Both of them had previously clinched first prizes at the 2024-2025 National Math Olympiad and earned spots in the 2025 International Mathematical Olympiad selection round.

Hien and Hau live with their mother in a modest house in Tam Thanh Commune in Phu Ninh District. When they were small, they stayed with their aunt because their mother worked as a teacher far away.

Growing up in a rural area with the family’s income relying solely on their mother’s primary school teacher salary, the twins were self-motivated, consistently excelling as top students, with a particular passion for math.

In 9th grade, both won first prizes at the provincial math Olympiad and gained admission to the math majoring class at Nguyen Binh Khiem High School for the Gifted.

As the school was 12 kilometers away from their home, the twin brothers stayed in the dormitory and only returned home on weekends.

Phan Van Chuong, principal of Nguyen Binh Khiem High School for the Gifted, described the twins as reserved, sincere, determined, and highly inquisitive. 

“Both are excellent students with remarkable self-learning abilities. Coming from a rural area with limited resources, they’ve shown diligence, intelligence, and exceptional talent since middle school. In high school, they continue to strive, demonstrating outstanding capabilities, a passion for knowledge, and a strong grasp of concepts,” Chuong said.

Chuong noted that the twins not only excel academically but also share strikingly similar math achievements.

In 9th grade, both secured first prizes at the provincial math Olympiad. In 10th grade, they competed with 12th graders in the provincial math Olympiad meant for 12th graders, where Hien won first and Hau took second position. In the same year, they were selected to compete in the national math Olympiad for 12th graders and both earned consolation prizes.

In 11th grade, they again won first prizes at the provincial and national math Olympiads (among 16 national first prizes) before entering the selection round for the International Mathematical Olympiad. 

In this round, Hau ranked 7th and Hien 9th, narrowly missing the 2025 International Mathematical Olympiad team. However, their results earned them spots on the team for the Math Olympiad in Turkmenistan, where they excelled, each winning a gold medal.

“What I am very happy about is that the students are trying their best. Although they lacked a bit of luck to be included in the national team this year, participating in the International Mathematical Olympiad is also a good opportunity for them to continue to learn to improve their level, creating a stepping stone to achieve success in international playgrounds in the future,” Chuong said.