Dr. Nguyen Dinh Uyen, engineer at NASA, brings technology to Vietnamese farmers.

On the occasion of the celebrations in Ho Chi Minh City for the 50th anniversary of the liberation of South Vietnam and the reunification of the country, Dr. Nguyen Dinh Uyen, master of conferences at the Faculty of Electronics and Telecommunications of the International University of the National University of Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City, was one of the nine honored educators for their significant contributions.

After many years working at NASA, the American space agency, he surprised many in 2008 when he decided to return to Vietnam to teach and pursue a career in applying technology to agriculture.

Dr. Nguyen Dinh Uyen at the Microwave Laboratory of the Department of Electronics and Telecommunications of the International University of the National University of Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: VOH.

The hallmark of his mission is to adapt technology to the needs of Vietnamese farmers.

Upon his return, Dr. Nguyen Dinh Uyen chose to work at the International University of the National University of Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City to teach and conduct research in the field of electronics and telecommunications.

One of his most remarkable approaches is to link academic research to practical applications. Instead of sticking to the classroom, he actively seeks collaboration models to integrate student research topics into experimental environments.

Observing the lack of advanced technologies in the country’s agriculture, he embarked on a project to bring modern technologies to farmers in the Quang Trung software park.

Initially, the task proved challenging as automated systems, even with locally adapted software to reduce costs, remained unaffordable for most manufacturers. This failure marked a turning point in his thinking: instead of imposing existing models, he focused on research and development to create tailor-made technological solutions, suited to the specific economic needs and requirements of each unit.

One of Dr. Uyen’s most notable achievements is his mastery of microwave drying technology. Despite initial limited experiments, once finalized and implemented, this system proved exceptionally efficient for drying shrimp and dried shrimp paste, with unique and unprecedented characteristics. Additionally, he successfully solved a problem for seed export companies by eliminating parasitic fungi while preserving the viability of seeds worth up to $40,000 per kilogram.

Dr. Uyen’s creativity is also evident in his approach to “democratize” modern drone technology. In banana plantations spanning up to 1,000 hectares in Ba Ria – Vung Tau, he used sensors on drones to accurately detect the exact location of plants suffering from water scarcity due to clogged drip irrigation systems – a task previously challenging for farmers.

Furthermore, he flexibly applied spectroscopic technology to help companies identify counterfeit alcohol, fake fertilizers, or distinguish real from fake medicinal herbs such as Centella asiatica, bringing transparency to the market.

From a mobile ice cream vender to an inspiring doctor for the young generation.

Dr. Nguyen Dinh Uyen’s childhood was marked by the difficult years following the liberation, while the economic situation remained precarious. At seven years old, when he had just entered primary school, he had to sell ice cream in the evenings to help his family. He had little time to study, but each year, he ranked among the top ten students in his class.

Life became increasingly difficult. At 14, his mother took him and his younger sister out of Vietnam. The days spent in the refugee camp were a formative period where education remained the top priority.

“During my stay at the refugee camp, while others sat or played, my mother made me attend courses within the camp, including English classes.”

Upon arriving in the United States, he worked various jobs to finance his studies and took out a bank loan to cover his expenses. It took him over ten years to repay this debt. From high school to university, through a master’s and a doctorate, each stage was marked by the acquisition of knowledge through his personal efforts.

In 2008, after working in the field of science and technology in the United States, he decided to return to Vietnam, a choice that surprised many. This intention had germinated earlier when he participated in the Vietnam Education Foundation (VEF) program, where he taught Vietnamese students in short courses.

However, according to his confession, the desire to return had actually lingered for a long time.

“Honestly, at that time, going back home was just a secret dream. Family, work, stability – everything held me back.”

At the International University of the National University of Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City, he mentored and guided many generations of students, helping over 20 of them secure scholarships to study abroad. Besides teaching, he actively connects students with international professors and researchers, providing Vietnamese students with the opportunity to access an international academic environment.

Apart from his teaching work, he is also involved in several community support activities. He works with a group of overseas Vietnamese on bridge construction, makes solar lamps for lighting remote areas, and conducts research on equipment to support production, such as electrical systems adapted to dragon fruit cultivation.

In the lecture hall, he not only imparts his knowledge but also inspires the young generation. During his many exchanges with students, he always encouraged them to apply for scholarships to study abroad, to acquire valuable knowledge that they could later use to serve the country and contribute to its technological development, continuing the commitment he had always had at heart.

Source: KhoaHocDoiSong