NTTU – Not everyone can complete their university program four semesters early and achieve a perfect GPA of 4.0/4.0. Yet, Phan Anh Loc, an Information Technology student from the NTT Institute of International Education (NIIE) – Nguyen Tat Thanh University (NTTU), has accomplished this remarkable feat. His story is not only one of outstanding academic success but also a testament to determination, discipline, and an unending passion for learning.
The Pursuit of Knowledge – From a Childhood Passion for Technology to University Crossroads
Born in Tay Ninh in a family unrelated to technology, Loc’s fascination began with an old computer. “While my friends loved playing games, I was curious about how they worked. That was the first time I realized code could create magic,” he recalled.
That curiosity opened a new world for him — nights spent debugging, typing his first lines of code, and feeling his hands tremble with excitement when a program finally worked. The blue glow of the screen lit up the face of a 17-year-old boy who had just found his calling.
His love for technology grew through his high school years as he taught himself Scratch and wrote his first algorithms on a flickering monitor. He felt destined for IT from middle school, yet when it came time to choose a university major, he hesitated. The spark seemed dimmer — and he wondered if this path was truly his. There were moments when he considered switching to economics or event management, fields where he could unleash creativity and energy.
“But once I’ve made a decision, I have to see it through,” Loc told himself. From that point on, he dove deeper into technology and discovered that coding wasn’t just a technical task — it was a creative tool to turn ideas into reality.
Choosing NTTU and NIIE became the right decision for him — a place known for “Real Learning – Real Success – Real Prestige – Real Future”, where students learn in English, apply knowledge in real projects, and connect closely with enterprises.
The Secrets Behind a Perfect 4.0
Behind that perfect GPA lies months of relentless effort and strict self-discipline. Loc set his goal of early graduation from his first year, building a detailed study plan using Time Boxing and the Pareto 80/20 principle. “I always identify the 20% of tasks that create 80% of results. Focusing on what truly matters makes everything else fall into place,” he explained.
Some semesters, he registered for seven or eight courses, starting at 6 a.m. and studying until midnight. The workload was overwhelming, but instead of giving up, Loc chose to “rest to move forward.” When exhaustion hit, he stepped onto the balcony, took deep breaths, listened to music, and returned to his desk with renewed energy. “Every problem, every line of code is like a small mountain — once you conquer one, you become stronger,” he shared.
When Loc learned he had achieved a perfect GPA, he couldn’t hold back his emotions: “I called my mom immediately. She didn’t say anything — she just cried. My dad said, ‘As long as you’re happy, that’s what matters.’”
At that moment, all the sleepless nights and pressure turned into the sweetest reward for his persistence.
NTTU and NIIE – Where Passion Ignites
Throughout his academic journey, Loc often highlighted the pivotal role of NTTU and NIIE lecturers. “Without my teachers, I wouldn’t have come this far,” he said.
He fondly mentioned Ms. Nguyen Le Thanh Truc, who inspired his passion for research; Mr. Huynh Huu Nghiem and Ms. Pauline M. De Jesus Joan, who helped him overcome his fear of English; and Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Hai, who introduced him to Time Boxing. He also expressed gratitude to Mr. Mai Van Phuong Vu, Ms. Ma Ngan Giang, and many others who constantly encouraged students to explore and innovate. “At NIIE, we don’t just study theory. Our lecturers treat us like collaborators — we’re free to question, experiment, and even fail. That’s what helped me grow,” Loc shared.
Learning to Grow, Learning to Give Back
Beyond academic excellence, Phan Anh Loc actively engaged in extracurricular and research activities. He was the Champion of NIIE Startup 2023, Third Prize Winner at the 2024 Student Research Awards, and Chapter Lead of the Google Developer Student Club. Loc also interned at Rosenxt and FPT Telecom, contributing to real-world tech projects. “Thanks to NIIE’s practical learning approach, I always felt ready for a professional environment,” he said.
Those experiences honed his problem-solving mindset, teamwork, and creativity — all vital skills for today’s workforce.
Early graduation didn’t mark the end of his journey. Loc now aims to pursue a Master’s in Artificial Intelligence (AI), focusing on intelligent recommendation systems and graph theory, fields he has been passionate about since his undergraduate years. “My interest isn’t just in coding,” he explained, “but in exploring data and building real-world applications that make life more efficient.”
Looking ahead, Loc dreams of returning to NTTU as a mentor and lecturer, guiding and inspiring future students. “I want to share the belief that with enough effort, anyone can achieve great things,” he said, eyes bright with determination.
Having received so much guidance from his mentors, Loc hopes to carry that spirit forward: “When students are guided and encouraged the right way, they can discover their own strengths — whether in programming, AI, or data science. I want to help them build effective study methods, career roadmaps, and time-management skills.”
For Loc, sharing knowledge isn’t just a responsibility — it’s a way to give back to those who shaped his journey: his teachers, his friends, and NTTU – NTT Institute of International Education (NIIE), where he matured, gained confidence, and continues to pursue the path of knowledge.
A Message to the Next Generation
“There’s no magic behind success,” Loc said softly. “As long as you keep moving forward a little each day, you’ll get where you want to be.”
From a boy in Tay Ninh fascinated by an old computer to the first NTTU student to achieve a perfect 4.0 GPA, Phan Anh Loc has proven that willpower, discipline, and an endless thirst for learning can turn dreams into reality. And on that journey, Nguyen Tat Thanh University and the NTT Institute of International Education (NIIE) have been the solid foundation empowering him to launch into a bright future.
