'Vietnamese students need to think internationally.'

That's the advice of Antonius Albert Ignatius Aanink, a Dutch expert who has worked in semiconductor cleanrooms at the International Training Institute for Materials Science (ITIMS), Hanoi University of Science and Technology, for over 20 years.

Antonius Albert Ignatius Aanink, affectionately known as Tom Aanink.

Mr. Tom Aanink.

Tom Aanink's job involves mentoring graduate students and supporting scientists working in semiconductor cleanrooms. With his important position and deep expertise, he has worked with and witnessed the success of many scientists and entrepreneurs who have grown up at the MESA+ and NANOCENTER centers of the University of Twente (Netherlands).

Having worked in the Netherlands for over 30 years, participating in numerous projects related to IC technology, microelectronics, and semiconductors, he has been associated with the Polytechnic University for over 20 years.

At the University of Twente, he served as a liaison, supporting delegations from Vietnam who came to work, learn about, and promote scientific and technological cooperation.

Tom Aanink also served as a bridge, connecting Dutch students to Vietnam for internships, studies, and cultural exploration. A prime example is the "Bright Star 2008" project (a Dutch government project) where nearly 30 students from the University of Twente went to Vietnam for a three-week internship.

Over the years, he has dedicated much of his passion and accumulated experience to imparting knowledge to Vietnamese students, enabling them to understand and acquire sufficient expertise for their research. Recently, he was awarded a commemorative medal for his contributions to education by the Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training.

When did he first come to Vietnam? Was it a tourist trip or a trip as part of the Netherlands-Vietnam cooperation program?

Tom AaninkI first came to Vietnam in 1996 as part of a cooperation agreement between the Vietnamese and Dutch governments. At that time, the ITIMS building was under construction and in disarray. Not only me, but many Dutch scientists and engineers from Twente and Amsterdam also came to Vietnam to help complete the project alongside their Vietnamese colleagues.

I personally assist Vietnamese colleagues in operating and maintaining cleanrooms, as well as supporting the development of technological processes for research purposes.

For his contributions, Tom was awarded a Commemorative Medal for the Cause of Education by the Ministry of Education and Training of Vietnam.

CWe know that you came to Vietnam not only to support faculty and students here, but also to support many Vietnamese students at the University of Twente. What was your reason for volunteering to do that?

Tom AaninkI must make it clear to you that I support all graduate students at the University of Twente in conducting their research. But I must also admit that I feel a sense of warmth working with Vietnamese students.

It has been 21 years since I started working here, and to a greater or lesser extent, I have become a member of the ITIMS family at the Polytechnic University. Many students have come to the Netherlands to work, and I am very proud that they have done so well in my country. I am also proud to have contributed a small part to the success of the project.

What makes you so deeply attached to Vietnam in general and to the students of Hanoi University of Science and Technology in particular?

First and foremost, I must mention the warm welcome I received from Vietnamese students and staff at the ITIMS Institute. I am deeply grateful.

I had the opportunity to work at the Polytechnic University for many years on a project with ITIMS, and witnessing the tremendous changes in science and technology at this leading technical university over the past 20 years has also been a great motivation for me.

Vietnam is a very beautiful country, and I had the opportunity to explore the culture of a "new" country, especially in the early years when I came to a distant land like Vietnam. In the Netherlands, not many people have such privileges and opportunities.

As time went by, I felt a responsibility to maintain my relationship with the Polytechnic University, a connection that was, of course, mutual. Gradually, I became a friend and a member of the ITIMS family. It's wonderful to return to the Polytechnic "family" every year.

What advice would you give to students when engaging in academic studies and scientific research?

Vietnamese students are very eager to learn. I've noticed that they study diligently and responsibly. That's wonderful! It's important that they develop an international mindset and become global citizens in the scientific community.

Improving your English speaking skills is very important. You can sing karaoke in English. Please don't be shy because nobody is perfect and everyone makes mistakes.

Tom felt a sense of warmth working with Vietnamese students.

What were his feelings when he received this?Ministry of Education and TrainingIs Vietnam honoring him for his contributions to education in the country?

Tom AaninkI really didn't expect that. Of course, I'm very happy to receive this award. You know, over the decades I've been training Vietnamese people, but over the decades I've also learned a lot from the Vietnamese people.

This collaborative relationship is mutual. This award, given by the Vietnamese people, is incredibly meaningful and valuable to me.

With all due respectThank you very much, sir.!

Associate Professor Nguyen Van Quy – Deputy Head of the Science and Technology Department"Tom has always been enthusiastic, dedicated, and serious about his work. He gets along well with all his colleagues at the ITIMS Institute and is always willing to help anyone in need."

I remember back in 2001-2002, when components and equipment for research in Vietnam were very scarce, even non-existent. Every time Tom came to Vietnam for work, his luggage included a large suitcase full of spare parts that he had sourced himself in the Netherlands to replace equipment at the ITIMS Institute.

It is thanks to him that the equipment of the ITIMS Institute has been well-maintained for over 20 years. It is also thanks to him that the ITIMS Institute has achieved outstanding scientific research and become a leading research institute in the field of nanomaterials.

In his daily life, he was very sociable and friendly with everyone. Mentioning Tom was enough for all the families of the ITIMS Institute staff to know and cherish him. Every time he came to Vietnam, he was welcomed by the families and invited into their homes like a close relative returning from a long business trip. In our minds, Tom will always be a member of the ITIMS Institute.”

Dr. Nguyen Van Toan – ITIMS Institute"I've worked with Tom Aanink since I came to ITIMS. My initial impression was that he was a tall man (a head taller than me), but very approachable. English is a barrier for Vietnamese people, so he tries to speak very slowly, using various languages ​​to make everyone understand."

He helped me and everyone else a great deal in our work. Along with the Institute's leadership, I, Mr. Hong, and Mr. Chinh were among the technicians sent to the Netherlands to study and improve our knowledge with the help of Tom Aanink and two other Dutch technicians. During our time there, the living environment changed, and everything was unfamiliar, but Tom and his colleagues helped us a lot.

I have a feeling that the Netherlands is where Tom was born, while Vietnam is like his second home. That home includes Tom and us – the staff of the ITIMS Institute. And we know that Tom has contributed a great deal of effort and affection to building that home.”