The National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) recently announced the recipients of the 2026 "Doctoral Dissertation Writing Grant for Doctoral Candidates in Humanities and Social Sciences," one of the most competitive and prestigious national academic honors in higher education. Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology (STUST), consistently ranked as the top "corporate favorite" among private universities of technology, achieved another major academic breakthrough. Nguyen Hai Yen (Rosie), a Vietnamese doctoral student from the Ph.D. Program in Business and Management, secured the highly coveted national award along with a grant of NT$480,000. Out of 105 elite recipients nationwide, Rosie is the sole awardee from a private university of technology. This achievement reflects STUST’s strong commitment to doctoral education and research excellence.

【Mentors Lead the Way to Academic Excellence】 Nguyen Hai Yen (center), a Vietnamese doctoral student from the Ph.D. Program in Business and Management at STUST, pictured with her two key advisors: Professor Hung Chung-Wen (right), Vice Dean of the College of Business and GMBA Director, and Professor Lee Cheng-Yu (left), former STUST International Affairs Officer. Under their expert mentorship and strategic guidance, Nguyen successfully broke the public university monopoly to win the prestigious national grant.

Cultivating Industry-Academic Excellence: Mentors Open the Door to Elite Academia

This national grant aims to support doctoral candidates with exceptional research potential in the humanities and social sciences, allowing them to focus entirely on their dissertations and elevate Taiwan's international research competitiveness. Upon receiving the award, Rosie shared her heartfelt gratitude for her academic journey at STUST, emphasizing that the grant is not only a substantial financial support but also the highest validation of her research career in Taiwan.

Rosie expressed her sincere appreciation to the STUST faculty and administration for their professional support throughout the application process, enabling her to fully focus on her research. She also credited her success to her two esteemed advisors. Professor Hung Chung-Wen, Vice Dean of the College of Business and Director of the GMBA Program, provided precise strategic guidance and a steady vote of confidence at critical milestones. Meanwhile, Professor Lee Cheng-Yu—former STUST International Affairs Director and current Director of the Department of Technology Management at National Chiayi University—guided her step-by-step from day one of her Ph.D. journey, helping her refine her research concepts and polish her proposal.

【Shining the Light of STUST: The Sole Private Tech University Awardee】 Nguyen Hai Yen (Rosie) pictured on the STUST campus after winning the 2026 NSTC Doctoral Dissertation Grant of NT$480,000. Standing out with her exceptional research capabilities and rigorous training, she became the only recipient from a private university of technology among 105 elite awardees nationwide, showcasing STUST's strength in nurturing top-tier global research talent.

A Heartwarming Story of Inspiration: Encouraging Young Scholars to Pursue Their Dreams

Behind Rosie’s achievement is a story of encouragement and support. She expressed her sincere gratitude to her husband, Le Quang Anh, an STUST doctoral alumnus and previous recipient of the same NSTC doctoral dissertation writing grant. Rosie shared, “When I was filled with self-doubt and hesitation, my husband reminded me that great opportunities come to those who dare to try, even just once.” She hopes her journey will inspire fellow STUST students to pursue their academic dreams with courage and confidence.

【A Heartwarming Academic Legacy: The Strongest Support System】 Nguyen Hai Yen pictured with her husband, Le Quang Anh, both of whom are outstanding Vietnamese doctoral scholars from STUST. Le, a distinguished alumnus, is also a former recipient of the same NSTC grant. Their back-to-back success in winning this top national academic award has become an inspiring tale in higher education, exemplifying the "never give up" ethos of the "Team STUST" spirit.

Global Connections & Academic Leadership: Nurturing International Research Talents

STUST stated that Rosie’s achievement reflects the university’s commitment to “Global Connections and Academic Leadership.” Through international resources, innovative education, and a global research environment, STUST continues to nurture high-level talents capable of contributing to the international academic community. The university congratulates Rosie and encourages all graduate students to pursue impactful research with the spirit of “Team STUST” and continue making meaningful contributions worldwide.