From 5 times failing the university entrance exam to an honorary doctorate from the International University of America (IAU) by President Hoang Huu Thang

The event not only marked an important milestone in his academic and dedication career, but also demonstrated his extraordinary journey of overcoming difficulties: from a young man who failed the university entrance exam 5 times, starting a business with 4 "NO", he has persistently built one of the leading mechanical and automation corporations in Vietnam.
 

The extraordinary journey from zero to international honorary doctorate

Before being officially honored with the title of Honorary Doctor of the International University of America (IAU), Mr. Hoang Huu Thang, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Intech Group, was a widely known name in the Vietnamese startup community thanks to his journey of rising from hardship, not surrendering to fate.

Born in a poor mountainous countryside - now in Bac Ninh province, Mr. Thang grew up in deprived circumstances but always kept in mind the short and weighty teaching from his beloved Father: "Only by studying and trying to study can you change your life."

That saying became a guiding principle, accompanying him through the most uncertain years, including 5 times failing the university entrance exam, a painful fall but also an important turning point that formed the courage and aspiration of a person who is the master of his own life.

From a small boarding house with only two members, he and his younger brother, Mr. Thang founded Intech Group and gradually built it into a multi-disciplinary industrial ecosystem, including precision mechanics, automation, technology and energy, with a team of more than 400 employees and 2 large-scale factories.

Today, Intech Group's products and solutions not only conquer domestic customers but are also highly appreciated by international partners for their quality, price and professional service style, reflecting the methodical production thinking and long-term vision of the leader.

Sharing at the honoring event, Chairman Hoang Huu Thang said: "No one has the right to choose where they are born and each person's starting point is different, but I always believe that each person's destiny lies in their own hands. It is the way we live, the way we learn, work, contribute and serve that will determine success or failure, and decide our own destiny."
 

Honorary Doctorate - a major milestone marking the journey of learning and giving value

Throughout his development journey, the spirit of learning and working hard, contributing and serving of businessman Hoang Huu Thang has always been present in every philosophy he pursues: “Let’s start with small things that are directly related to our lives and work. As long as we start and persevere in pursuing them.” This viewpoint is not simply learning to know, but learning to do, learning to apply, learning to create value.
 

July 12, 2025, was a special and emotional day: The International American University (IAU) awarded him the title of Honorary Doctor of Management and Leadership, on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the school's founding. This is not only a recognition of the achievements of a business leader, but also an acknowledgement of a journey of continuous learning - effort - application - dedication.

Hoang Huu Thang has never "blamed" the five times he failed the university entrance exam in the past, but considered them milestones for himself to learn how to stand up, learn how to look back, awaken his potential and overcome his own limits.

What is admirable about businessman Hoang Huu Thang is not the title or award, but the way he uses his story to inspire. The journey of “5 times failing the university entrance exam to an honorary doctorate” is the clearest proof of the message that he always wants to spread to young people:
 

• Start with small things: Because no one succeeds overnight, but every day adds a brick to create value.
• Be persistent and never stop learning: Success does not come from luck, but from patience and effort
• Apply knowledge into practice: If you only study without taking action, your intelligence will not develop.
• Contribute and serve more than you receive: Knowledge not only enriches yourself, but also enriches the community.

The title of Honorary Doctor is a significant milestone, but for businessman Hoang Huu Thang, it is not the end. He shared: “I vow to continue to strive to learn and use all my intelligence and talent to contribute and serve.” That is a clear commitment for the journey ahead: bringing knowledge to young people, sharing with the startup community through personal stories and spreading the spirit of “learning to serve”.