Since this was the inaugural year of the Olympic AI competition, the novelty alone sparked a sense of excitement and curiosity in Pham Khanh Duy, a computer science student. With a genuine desire to experience something new – especially a competition centered around AI, a field he is passionate about – Duy decided to register along with two of his roommates. They were thrilled when they were officially approved as a team to participate in the OLP AI competition.
Their journey began with the OLP AI Southern Region round. Being first-time participants, the team encountered many challenges – from unfamiliar rules to the fast-paced format of the exam. Everything felt new and slightly overwhelming. Yet, through determination and teamwork, Duy and his team managed to score high enough to qualify for the Olympic AI Final. That small victory became a huge motivation for them to push further.
Knowing the final round would be significantly more demanding, Duy’s team immediately tightened their preparation. They needed stronger foundational knowledge and a better grasp of model training and problem-solving under time pressure. During this period, they were extremely fortunate and grateful to receive guidance from Assoc. Prof. Quan Thanh Tho, who dedicated several sessions to help them strengthen their understanding of NLP. His explanations, insights, and encouragement gave them confidence and clarity. Thanks to his guidance, they walked into the final round with a much more secure mindset.
On December 10th, 2025, his team competed in the Olympic AI Final. This time, they felt more composed and coordinated, drawing on the lessons learned from the regional round. They gave everything they had — every line of code, every idea, every decision was the result of their combined effort and preparation.
And on December 11th, they received the results. The moment the announcement came that Duy’s team had won Second Prize, the joy was indescribable. It felt like the perfect reward for their willingness to embrace a new challenge in the world of AI.
Looking back, the entire experience was far more than just a competition for Pham Khanh Duy and his teammates. It was a journey of learning and teamwork. From stepping into an unfamiliar challenge, to pushing through obstacles, to finally standing on stage holding the Second Prize — each moment shaped them in meaningful ways. This achievement will remain a reminder that curiosity, effort, and the courage to try are what truly drive them forward in the world of AI.