Nguyen Dac Hieu, a 28‑year‑old biologist, left a promising career abroad to become a teacher at Lam Son High School for the Gifted in Thanh Hoa. His story shows how one person’s decision can influence a whole generation of students.

In 2016 Hieu won a bronze medal at the International Biology Olympiad. He earned a full scholarship to study Biotechnology at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, which the 2026 QS Asia ranking placed ninth.

He also helped Vietnamese students overseas as a founding member of the Vietnamese Students’ Association in Hong Kong, serving as its president from 2023 to 2025. This role gave him insight into the challenges Vietnamese youth face when studying abroad.

In 2023 Hieu returned to Vietnam to teach specialized biology classes at Lam Son High School for the Gifted, becoming the school’s first alumnus Olympiad medalist to do so. The school’s administration hopes his presence will raise the quality of training for gifted students, revive international Olympiad achievements, and attract other outstanding alumni.

Hieu’s choice illustrates that diaspora talent can bring global knowledge back home, raising teaching standards and inspiring young scientists. When successful professionals return, they create a ripple effect that benefits schools and the wider community.