11th Honda Y-E-S Award honours young Vietnamese scientists, engineers

Honda Y-E-S Award 2016 started from April and after three months, the award office received 102 dossiers from students who got excellent studying results and high achievements in science research of 10 universities namely Hanoi University of Science and Technology, University of Science – Vietnam National University, University of Engineering and Technology – Vietnam National University, Hanoi University of Transport and Communications, University of Science and Technology – The University of Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, University Of Science – Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City University of Transport, International University - Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, and Hue University of Science.

After passing the dossier round, the top 30 candidates were chosen to take part in two rounds including essay writing and interview. The essay topic this year focuses on “Promoting technological innovation towards Green Economic development is the right direction and suitable with Vietnam's current business”. In the interview round, the candidates had chance to show their knowledge and communication skills.

After three rounds, 10 excellent students were chosen and honored to receive Honda Y-E-S Award 2016 including two students of Hanoi University of Science and Technology, two students of University of Engineering and Technology – Vietnam National University, two students of University of Science – Vietnam National University, two students of Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, and two students of University Of Science – Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City.

The Honda Y-E-S Award aims to find and facilitate fostering young talents in Eco-technology field and prospective leaders in technology and engineering. It is implemented under the cooperation of Honda Foundation (Japan), The National Institute for Science and Technology Policy and Strategy Studies (NISTPASS) – Ministry of Science and Technology, Honda Vietnam Company and 10 affiliated universities. Annually, the award finds out and awards 10 scholarships with the total value of $30,000 and 10 motorcycles manufactured by Honda Vietnam for the 10 best students. After that, those students will have chance to receive a $10,000 Y-E-S Plus Award if attending a postgraduate course in Japan; or $7,000 Y-E-S Plus Award if being accepted and joining in an internship programme of 2.5 months to one year of Japanese universities, institutes or laboratories within three years since receiving the award.

In order to create a playground to connect post awardees of Honda Y-E-S among five countries including India, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam, Honda Foundation had started Honda Y-E-S Forum in Tokyo, Japan since 2014. The aim of this forum is to build up a Y-E-S network in Asian developing countries and create opportunity for those who have passion of researching science and technology in able to share experience, knowledge, invention, fostering cooperation of eco-technology among Honda Y-E-S nations.

First held in Vietnam in March 2006 on the occasion of the 10th establishment anniversary of Honda Vietnam, up till now, after 11 years accompanying with Vietnamese students, Honda Y-E-S Award has received 925 dossiers, and had 110 excellent students recognised at the annual award ceremony and 22 Y-E-S Plus awardees studying or attending internship in Japan. There are 8 Y-E-S Plus awardees in 2016.

The awardees of Honda Y-E-S and Y-E-S Plus of previous years have achieved success and many of them have been back in Vietnam to dedicate to the country’s growth. Le Quang Hieu – awardee of Honda Y-E-S 2012 is now project leader in Fujitsu Company. Truong Quynh Chi – awardee of Honda Y-E-S 2008 is researcher and lecturer at Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology. Nguyen Cong Tu – awardee of Honda Y-E-S 2008 is also the lecturer at Hanoi University of Science and Technology.

“We are so proud to be the bridge connecting Honda Y-E-S with local students of science and technology. By giving the students physical support and spiritual encouragement, we hope the future generation of young engineers and scientists will have more motivation to pursue their passion for research and innovation in science and technology in general and eco-technology in particular, contributing to the country's sustainable development,” said Minoru Kato, general director of Honda Vietnam.