There are stories written through sweat, tears, and smiles – from those who dedicate themselves to scientific research. For Phạm Nguyễn Thanh Duyên and Huỳnh Đăng Huy, students of Cohort 12 in Food Technology at Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade, that story is called: A perfect score of 10 for their undergraduate thesis.

Choosing a challenging path
While many students choose academic research directions, Duyên and Huy decided to pursue product development with the thesis topic: “Research and development of an instant sea cucumber porridge product.” This direction rarely reaches the high score mark, as practical applications are often judged more strictly. The novelty of the topic lies in the fact that sea cucumber, often considered a premium ingredient found in elaborate restaurant dishes, was studied and developed into a convenient instant porridge form. This combination not only retains the nutritional and medicinal benefits of sea cucumber but also opens up greater accessibility for consumers. A quick bowl of porridge containing rare nutrients from the ocean – something that current instant porridge products on the market have never reached.

The historic score of 10
Duyên shared: “When I saw the perfect 10 on the grade sheet, I was so shocked I couldn’t believe it. I immediately called Huy. We were both shaking and laughing. The joy was overwhelming because we never thought we would actually make it!”
Huy added: “There were times when the data completely went off track and we wanted to give up. But we reminded each other: if it were easy, it wouldn’t be a thesis. The sleepless nights, the countless attempts to refine the formula until we achieved the ideal bowl of porridge – those are the memories that matter. The score of 10 is not just a number, but a mark of youth and proof that we gave our all and truly earned it.”
For Duyên and Huy, the score represents academic achievement, but more than that, it is a testament to perseverance, courage, and complete companionship throughout their student journey.

A launchpad built from experience
Before achieving success with their thesis, Duyên and Huy participated in many academic competitions and earned notable awards:
Consolation Prize and Most Impressive Video – Food Innovation and Development Season 4 – 2023 (07/2023);
Consolation Prize – “HUIT Creative Entrepreneurship Competition Season 4” (10/2023);
Third Prize – NTTU Innovative Startup Idea Competition 2024 (08/2024);
Top 12 Finalists – Kyoto International Entrepreneurship Competition (KIEC) 2024 (10/2024);
Second Prize – “HUIT Creative Entrepreneurship Competition Season 5” (10/2024);
Green Entrepreneurship Pioneer Award – Tuổi Trẻ Start-up Award 2024 (11/2024);
Consolation Prize – Technology Innovation (R&D to Start-up) Competition 2024 (12/2024);
Second Prize – Food Innovation and Development Season 6 – 2025 (06/2025).
These experiences helped them strengthen their critical thinking, idea defense, and teamwork skills, serving as strong preparation for their thesis.

Walking together toward a dream
For Duyên and Huy, “instant sea cucumber porridge” is not just a product – it is the crystallization of knowledge, passion, and youthful ambition. The perfect score of 10 was only the final confirmation. What mattered more was the journey of overcoming challenges together – that was the greatest reward.
Their story shows that when knowledge walks beside dreams, and when there is a true companion, extraordinary things can become reality.

Source: Center for Admissions and Communication, HUIT