Young engineer and the journey to realize the dream of digital agriculture

Not intending to pursue a career in high-tech agriculture , but with his love and passion, engineer Nguyen Quoc Thanh, Department of Crop Technology Support, High-tech Agricultural Business Incubation Center (under the Management Board of the High-tech Agricultural Zone of Ho Chi Minh City) has affirmed his capacity through a series of creative topics, effectively applied in practice. He is one of 51 typical faces honored as "Excellent Young Worker" nationwide for the 15th time, in 2025.

Sharing about his journey of establishing himself and his career, Mr. Nguyen Quoc Thanh said that he chose Biotechnology by chance. However, the more he studied, engaged and experienced in reality, the more he was attracted to this field. With the desire to understand more deeply about crops and modern farming processes, he decided to continue studying for a Master's degree in Plant Science , using it as a professional foundation to develop a career in the field of high-tech agriculture.

Mr. Nguyen Quoc Thanh and his research team at the recirculating hydroponic lettuce production model. (Photo: VNA)

As a student, with a spirit of eagerness to learn and always ready to challenge himself, Mr. Thanh was accepted to do an internship at the High-Tech Agricultural Zone. During this time, he had the opportunity to visit and learn about agricultural models applying modern technology, thereby nurturing his dream of pursuing a path of research and development of sustainable agriculture.

That dream came true when, after completing his Master's program, he was recruited to the High-Tech Agricultural Business Incubation Center, where he was able to maximize his professional knowledge, unleash his creativity and apply theory to practice.

During 5 years of working, although sometimes facing pressure and difficulties, especially in the process of leading scientific research topics, engineer Nguyen Quoc Thanh always persevered to overcome, taking challenges as motivation to improve his capacity, accumulate experience and perfect himself.

Thanks to his enthusiasm and desire to spread the value from research into practice, he has completed many highly applicable topics such as: "Model of sensor system application in recirculating hydroponic lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) production," "Techniques for cultivating potted lisianthus," "Process of processing soluble Codonopsis pilosula powder by spray drying method," "Process of growing Dendrobium orchid from tissue cultured seedlings at the seedling stage"...

The topic that he is most passionate about is the city-level initiative: "Testing a model of applying a sensor system in the production of recirculating hydroponic lettuce." According to engineer Nguyen Quoc Thanh, the model has been widely applied, but it still largely depends on manual farming experience, lacking a comprehensive automation solution.

Based on that reality, the research team proposed applying IoT technology in production, integrating sensors to measure pH, EC, temperature, humidity and light to optimally control the growing environment, improving the productivity and quality of lettuce.

Despite many difficulties in accessing new technology fields, with the determination and close coordination of the research team, the project was completed and successfully transferred for application at Vhfarm Agricultural Company Limited. The model has contributed to saving labor, improving production efficiency and is an important step in promoting high-tech agriculture in Ho Chi Minh City.

After five years of continuous dedication, the former Master has grown up, become stronger, and determined to pursue his passion to the end, contributing to the development of high-tech agriculture. Mr. Nguyen Quoc Thanh has received many awards such as: "Nguyen Van Troi" Award in 2024, "Excellent Young Worker" at the Block level in 2024 of Ho Chi Minh City, most notably the 15th National "Excellent Young Worker" Award in 2025.

Mr. Nguyen Quoc Thanh expressed: “This is the result of continuous efforts over the past time. For me, the award is not only a personal achievement but also a reminder of social responsibility.

I will continue to learn, innovate, and contribute to spreading the spirit of the award to young people, especially union members and young workers, together realizing the aspiration to develop the country in the digital age"./.

(Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/ky-su-tre-va-hanh-trinh-hien-thuc-hoa-giac-mo-nong-nghiep-so-post1043086.vnp