Dr. Nguyen Thi Nhu: "I was lucky to choose the right environment to study and research"

Dr. Nguyen Thi Nhu - a PhD student who recently received her PhD in Southeast Asia at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities said that although there were times when she felt tired and even discouraged during her PhD studies, the values ​​she received upon completing the course were truly worth it.

One of the comments of the closed reviewer when evaluating my thesis affirmed that: The research topic is worthy of the stature of a doctoral thesis and the researcher has good systematic thinking, is coherent in approaching and solving problems, and demonstrates the ability to think independently. When reading this comment, I was really happy and clearly realized that it was a step of maturity in scientific research thinking that I achieved during my study and research at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities. The teachers and instructors helped me deeply realize that the purpose of scientific research is to find new things, and to achieve success in research, it is necessary to find the right and appropriate method. In particular, through specific topics of the level of study, through the levels of thesis defense, I clearly understand the importance of critical thinking and systematic thinking when approaching research problems, know how to consult leading experts related to the field I research, filter out necessary and valuable information for research, improve skills in accessing and processing information, and then apply it effectively to the implementation of the thesis. The fact that I received the above assessment of my thesis is the result of that awareness. Later, when I returned to my work, I was very convenient and confident in applying the experiences I had gained to the implementation of another scientific topic, which when completed also received high appreciation from colleagues and the product of the topic was an article on the research field that was published immediately.

The most memorable memory that I can never forget during my thesis was the debate between me and my supervisor, Associate Professor Dr. Do Thu Ha. Teachers often defend their students, but she was quite straightforward and did not hesitate to criticize my shortcomings in my thesis right in front of the Council that I was defending at the grassroots level. The lesson I learned after that debate and criticism was to know how to listen patiently and have critical thinking in all research issues. But she was also the one who enthusiastically and wholeheartedly helped me throughout the thesis process. Thanks to her connection with her students, who were also lecturers of the Faculty of Oriental Studies (University of Social Sciences and Humanities) - Ms. Pham Thi Thanh Huyen - who was then a PhD student at the National University of Singapore (NUS), I could easily go to the library of that school to find documents, or go to some necessary places related to the research issue right in its homeland. This is really meaningful to me because the topic of my thesis is “Multicultural Policy of the Republic of Singapore in the Field of Religion, Language and Education”, I have gained a lot during that field trip. I also received help from many other teachers in the Faculty of Oriental Studies, the teachers are willing to share their experiences, knowledge or difficulties I encountered when writing my thesis. Therefore, after successfully defending my thesis, the first thing I would like to thank is the teachers in the Faculty of Oriental Studies in particular and the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNU in general for creating a really good environment for me to study and research.

There were many difficulties, even days of extreme fatigue and discouragement on the journey of writing the thesis. Looking back on that journey, I really feel lucky because I chose the right environment to study and research at all levels, especially the PhD level. The University of Social Sciences and Humanities is truly a good environment in every aspect for anyone who chooses to study and research.