The "seed sower"

In the IT class of Lao Cai High School for the Gifted, the sound of typing and the passionate exchange of both teachers and students resound. A “digital space” is being built not only by knowledge but also by the passion for creativity and the desire to conquer the peak of many students. The person who sowed the seeds for that desire is Meritorious Teacher Mai Hong Kien.

For many students, Informatics used to be a difficult subject to approach, but under the guidance of Mr. Kien, this subject has become a creative journey: training thinking, problem solving, discovery and creation. From this small class, many scientific projects and useful technological products have been born, bringing students in the mountainous border area of ​​Lao Cai to reach domestic and international awards.

The journey of education reform in Vietnam is a testament to the power of strategic decisions. Resolution 29-NQ/TW in 2013 of the Central Executive Committee laid the foundation for "fundamental and comprehensive innovation in education and training", towards industrialization, modernization and international integration. After more than a decade of implementation, Conclusion 91-KL/TW in 2024 of the Politburo continues to affirm the sustainable value of Resolution 29, while requiring the promotion of reform in the context of the 4.0 industrial revolution and globalization. In particular, Resolution 57-NQ/TW in 2024 of the Politburo has added new impetus, considering science, technology, innovation and national digital transformation as breakthroughs, opening up a space for strong development for education. The resonance of these three documents has created conditions for Vietnamese education, whether in the plains or remote mountainous areas, to be able to proudly sing the "elegant song of digital integration".

Born and raised in the mountains, he soon realized the disadvantages of students in the highlands. In 2008, when he returned to teach at Lao Cai High School for the Gifted, Mr. Kien nurtured the aspiration to turn the subject of Information Technology - which is often considered boring - into a key to open the door to the future for students. Following the spirit of Resolution 29-NQ/TW in 2013 of the Central Executive Committee , Mr. Kien always kept in mind to put students at the center, encourage research, and promote creativity. For him, the resolution is not only a macro direction, but also a compass for daily action.

Instead of teaching in the traditional way, the teacher integrates practical situations: writing software to serve the community, simulating technology solutions for education, healthcare, and production. The virtual classroom software developed by the teacher and students has been deployed at Lao Cai High School for the Gifted and some other localities. Teacher Mai Hong Kien, Head of the IT Department, Lao Cai High School for the Gifted, shared: “ In my opinion, textbook knowledge is just the foundation. More importantly, it is to arouse students' passion and curiosity in each lesson. Therefore, I try to make IT hours a real experience for students.”

“Since the school was founded, Meritorious Teacher Mai Hong Kien is currently the Head of the Department of Information Technology, and has made many important contributions to the profession, building and developing the department. In addition to teaching, he actively participates in scientific research activities, fostering national and international teams of excellent students; guiding students in research to bring home major awards, contributing to enhancing the school's position. The most valuable thing is his patience and innovative spirit when he knows how to turn difficulties into opportunities, helping students access modern knowledge.”

Mr. Ngo Thanh Xuan, Principal of High School Specializing in Lao Cai.

The highlight of Mr. Kien's career is a series of consistent achievements. Lao Cai High School for the Gifted has become a bright spot in Northwest education thanks to the leadership of dedicated teachers, including Mr. Kien. These achievements not only affirm his pedagogical ability, but also demonstrate his practical teaching methods and rare dedication.

Mr. Ly Van Hoang, a Math teacher, shared: “Over the years, Mr. Kien has always maintained a lasting passion for his profession. The students he has trained have continuously won national and international awards. These results reflect his innovative spirit in teaching and his pioneering role in digital transformation. The subject of Information Technology requires continuous integration and updating of trends, and he has led his students along that flow.”

From 2008 to present, Mr. Kien has guided students to win more than 60 national excellent student awards in Information Technology, including: 1 first prize, many second prizes and dozens of third prizes and encouragement prizes.

In class, Mr. Mai Hong Kien inspires a passion for technology; outside of class, he accompanies his students in scientific research and conquers intellectual competitions. From these persistent efforts, 3 students of Lao Cai High School for the Gifted - Tran My Chi, Nguyen Anh Minh and Nguyen Huy Phong - have continuously achieved: First Prize in National Science and Technology, Third Prize in VOAI Artificial Intelligence and Bronze Medal in Asia-Pacific Olympiad in Informatics.

These results go beyond personal glory, becoming vivid evidence of educational innovation associated with the resolution, where teachers and students continue to write the journey of digital integration.

Tran My Chi - Project "Mobile Blood Bank"

In the 2021-2022 school year, at the National Science and Technology Competition, My Chi - a student majoring in Physics at Lao Cai High School for the Gifted - impressed with the software that connects hospitals and blood donors, helping to respond promptly to emergency cases of anemia.

My Chi shared: “At first, I found IT boring, but through Mr. Kien's class, I realized that technology can create practical products for the community. When I saw that software contributed to saving people, I became even more passionate.”

The National First Prize not only brings honor to the school but also concrete evidence for the spirit of Resolution 57 - NQ/TW (2024) on digital transformation to serve life. This achievement affirms that students in mountainous areas can completely use technology to solve social problems - the first "sweet fruit", laying the foundation for further successes.

Two contestants Tran Phong, Tran My Chi and instructor Mai Hong Kien (Lao Cai Province High School for the Gifted) won First Prize in the National Science and Technology Competition.

Nguyen Anh Minh - a pioneer in artificial intelligence

Continuing the research, Mr. Kien's students expanded into the field of artificial intelligence (AI). In 2025, Nguyen Anh Minh - a 12th grade IT student - made history for the school with the Third Prize in the VOAI Artificial Intelligence Competition organized by the Ministry of Education and Training.

Anh Minh shared: “At first, I only knew about AI through the press; Mr. Kien encouraged me to try, opened my mind and helped me believe that students in mountainous areas can also master modern technology.”

Surpassing hundreds of candidates, Anh Minh has affirmed his abilities in a new and challenging field.

Principal Ngo Thanh Xuan commented: “VOAI Third Prize is not only a source of pride for Minh, but also affirms the approach to new technology - the result of Mr. Kien's persistent guidance”. After many months of diligent research, testing and then starting over, Minh reached the finish line, realizing the spirit of Resolution 57 on innovation in education - another "sweet fruit of digital integration" for teachers and students in the highlands.

Nguyen Anh Minh and teacher Mai Hong Kien - teacher of training excellent students in Information Technology at Lao Cai High School for the Gifted.

Nguyen Huy Phong - reaching the continent

Not stopping at artificial intelligence, Mr. Kien's students continue to reap success in many other fields. In the 2024-2025 school year, Nguyen Huy Phong (grade 11 IT major) brought glory to Lao Cai with a Bronze Medal at the Asia-Pacific Informatics Olympiad (APIO 2025) in Uzbekistan - the first medal at the international cultural competition in the history of Lao Cai province students.

Phong recalls: “When I took the exam, I was both nervous and proud. Teacher Kien always told me: 'Consider this an opportunity to express yourself, not a pressure'. His words of encouragement helped me become more confident.”

According to Principal Ngo Thanh Xuan, Phong’s achievements show that students in mountainous areas can completely access and master science and technology. This is also a testament to the method of sowing the passion for scientific research that Mr. Kien pursues.

Phong's success is a "sweet fruit of fate", continuing the journey of innovation and creativity of teachers and students in the highlands, joining the flow of integration.

Nguyen Huy Phong - Bronze Medal of Asia-Pacific Informatics Olympiad (APIO 2025) in Uzbekistan.

Vu Nam Hai - First Prize in National Excellent Student Competition in Information Technology

Vu Nam Hai, a 12th grade student (Lao Cai High School for the Gifted) won first prize in Information Technology in the national excellent student selection exam for the 2023-2024 school year.

Vu Nam Hai, a 12th grade student at Lao Cai High School for the Gifted, won first prize in Information Technology in the national excellent student selection exam for the 2023-2024 school year. He said: "During my time studying with Mr. Mai Hong Kien, what impressed me most was his dedicated guidance and timely attention and encouragement. He helped me become more disciplined, motivated and confident to conquer big goals."

With his dedication to "sowing seeds of destiny" in the border areas of the Fatherland, teacher Kien is always trusted and loved by parents.

Mr. Vu Hong Minh - parent of student Vu Nam Hai - emotionally shared: "My child from a highland student has stepped into the national arena, that is a miracle thanks to the dedication of teacher Kien. Every year, in training programs, he always accompanies the students. The most valuable thing the children receive is not only knowledge, but also the belief in themselves to go far."

The achievements of students in recent years are vivid evidence of the vision of Resolution 29 - NQ/TW (2013) and Conclusion 91 - KL/TW (2024): fundamental and comprehensive innovation, towards integration, helping the young generation of Vietnam to have enough courage to compete internationally. The medals are not only the pride of individuals and schools, but also an important milestone of Lao Cai education, affirming that from the highlands, it is still possible to write a brilliant "digital integration epic".

The initial successes quickly became a strong catalyst, arousing the spirit of learning and research in students of Lao Cai High School for the Gifted. From studying the main curriculum well, students gradually shifted to the mindset of "learning and doing", considering technology as a tool to solve community problems, and considering Information Technology as a creative journey.

The most valuable thing is the innovation in approach; from the belief that “highland students can master modern technology”, many ideas have sprouted and been nurtured by Mr. Mai Hong Kien. The study time does not end in the classroom; in the afternoon and evening, the IT room is still lit up, where teachers and students diligently discuss, experiment, and perfect their products.

Principal Ngo Thanh Xuan said: Over the past years, Mr. Kien and IT students have continuously won many awards at national and international competitions for excellent students, bringing glory to the school and to the Lao Cai Education sector.

According to the school, to achieve this, there are three important factors: early detection and nurturing of gifted students from grade 10; innovative teaching methods, inspiring and training self-study ability; online and direct connection with experts from universities and academies, helping students update trends and confidently participate in international playgrounds.

The extensive research and innovation movement has helped the school continuously have works recognized at many levels, affirming its position as a highland school on the national education map.

This is not a series of isolated achievements, but a concrete step to realize Resolution 57-NQ/TW (2024) on promoting innovation, bringing new technology into education, creating conditions for the young generation to proactively enter the digital age. The successive "sweet fruits" are proof of Mr. Kien's correct orientation and belief in his students' abilities.

The milestones created by Mr. Mai Hong Kien and his students have gone beyond the school, opening up a step forward for the Northwest. From winning national prizes to success in high-tech playgrounds, to winning the first continental medal at an international cultural competition, teachers and students of Lao Cai High School for the Gifted are setting new standards that the region has not reached before.

These results do not come from inherent advantages, but are nurtured by the perseverance and trust teachers have for their students. Mr. Mai Hong Kien affirmed that in scientific research, besides passion, students need to be guided and inspired with ideas. Thanks to that, many projects have been completed, bringing home high awards at the national and international levels.

From the highland classroom to the international arena, the journey of Mr. Kien and his students is not only a series of medals, but also evidence of innovation in mountainous education in particular and Vietnamese education in general. Milestones such as: First Prize of National Science and Technology 2022, Third Prize of AI VOAI 2025, Bronze Medal of APIO 2025 are affirmations that even in the Northwest mountainous region, where conditions are still limited, it is still possible to sing a "Digital Integration Symphony". It is also a symbol of the spread of the country's education in the new era: putting students at the center (Resolution 29), persistent action from the grassroots (Conclusion 91), proactive integration - digital transformation (Resolution 57). The story of Mr. Kien and his students at Lao Cai High School for the Gifted shows that when there is aspiration, dedication and a spirit of innovation, education - no matter where - still opens the door to the future, helping Vietnamese students confidently enter the digital age, standing shoulder to shoulder with international friends.

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/nguoi-geo-hat-so-post880991.html