Overcoming adversity and achieving academic milestone at Tra Vinh University
In a remarkable display of perseverance and dedication to lifelong learning, 73-year-old Doan Hoang Hai, a disabled war veteran, has recently been awarded his Ph.D. from Tra Vinh University. His achievement stands out among the 7 new doctoral graduates and 408 master’s degree recipients at the university’s recent graduation ceremony.
A life dedicated to service and learning
Born in 1951 in BenTre province, Dr. Hai is currently serving as:
- Deputy Standing Head of the Ben Tre Compatriots Liaison Committee in Ho Chi Minh City
- Deputy Head of the Resistance Tradition Club for Information and Postal Communication, Central Office for South Vietnam
- Member of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Ben Tre Province for the 2024-2029 term
Despite being a Category 2/4 disabled veteran, Dr. Hai pursued his doctoral studies in Business Administration at Tra Vinh University. His dissertation, “Factors Affecting Human Resource Development in Enterprises: The Case of Ho Chi Minh City Telecommunications,” was successfully defended under the guidance of Dr. Nguyen Van Tan and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Nguyen.
Returning to Tra Vinh: a full circle journey
Dr. Hai’s connection to Tra Vinh dates back over 50 years, to when he was stationed in the Duyen Hai district during the war. His support from residents during that challenging time left a lasting impression, motivating him to return to Tra Vinh for his doctoral studies more than five decades later.
“Lifelong learning is following in Uncle Ho’s footsteps,” Dr. Hai explains, emphasizing the importance of continuous self-improvement and setting an example for younger generations. He proudly notes that several of his children and grandchildren are pursuing or have completed advanced degrees.
Overcoming challenges
Dr. Hai acknowledges that age and health were significant obstacles during his studies. “At this age, health limitations and mobility issues can be challenging,” he says. “However, with support from my family and guidance from my professors, I was able to complete my dissertation within the prescribed time.”
Focusing on telecommunications human resources
Dr. Hai’s research stems from his long telecommunications career and observations of the industry’s evolving human resource needs. “As we enter the era of Industry 4.0, digital government, and digital society, the IT and telecommunications sectors face both challenges and opportunities,” he explains. His research aims to provide valuable insights for businesses to develop and effectively utilize their human resources per current trends.
Following his doctoral achievement, Dr. Hai plans to maintain his health to continue learning and contributing research to society; contribute to publishing a geographical record of Can Tho City’s postal and telecommunications history; write and publish books on leadership ethics and business management standards; continue teaching entrepreneurship and digital business courses at universities.
Dr. Doan Hoang Hai’s journey from war veteran to septuagenarian Ph.D. holder serves as an inspiring example of the power of lifelong learning and determination. His story highlights that it’s never too late to pursue education and contribute to society, embodying the spirit of continuous self-improvement championed by Ho Chi Minh.
By TD
ĐL-MN
