Hanoi (VNA) - The "Ben Dam Me" (Enduring Passion) Award not only honours individuals but also inspires young people to live meaningfully, pursue their passions with perseverance, and make the most of their youth.
The award recipients share a common trait: relentless dedication to overcoming challenges and creating positive change in their communities.
Rising above challenges
Athlete Nguyen Thi Oanh, Vietnam’s "golden girl" in track and field, embodies this spirit. Her journey began unexpectedly in fourth grade, running for fun and fitness. However, winning gold medals for Vietnam was a long, arduous path. Her struggles included balancing academics with intensive training and overcoming injuries, among many other challenges.
The biggest obstacle came at age 14 when she was diagnosed with nephritis, a debilitating kidney disease that threatened her ability to compete just as she started achieving success.
Oanh recalled that the incident felt like the door slammed shut in front of her. It was an incredibly tough time.
Support from family, friends, and coaches helped her regain strength, return to competition, and stand proudly on the international podium, singing Vietnam’s national anthem.
She said that recently, she has felt even more love and support from the community. “That encouragement keeps us athletes striving forward,” she shared.
Similarly, singer Ha Myo faced hurdles that nearly led her to give up. Modernising Xam, a traditional Vietnamese folk genre, was a difficult and controversial endeavor. Her early works received criticism, adding pressure.
The singer expressed gratitude for persevering through challenges in 2020, acknowledging that this determination allowed her to stand on stage today, receiving the award. She reflected on her journey of blending traditional music with modern elements, bringing it closer to young audiences and international listeners, and establishing herself as a pioneer in this fusion.
Community-driven motivation
Dr. Pham Huy Hieu, a lecturer at VinUni, believed scientific research is an endless journey of perseverance and passion.
He said that science is meaningful only when it applies to real life, improving people’s well-being. “Finding impactful solutions gives us the motivation to persist.”
His dedication has led to multiple patents and publications in international journals. His "AI System for Stroke Risk Prediction and Personalised Blood Pressure Management," developed in collaboration with Vietnam National Heart Institute, uses real-time monitoring to detect abnormalities, issue early warnings, and provide AI-powered health advice.
Dr. Luong Van Thien, a lecturer at the School of Technology – a member of the National Economics University, also aims to benefit society. His project, "ClinLM," leverages large language models (LLMs) to assist doctors in treating cardiovascular and thyroid diseases. Partnering with K Hospital, the project develops an AI assistant for mobile devices, enabling doctors to personalise diagnoses and treatment plans, enhancing both patient care and medical training.
Thien said that his project stems from the desire to reduce the workload and challenges faced by doctors. The AI assistant helps them make informed decisions, generate automated reports, and access updated research efficiently.
For Dr. Ngo Ngoc Hai, a researcher at the Institute of Genome Research under the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, the driving force is environmental conservation. His project assesses climate change’s impact on rare coastal and island reptile species in northern Vietnam. By studying species composition, genetic relationships, and population status, he proposed sustainable biodiversity conservation solutions.
Meanwhile, entrepreneur Nguyen My Linh, director of Hung Linh Company in Tua Chua, Dien Bien, is committed to revitalising the local tea industry and providing sustainable livelihoods for ethnic minorities. Returning to her hometown to start a business, she aims to create an ecosystem where natural forest preservation goes hand in hand with economic development, ensuring long-term prosperity for local communities.
Each of these young leaders exemplifies resilience, proving that enduring passion and community impact are the strongest motivators for meaningful change./.
