S’tiêng student graduates with distinction from IUH, dreaming of becoming a university lecturer 20-10-2025

Graduating one semester early with outstanding academic performance from the Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City (IUH), Điểu Thanh Sang, a S’tiêng ethnic minority student, stands as a living testament to perseverance and the will to rise through education.

Born into a farming family in Lộc Ninh border area (Lộc Hưng, Đồng Nai province), Sang grew up in hardship, watching his parents labor tirelessly to make ends meet. Overcoming prejudice and obstacles of his rural background, he pursued education with determination — continuing the unfinished dream of his father, who sacrificed quietly for his children’s future.

“I can’t read or write, but you must study to know, so you won’t suffer like me.”

Those simple words from his father became Sang’s lifelong guiding principle.

In a family of four, Sang grew up witnessing his parents’ hard work in the red-soil fields. The image of his father’s calloused, sun-darkened hands plowing the land to earn money for his children’s schooling remains deeply etched in his memory.

Both Sang and his sister studied diligently and were admitted to the Binh Phuoc Ethnic Minority Boarding High School, a state-run institution dedicated to educating ethnic minority youth. There, Sang’s dream of learning and giving back was further nurtured.

After graduating from high school, Sang had to delay his university dreams to help his family. Yet through perseverance, he was accepted into Land Management major at the Institute of Environmental Science, Engineering and Management (IUH).

In 2021, Sang began his university journey, armed with nothing but determination and hope. He actively sought out scholarship opportunities, from academic awards to corporate sponsorships, to support his studies financially.

Over four years, he consistently achieved excellent student distinctions, earning IUH merit scholarships and an HTV Television Scholarship. Alongside studying, he tutored fellow students in Advanced Mathematics, Topography, and Land Law to supplement his income.

Beyond academics, Sang was actively involved in volunteer initiatives such as “Golden Moon Sharing”, “Spring Volunteer Campaign”, “Green Summer”, and “Exam Season Support”. These experiences strengthened his teamwork, communication, and leadership skills, nurturing a sense of responsibility and empathy. Through his continuous efforts, Sang was honored as an IUH “Five-Good Student” and an Outstanding Student Following Uncle Ho’s Teachings, well-deserved recognition for his relentless perseverance.

During his studies, Sang participated in multiple field research projects, notably a field trip to the Can Gio Biosphere Reserve, where he joined environmental officers to collect soil samples for analysis in the lab.

In his third year, Sang interned at the Land Registration Office – Lộc Ninh Branch, assisting in land certification and administrative procedures.

“The knowledge I gained at IUH came alive through these real-world applications — an invaluable experience,” Sang shared.

In his final year, Sang was honored to be recommended by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lê Hùng Anh – Dean of the Institute of Science, Technology and Environmental Management to join an internship program in Germany — a once-distant dream that became reality.

Điểu Thanh Sang - sinh viên IUH người dân tộc S’tiêng xúc động nói: “Được đến Tòa thị chính Hamburg là điều mà trước đây em chỉ dám mơ ước”. Ảnh: NVCC

Despite initial challenges with language and culture, Sang quickly adapted, embracing the professional, disciplined, and creative work environment. The internship enhanced his expertise, independent thinking, and intercultural communication skills.

Sang is now working at the Lộc Ninh Branch of the Dong Nai Provincial Land Registration Office, dedicated to assisting citizens with land administrative procedures while gaining practical experience toward his greater goal:

“One day, I hope to return to IUH to pursue my master’s and doctoral studies, becoming a university lecturer — fulfilling not only my own dream but also my parents’ unfinished dream of education.”