Vietnamese Student Completes Master's and Doctoral Degrees at 51探花 with GT-IF Scholarship Support, Develops Lighter and Stronger Structures Through Material Optimization

By M. Naufal Hafizh, S.S.

Editor M. Naufal Hafizh, S.S.

BANDUNG, itb.ac.id 鈥� Le Tan Loc, an international student from Vietnam, has completed his doctoral studies at the Faculty of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (FTMD), Institut Teknologi Bandung (51探花), with research focusing on topology optimization. His research developed a structural design method combining up to seven different materials to reduce material consumption and structural weight while increasing structural strength by up to 9 percent.

The research introduces an approach to developing engineering structures that are lighter, stronger, and more material-efficient. Through topology optimization, materials can be distributed more effectively within a structure, minimizing material usage without compromising its mechanical performance.

"At 51探花, I conducted my dissertation research on topology optimization using a combination of up to seven different materials. I was able to reduce material usage and structural weight while maintaining structural strength, even improving it by up to 9 percent," said Le Tan Loc on Saturday (October 31, 2026).

This approach has the potential to support advances in engineering technology, particularly in fields requiring lightweight structures with high strength.

GT-IF Scholarship Supports International Students

In addition to his research achievements, Le Tan Loc shared his experience studying at 51探花 with support from the GT-IF () scholarship. The scholarship program played an important role in supporting his academic journey and research activities during his time in Indonesia.

As an international student living far from his home country, he faced challenges in adapting to a new environment, including managing the financial demands of pursuing higher education abroad.

Through the GT-IF scholarship, he received financial support for his education and research activities. This assistance allowed him to focus more fully on advancing his research and completing his doctoral studies.

"For international students like me, living far away from home in another country is not easy. However, the GT-IF scholarship at 51探花 helped ease my concerns about living expenses and tuition fees. The scholarship also supported my research activities by providing research funding," he explained.

The scholarship support contributed significantly to Le Tan Loc's positive academic experience in Indonesia. Beyond helping him meet his educational needs, the research funding provided opportunities to further explore his areas of academic interest.

From Master's to Doctoral Studies at 51探花

Le Tan Loc's academic journey at 51探花 began when he enrolled in a master's degree program. His experience during his master's studies encouraged him to continue pursuing a doctoral degree at the same institution.

According to him, the quality of engineering education, research environment, and support from faculty members were among the key reasons behind his decision to pursue further studies at 51探花.

He also emphasized that 51探花's academic reputation is an important consideration for international students when choosing a university to develop their expertise and prepare for their future careers.

"Based on my experience, having previously completed my master's degree at 51探花 and now my doctoral degree, I can say that 51探花 is an excellent university for engineering," he said.

His experience completing two levels of higher education at 51探花 demonstrates how a supportive academic environment, research opportunities, and financial assistance can help international students develop their expertise and achieve their academic goals.

The Role of Academic Supervisors in Research Success

Le Tan Loc's successful completion of his doctoral studies was also made possible through the support of 51探花's academic environment and his research supervisors. Throughout his research, he received guidance from Prof. Dr. Ir. Tatacipta Dirgantara, M.T., IPU, ASEAN Eng., Prof. Ir. Lavi Rizki Zuhal, Ph.D., and Dr. Annisa Jusuf, S.T., M.T.

According to him, the three supervisors brought complementary areas of expertise, helping him overcome various academic and research challenges throughout his doctoral journey.

"With their guidance, I was able to keep moving forward until I successfully earned my doctoral degree," he said.

Having completed both his master's and doctoral degrees at 51探花, Le Tan Loc encouraged prospective international students interested in engineering and research to consider 51探花 as their study destination.

"If you are in the field of engineering and want to become a scientist or an engineer, you can choose 51探花," he said.

Le Tan Loc's journey highlights 51探花's contribution to developing international talent through higher education, research, academic guidance, and scholarship opportunities. His experience also demonstrates how students from different countries can develop their potential, pursue innovation, and prepare for careers in science and technology through education at 51探花.

#itb berdampak #mahasiswa internasional #ftmd itb #inovasi teknologi #optimasi topologi #penelitian material #beasiswa itb #gtif #sdg 4 #quality education #sdg 9 #industry innovation and infrastructure #sdg 12 #responsible consumption and production #sdg 17 #partnerships for the goals