Reporter: Hello Khoa and thank you for taking the time for today’s interview. First of all, on behalf of the editorial board of the Hanoi - Ams website, I would like to congratulate you and the team that participated in the Vietnam International Mathematical Competition on your achievements that were undeniably extremely successful in the last round. And with this result, can you share your thoughts and feelings when you heard that you won the gold medal?

Bach Khoa (BK): I was very happy and proud! I had also prepared and reviewed carefully before, so I was not too surprised when I received the results.

The Vietnamese team ranked at 14th with a gold medal from Do Bach Khoa

Reporter: Surely this is not the first time you step into such a big intellectual competition, do you feel that this international olympic competition is different from other arenas you have participated in?

BK: This year's exam is hosted by the Russian Federation, but with the complicated epidemic situation like this, it is actually an online exam, candidates will have to record a live video and send it to the organizers. can monitor. Another difference is that IMO is a tournament of great stature and scale in the international arena, not only that, but this is also an exam marking important knowledge during 12 years of study, so it is also possible to say it's a special contest for me.

Amser Do Bach Khoa in the top 10 highest scores during this year competition

Reporter: As one of the 6 representatives of the Vietnamese team in particular and the only representative of Hanoi High School for the Gifted - Ams in particular participated in such a big competition, did you encounter any problems during the course of practice? Any pressure or difficulty?

BK: Actually, when I entered the contest, I simply thought that I had already come here and just tried to do my best. Therefore, I was not under much pressure. Besides, when taking the exam, the teachers also supported and helped me a lot. By the way, I also want to thank the Ams teachers as well as the teachers in charge of the team for their dedication, guidance, encouragement and help for creating conditions for me to make progress.

Bach Khoa (middle) with teachers and students in the national team

Reporter: As the newspapers have shared in a few interviews, it is known that you approach math problems like running around and enjoying it. Can you share some of your tips to be able to do this? Are you successful in conquering difficult problems?

BK: In my opinion, first of all, I must have a passion for math and solving problems, then I will have the motivation to study better. I think that just having a passion for what you want to do is already a step towards being successful in that field.

Bach Khoa (middle) with other members of the Vietnamese IMO team

Reporter: With the ability to study well in natural subjects, can you share about the field of study that you want to pursue and research in the future?

BK: At university level, I want to continue pursuing mathematics in the direction of information technology, knowledge related to programming and computer technology.

Reporter: It is known that you have had the orientation to study abroad for a long time, so with such a high intensity of participation in national and international competitions, how do you balance between studying for admissions and studying subjects, in school as well as participating in extracurricular activities?

BK: For me, in fact, in both studying and other extracurricular activities, I always try to arrange and do the things I really love and care about. Besides, he also often participates in activities that help relieve stress such as playing sports or playing the piano to keep himself in the most comfortable and confident state.

Reporter: Closing the 3-year journey at Ams with a gold medal in the IMO exam, can you say a few words to Amsers and especially those who are intending to pursue the subject of mathematics?

BK: Actually, in my opinion, competitions like these are just one of the first steps in a long journey of learning and growing up, so you guys should just enjoy it and don't put too much pressure on it. I also wish that Amsers will continue to keep their love of math so that they can achieve great success, not only in intellectual competitions in particular but also in the environments where they work later.

Thanks again to Mr. Bach Khoa for taking the time to interview with Ams Wide Web today. We wish you, with these achieved results, will always be confident and continue to be more successful with big plans in the future.

Reporter: Thanh Nga - English 2 2023

Pictures: IMO 2021 Organization Committee

Translator: Thuan An - English 1 2023