[FAIE] PhD Nguyen Van Tan: Robocon – An Important Part of My Life

The Robocon Competition – those two words have become an indispensable part of my life and of Lac Hong University. Looking back at the early days when I first supported the competing teams, the feelings of nervousness and excitement remain as vivid as if they were yesterday. I may hold a PhD, but do not assume that I am always “serious”! Once stepping into the world of Robocon, I become a true “logistics warrior,” full of optimism and energy.

The Robocon Competition is not only a stage for intelligent robots to compete, but also a gathering place for creative and enthusiastic students. Each year, my colleagues and I set out in advance to survey locations, arrange accommodation and meals, and rent practice venues for the teams. Do you know that this seemingly “simple” task has turned me into an accidental travel expert? I have traveled to many places such as Da Nang, Can Tho, Ho Chi Minh City, Ninh Binh, Vinh Phuc, and more. Sometimes, I joke that if I were not a PhD, I might have opened a travel company specializing in “hunting deals” for affordable accommodation during major competitions.

I still remember the times we faced “bittersweet” situations. On one occasion, at 1:30 a.m., a team from another university secretly brought their robots into the official competition arena to practice (the Organizing Committee’s regulations did not permit trial runs in the official arena). Lac Hong students discovered it. A rather civilized verbal exchange ensued among the young participants. However, what was inevitable happened—I reported the matter to the Management Board, and the security guard was reassigned. Since then, the three of us (myself, the Director, and the security guard) have remained close friends to this day. Every time we meet, we recount this story, bringing laughter to everyone.

PhD Nguyen Van Tan
Head of The Faculty of Administration International Economics
Senior Advisor to the Robocon Delegation

With optimism, joy, and unwavering creativity, I believe Robocon will continue to be the “flame” inspiring generations of Lac Hong University students to conquer new challenges. And I, “logistics officer” Nguyen Van Tan, will always be ready to accompany you—continuing to arrange accommodation, meals, practice venues… and of course, to “hunt” affordable room deals as well. See you at the next Robocon competitions!

This year is a special milestone, marking 20 years of Lac Hong University’s participation in the Robocon Competition. Twenty years may not be a very long journey, but it is long enough for us to feel deeply connected to this competition. Generations of students have grown through Robocon, carrying with them the spirit of creativity and the aspiration to conquer new heights. As for me, although I am merely a “logistics officer,” I am always proud to have made a small contribution to that journey.

It is thanks to Robocon that I have had the opportunity to work with talented young individuals, to witness tireless efforts, triumphant smiles, and even tears of defeat. Yet all of these have been invaluable experiences, enriching both my life and my career.