Student chosen by Fields Medalist Ngo Bao Chau for top scholarship sees math as foundation of science

A university freshman majoring in mathematics who discovered her passion for the subject in high school has impressed Ngo Bao Chau, Vietnam's only Fields Medal recipient, enough to be awarded the country's top math scholarship. Phan Hai An is one of nine students in the inaugural cohort to receive the Sigma Gold scholarship. She secured the award after passing a rigorous interview with Chau and his colleagues.An is attending the Honors Bachelor's Program in Mathematics at the University of Science, under Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City.The scholarship is funded by the Vietnam Institute for Advanced Study in Mathematics (VIASM), where Chau serves as Scientific Director. Phan Hai An, one of the recipients of the 2026 Sigma Gold Mathematics Scholarship. Photo courtesy of An Granting a full tuition waiver and a monthly living allowance of VND15 million (US$583), the Sigma Gold is currently the highest-value scholarship available to mathematics students in Vietnam."My hands were shaking when I received the acceptance result. I couldn't believe it," An said.Considering her personal academic achievements modest, and knowing the scholarship offered a maximum of 10 spots selected directly by Chau, An initially had little expectation.She decided to apply after learning that candidates were required to write an essay on their favorite mathematical topic or theorem.She submitted a four-page essay drawn on her interest in the applications of generating functions to counting problems and combinatorial expressions.Her application also highlighted several national academic awards and gold medals from domestic mathematics Olympiads.After passing the initial screening, An entered a 20-minute hybrid interview with a panel of mathematicians. Professor Chau led the questioning, asking why she wanted to pursue mathematics, how teaching methods differed between high school and university, and delving into technical inquiries about generating functions and their applications.An explained her idea of viewing generating functions as stages in a counting problem, providing an intuitive way to represent mathematical challenges. She noted that using visual representations to understand abstract concepts is her preferred approach to learning the subject.The nine inaugural Sigma Gold recipients include eight first-year students enrolled in talented mathematics bachelor's programs at the University of Science under the national universities in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.The ninth recipient attends the Hanoi National University of Education.Four of the recipients previously won medals at the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO).An described her path to mathematics as a natural progression, akin to "water flowing downstream." Encouraged by secondary school teachers, she applied to the mathematics-specialized class at Luong The Vinh High School for the Gifted in Dong Nai. She participated in various mathematics competitions, building on her strengths."It was not until 11th grade that I felt mathematics was truly part of who I am and decided to pursue it long-term," she said.She noted that mathematics has fundamentally changed her way of thinking and shaped her approach to problem-solving. When facing challenges in her studies or daily life, she tries to identify their root causes rather than "just looking at the surface." Phan Hai An (R) during her interview with mathematicians and Professor Ngo Bao Chau, conducted in person and online, for the Sigma Gold Scholarship. Photo courtesy of An An spent considerable time persuading her parents to let her major in mathematics. They preferred she choose teacher training for greater career stability over a field they considered "relatively broad and uncertain."An, however, views mathematics as the absolute foundation of science and technology. As artificial intelligence transforms industries globally, she believes studying math provides a critical base for future research or applied work."The scholarship is a tremendous encouragement and gives me greater confidence in my choice," she said.An aims to maintain strong academic performance while participating in research programs, seminars, and conferences to broaden her knowledge. She hopes to secure a scholarship for a master's or doctoral degree abroad.