road. The country now needs a sweeping reform agenda to shift from extensive growth to a model driven by productivity, knowledge, science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation.