Nguyen-Nghia Do (Steven) and Nguyen Thi Bich Ly (Ly), both from Vietnam, obtained Bachelor degrees from top Vietnamese universities and scholarships for higher education programs at Taiwan Tech during their studies. Ly completed her Master's at Taiwan Tech, while Nghia earned both his Master's and Ph.D. After graduating, Ly worked in Taipei for 5 years, handling market development in South East Asian countries, before moving to Trend Power Technology – Simplo Group in Hsinchu.
Nghia, meanwhile, served as a visiting researcher at the  Institute for Power Electronics and Electrical Drives, RWTH Aachen in Germany before returning to Taiwan to work for PowerX Semiconductor Corp. Currently both have chosen to build their careers in Taiwan. Aside from their professional achievements, they’ve embraced life in Taiwan through their involvement in local activities, including volunteering with the Red Cross, participating in hiking and triathlons, and even founding a running club. Their passion for their careers and integrating into Taiwan’s society and culture is truly an inspiring part of their journey. 

Educational Background and Motivation for Studying in Taiwan 
Ly: I studied International Economic Relations in Ho Chi Minh City and worked for 2.5 years at two Taiwanese companies, where I learned about Taiwan’s culture and economy. I was impressed by how such a small island has such a tremendous economy. When I decided to pursue a master’s degree, Taiwan stood out for its scholarships and opportunities. With my background in Economics and Supply Chain Management, I chose Industrial Management, and Taiwan Tech, being the top school in this field, was my first choice. I graduated in 2018 and have been working in Taiwan since then. 
Nghia: I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Electronic and Computer Engineering, and I’ve been passionate about applying that knowledge to real-world technology, especially in the electronics and automotive industry. I’d only been working for a quite short time within the sector where I realized I wanted to keep on developing my skills in a place known for cutting-edge advancements in electronics. Taiwan’s reputation in electronic engineering and NTUST’s strong focus on technology and innovation really drew me in. I knew that studying here would bring me into contact with top-tier resources and the opportunity to learn from some of the best minds in the field. It was the perfect environment to bridge my background with the hands-on expertise needed in today’s fast-evolving industries, especially as technology continues to transform the automobile world.
 

Adapting to Life and Study in Taiwan
Ly: Taiwan and Vietnam share many cultural similarities, especially with Chinese traditions like the Lunar New Year, so adapting to Taiwan’s culture wasn’t too difficult. The biggest challenge was the language. Fortunately, Taiwan Tech is very international, and many Taiwanese students speak English, so communication within the university wasn’t an issue. Outside of school, however, I needed to improve my Chinese to better interact with locals. Before coming, I had limited Chinese skills, but after taking some beginner classes and being immersed in Taiwan’s Chinese-speaking environment, I improved quickly. Now, most of my work communication is in Chinese, which has helped me continue to develop my language skills.
Nghia: Indeed, language is the main obstacle for those living abroad. But the international environment at Taiwan Tech made it easier to communicate. Adapting to life outside the university and improving my Chinese to connect with locals was key to overcoming cultural differences. 

 
On Mt Jade, Taiwan's highest peak, with Taiwanese friends

Memorable Experiences at Taiwan Tech 
Ly: Taiwan Tech gave me so many memorable experiences. When I first arrived, the Office of International Affairs (OIA) organized a big welcome party for international students. We played games, danced, and connected with people from all over the world—it was a great first impression of the support Taiwan Tech provides. I also loved the free evening Chinese classes, which motivated me to improve my language skills. Studying alongside students from diverse backgrounds—Taiwanese, Indonesians, Europeans, and Africans—taught me different working styles, mindsets, and cultures. Taiwan Tech’s strong ties with enterprises were another highlight. I joined a CTCI Foundation activity where we visited a major enterprise, which gave me insight into Taiwan’s job market and inspired me to stay here. On top of that, the Vietnamese Student Association, with support from OIA and professors, was a great resource. It’s been around for 14 years, and it connects us not just with fellow Vietnamese students but also with other groups, like the Indonesian and Indian associations. These experiences really made Taiwan Tech a second home. 
 

Nghia and Ly joined the "Taiwan Tech Cycling Around Taiwan" event in 2024

Nghia: In addition to my regular coursework and lab work, I often engaged in various sports and activities organized by the Vietnamese Student Association and OIA, which added a vibrant dimension to my academic life at NTUST. These activities not only helped me overcome homesickness from being far away from home in the very early days in the new land but also acts as a much-needed outlet to relieve stress and even sparked new ideas for my research. It was a great balance of study and life.

 Ly and Nghia with Taiwan Tech president  Jia-Yush YEN at the annual Taiwan Tech Road Running event
 

Career Path and Professional Growth 
Ly: After finishing my thesis at Taiwan Tech, it took me about 2-3 months to secure my first job in Taiwan. I was initially uncertain whether to stay in Taiwan or return to Vietnam, where many Taiwanese companies offer good opportunities. However, I ultimately decided to stay and gain real-world business experience in Taiwan. My first job was with Tai & Chyun, a company I connected with through the Vietnam Culture Festival at Taiwan Tech. This connection, thanks to Taiwan Tech’s strong ties with enterprises, was key to launching my career. In my role in international sales, I was responsible for the Vietnam market, which involved frequent business trips and hands-on business development experience. After that, I moved to Silicon Power in the ICT sector, where I deepened my understanding of Taiwan's role in the global IT market. Now, I’m with Trend Power Technology, focusing on business development for lithium batteries used in data centers and forklifts. Looking back, I see how much I’ve grown throughout this journey. I’ve learned that every step—whether big or small—offers valuable lessons. When you embrace each experience as a learning journey, it all becomes rewarding. 
 

Ly and her colleagues of Tai & Chyun on an onsite visit

Nghia: My time at Taiwan Tech instilled in me a mindset of continuous learning and improvement, which has been very helpful in shaping my career. During my Master’s and PhD programs, I had the opportunity to collaborate on industry projects, applying theoretical knowledge to solve real-world problems. Not only did this improve my research skills, but it also exposed me to modern analysis techniques in my field, preparing me for the demands of professional work. 
I’m now in the R&D department at PowerX Semiconductor, focusing on designing and developing silicon carbide (SiC) power modules for electric vehicles. Within just a single year, our team successfully released three prototype designs of power semiconductor modules. These designs underwent extensive optimization and verification processes, highlighting our dedication to innovation and teamwork. It’s been really rewarding to see these prototypes progress from initial concepts to tangible outcomes, and it motivates me to continue contributing towards advancements in this field. 
 

PowerX Semiconductor's Year-end ceremony 2023. Nghia and his team received the Best Team Award for their achievements throughout the year.

Stay Curious, Seek Growth, and Connect with the Community 
Ly: For international students considering studying in Taiwan, my advice would be to figure out your goals early—what you want to achieve during your time at Taiwan Tech and beyond. If you're thinking about working in Taiwan after graduation, studying Chinese is key, especially if you’re in the School of Management. It’s an invaluable asset for both personal and professional interactions. But it’s not just about academics—Taiwan Tech offers great opportunities for growth outside of the classroom, from using the campus facilities for studying and sports to engaging in extracurricular activities and events. These activities, like visits to local companies, provide real-world insights that you can't get from textbooks. In addition to academics, make sure to find your community. The Vietnamese Student Association, for example, played a big role in my journey and led me to meet my husband on my first day here. Getting involved in organizations is a fantastic way to meet new people, build a support network, and integrate into Taiwan’s society. Taiwan is a beautiful country, so don’t forget to take time to travel and enjoy all it has to offer. 

From the very beginning, Nghia and Ly have participated and actively engaged in activies organized by the NTUST Vietnamese Student Association 
 

Nghia: My advice would be to embrace every learning chance and stay curious throughout your journey. Academic achievements matter, sure, but valuable knowledge is to be gained more from projects, internships, and the interactions you share with your peers and professors. Feel free to query anything or receive assistance when you need it—there are always people on hand to aid you, and it’s okay to take things one step at a time. Challenges are part of the process, and they help you grow. And, I also recommend seeking out internships or part-time jobs that align with your career goals—these provide valuable professional experience and enhance your skillsets. It’s about finding a balance between academics, career, and social life. In fact, Taiwan Tech provides many English-taught courses and has a high employability rate for graduates, so focus on your long-term goals, build your network, and make the most of the resources available to you there. Leveraging professional platforms like LinkedIn is essential. In my case, PowerX and headhunters discovered me through LinkedIn, and this indicates just how powerful it is for building your professional presence. It’s also an excellent resource for staying updated on the latest trends in your field. Other platforms like 104 and 1111, as well as attending job fairs, are also excellent ways to explore opportunities for your career growths.

 Ly and Nghia finished their first 113k triathlon in Taitung (2023)

But beyond your studies and work, don’t forget to integrate into local community. Take the time to understand Taiwanese culture and society, as integration into the environment can foster a deeper sense of belonging and a smoother transition into working life. Personally, my involvement with the Red Cross Society has been quite fulfilling. We’ve organized campaigns to raise public awareness about water life-saving skills and provided free swimming courses. Engaging in such activities can give back to the community and enrich your life here.


Ly and Nghia regularly participate in training activities for coaches, offered by the Taiwan Red Cross Society