"Choosing to study in China was one of the most important decisions in my life," Dr. Ngô Xuân Đắc recalled with emotion. Back then, China’s strong scientific research strength, the extensive influence of China University of Geosciences (CUG) in geology worldwide, and the long‑standing profound "comrade‑and‑brother" friendship between China and Vietnam led him to resolve to come to Wuhan for doctoral studies.
In 2020, Dr. Ngô Xuân Đắc earned his doctoral degree in Mineral Resources from the Faculty of Earth Resources, CUG. Armed with professional competence, research habits and international vision gained in China, he returned to Vietnam and dedicated himself to the nation’s geological and mineral resources development. At the same time, he actively promoted geosciences exchanges and cooperation between China and Vietnam, serving his country with expertise and bridging the two nations with sincerity, becoming a young envoy for academic connectivity and people‑to‑people bonds between the two countries.
Guided by Mentors, Cultivating Professional Excellence
During his doctoral studies at CUG, Dr. achieved leaps in professional knowledge, research capacity and scientific thinking, all thanks to the meticulous guidance of his supervisor, Professor Li Jianwei.
"Under Prof. Li’s guidance, I not only acquired profound professional knowledge but also systematically mastered standardized research methods, rigorous logical thinking, as well as the academic attitude and professional ethics required of a researcher," Dr. Ngô stated. During his studies, Prof. Li patiently advised him academically and supported his personal growth, transforming him from a passive learner into an independent researcher capable of raising questions, designing projects and conducting studies.
Focusing on mineral resource assessment and ore deposit genesis, Dr. Ngô conducted research in state key laboratories using advanced analytical technologies and collaborated with high‑level research teams, gradually developing a systematic and international research mindset. He often said he was fortunate to be a student of Prof. Li; the team’s diverse academic background and strong research atmosphere benefited him for life. At CUG, he inherited not only knowledge and skills but also the spirit of rigor, integrity, dedication and innovation—his most valuable career asset. "I sincerely thank Prof. Li. My achievements today are inseparable from his profound influence and support."
His doctoral research laid a solid scientific foundation and greatly boosted his career after returning to Vietnam.
Serving his Motherland, Contributing to National Priorities
In 2020, Dr. Ngô returned to Vietnam after graduation and resolutely turned the knowledge he learned in China into tangible achievements.
In his view, geological work is an indispensable foundation for national industrialization and modernization, and mineral resources are critical to economic security and sustainable development. Overseas study was not only a chance for personal growth but also a duty to repay his motherland.
After returning home, Dr. Ngô worked at Hanoi University of Mining and Geology. In 2023, he transferred to the Vietnam Institute of Geosciences and Mineral Resources, where he currently serves as Deputy Director of the Department of Science, Training and International Cooperation and editor of the Journal of Geology. He has grown into a young leader in Vietnam’s geological and mineral resources sector with strong research capacity, management ability and international vision.
In his work, he combines Vietnam’s geological realities and resource needs, focuses on strategic minerals, participates in national mineral resource surveys and evaluations, and proposes technical solutions to practical challenges in exploration and development, balancing resource utilization and ecological protection. He integrates China’s advanced geosciences technologies and methods with Vietnam’s national conditions, supporting the completion of multiple national projects and providing scientific input for national resource policy and planning.
"The advanced knowledge and research methods I acquired in China significantly improved my work efficiency after returning home, allowing me to analyze and solve scientific problems more comprehensively and deeply," Dr. Ngô noted. Relying on solid professional skills, he actively promotes the application of research results, supporting the coordinated development of rational mineral development and ecological protection. With deep expertise in ore deposit genesis, he has become a prominent young expert in Vietnam’s geological community and helped China’s technologies and solutions take effect in Vietnam’s geological industry.
Beyond research and management, Dr. Ngô remains committed to nurturing talents. He believes talents are fundamental to the sustainable development of geology, and training young scholars with international vision and advanced technologies is vital for the sector’s long‑term progress. He currently supervises three doctoral students, passing on the rigorous academic style and pragmatic work ethic he developed in China to cultivate future talents for Vietnam’s geological industry.
Serving as a Bridge, Connecting Bilateral Exchanges
As Vice President of the CUG Vietnam Alumni Association, Dr. Ngô has long regarded promoting China‑Vietnam geoscience cooperation as his mission. Drawing on his study experience and professional networks, he helped establish long‑term partnerships between his alma mater and institutions including the Vietnam Institute of Geosciences and Mineral Resources, building a stable platform for academic exchange and experience sharing. He has organized and participated in numerous bilateral academic conferences, seminars, expert visits and joint fieldwork, gradually forming a close and sustainable China‑Vietnam geosciences academic community.
Years of study in China gave Dr. Ngô deep insight into China’s academic system, operation mechanisms and culture. Facing differences in management models, administrative procedures and working styles in international cooperation, he acted as a bridge to coordinate parties and ensure smooth project implementation. With strong cross‑cultural collaboration skills, China‑Vietnam geological cooperation has expanded from academic exchanges to joint research, technology introduction, achievement transformation and joint talent training, delivering continuous practical results.
"China and Vietnam are neighbors with similar geological conditions and complementary resource endowments, offering broad cooperation space in comparative research on ore deposit genetic models, resource potential assessment and modern exploration technologies," Dr. Ngô said. China leads in geochemistry, isotope testing and high‑precision analysis; closer cooperation helps Vietnam adopt advanced technologies and advance the standardization and internationalization of analytical methods. He has long emphasized that geological cooperation is long‑term, stable and strategic, embodying the traditional friendship between the two nations. The mutual trust and friendship built by scientists of the two countries transcend borders and cultural differences and bring the two peoples closer.
Based on his genuine experience in China, Dr. Ngô shares an objective, accurate and positive view of China with Vietnamese colleagues, students and academics. He hopes to dispel misunderstandings and prejudices through his experience, letting more Vietnamese people see a comprehensive, real and friendly China and narrowing the psychological distance between the two peoples.
Grateful to CUG, Writing a New Chapter of China-Vietnam Friendship
Looking back on his time at CUG, Dr. Ngô always appreciates its profound impact. "My study abroad experience not only enriched my professional knowledge but also comprehensively upgraded my research thinking and international competence," he acknowledged. Improved language skills, independent thinking and cross‑cultural collaboration have made his work more rigorous and efficient. He specially mentioned that "the academic network built during my studies in China has become a key resource for my international cooperation."
Dr. Ngô holds deep respect and gratitude for his alma mater. He thanks CUG for providing a cutting‑edge environment for growth, supervisors for imparting academic spirit, research methods and professional ethics, and International Education College for creating an open, inclusive and friendly atmosphere for international students. This cross‑border academic nurturing helped him understand the value of rigorous scholarship, the importance of innovative thinking and the responsibility to serve society.
