From factory worker to Google Student Ambassador: Tran Van Hoi’s journey

In the digital era, programs run by global technology corporations like Google are widely regarded as highly competitive platforms. This is not only due to their rigorous selection criteria, but also because they bring together students with outstanding technological capabilities, creative thinking, and a strong ability to share knowledge within the community.

The Google Student Ambassador Program is a global student ambassador network established by Google to connect young talents with strong technological expertise, particularly in fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), software development, and emerging technologies. With its highly selective standards, the program gathers students who not only demonstrate strong technical competence but also possess leadership skills and the ability to inspire and spread knowledge within their communities.

Tran Van Hoi – An AI student selected as Google Student Ambassador 2026

Highly competitive rate: 7,000 applicants for 600 ambassadors

According to program statistics, in the 2026 selection round, more than 7,000 applicants applied, but only 600 students were selected worldwide. This reflects a highly competitive process with multiple rigorous evaluation stages. Candidates are assessed based on their technical expertise, community leadership, and their potential to develop technology-driven activities within the university environment.

Sharing about the selection process, Hoi said “To become a Google Student Ambassador, I had to go through a fairly strict selection process. First, I prepared a portfolio presenting the technology projects I had worked on, my role in those projects, and the practical value they delivered. Next came a practical challenge where we had to directly use AI, specifically Google Gemini to solve problems provided by the program. This round did not only test our knowledge but also evaluated our thinking, application skills, and problem-solving approach. In the interview/online assessment round, the level was even more challenging, as candidates had to answer questions directly from the Google team. These questions aimed to assess thinking, reasoning, and how candidates understand and develop technology-related activities within the student community”.

Benefits of becoming a Google Student Ambassador 2026

A journey driven by passion for technology

Hoi had previously been admitted to a university in Hanoi. However, due to family circumstances at that time, he had to pause his academic dream and chose to work as a factory worker in a production workshop. Three years passed with long shifts and physically demanding but steady work.

Hoi shared “There were evenings when I finished work late, and my dinner was just a quick bowl of instant noodles. At that moment, I asked myself: if I keep living like this, what will my life be like in the next 5 to 10 years?”.

That simple question led him to return to his studies. When deciding where to start again, Hoi chose LHU to dedicate the next four years of his youth. With a dynamic learning environment, a strong focus on technology, and a solid reputation in engineering and technology competitions, LHU became the place where he could restart his journey of pursuing the passion he once had to put aside.

LHU – A place that nurtures technology talent

In recent years, the Faculty of Information Technology at LHU has become a dynamic learning environment for students who are passionate about technology. Here, students can access key fields such as AI, software development, data science, and emerging technology trends in the digital transformation era.

One notable feature of the learning environment at LHU is the close connection between academic study and practical experience. Students not only study in the classroom but also take part in technology projects, as well as programming, robotics, and AI competitions at both national and international levels. In addition, the University has expanded its collaboration with technology companies, creating opportunities for students to gain practical industry experience while they are still studying.

Students gaining practical experience through visits to leading companies in Vietnam

The system of laboratories, creative spaces, and academic activities at LHU is gradually building a learning ecosystem where students are encouraged to experiment, research, and develop ideas. In this environment, lecturers are not only teachers but also mentors who support and inspire students in their journey of exploring technology.

LHU – A launchpad for global journeys and breakthroughs

With a strong focus on integrating academic learning, practical experience, and innovation, LHU is gradually building a learning ecosystem where students are encouraged to explore ideas, engage in technology projects, and explore global trends. In this environment, students are not only studying to graduate but are also equipped with the skills and confidence to join the global technology community.

LHU students actively participating in international academic programs

From this foundation, LHU is becoming a “launchpad” for Vietnamese students on their journey to pursue knowledge and technology. Achievements such as becoming a Google Student Ambassador 2026 highlight that, when studying in an environment that promotes creativity, research, and hands-on experience, students are fully capable of stepping into the global arena.

And perhaps, from such beginnings, stories of “LHU students going global” will no longer be rare, but will become a familiar path in a modern university environment.