Engineering the Future: Cuong Ich Truong’s Path to AI Mastery

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Engineering the Future: Cuong Ich Truong’s Path to AI Mastery

From software engineering to AI mastery, Cuong Ich Truong’s journey reflects ambition, perseverance, and lifelong learning. With a decade of global experience, a passion for innovation, and a strong commitment to community, he is shaping the future of AI while inspiring others along the way.

Cuong Ich Truong (Trương Ích Cường) has always been fascinated by technology, but his journey into AI wasn’t a straight path. Growing up in Vietnam, he was drawn to problem-solving and innovation, leading him to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering with Internship from the University of Calgary, Canada.

The transition wasn’t easy. Moving to a new country came with cultural and academic challenges, but he embraced the opportunity, working hard to gain hands-on experience. Over the next decade, he built a career across Geo-Tech, Simulation Applications, Property Management Technology, Identity Verification, and Insurance Tech, developing a strong technical foundation.

But something was missing. He wanted to do more than just write code—he wanted to create meaningful impact through technology. In 2022, he made a bold decision: to return to Vietnam, bringing back his international experience to contribute to the local tech ecosystem.

Cuong Ich Truong, MAI student

A leap into AI with RMIT

Back in Vietnam, Cuong quickly realized that AI was transforming industries, from healthcare and fintech to agriculture and beyond. While he had years of experience in software development, he knew that mastering AI required structured, practical learning—something that self-study alone couldn’t provide.

That’s when he found RMIT Vietnam’s Master of Artificial Intelligence program. The curriculum wasn’t just theoretical; it focused on real-world applications, industry-relevant skills, and hands-on projects. It was exactly what he was looking for.

However, the decision to return to study wasn’t simple. Juggling full-time work, financial commitments, and personal goals made it a challenge. That’s where the RMIT scholarship changed everything.

A scholarship that reshaped his future

Receiving the RMIT scholarship wasn’t just about easing financial pressure—it was a moment of validation. It reassured Cuong that he was on the right path, that his passion for AI was worth pursuing. More than just financial support, it gave him confidence and motivation to fully commit to his studies.

With this support, he could dive deeper into AI research, explore new applications, and connect with leading experts. The scholarship became a stepping stone, allowing him to focus on building expertise without distraction, pushing his ambitions further than he had imagined.

A transformative experience at RMIT

Studying at RMIT Vietnam has been one of the most rewarding experiences of Cuong’s journey. The lecturers are experienced professionals, bringing real-world case studies into the classroom. The collaborative environment encourages open discussions, helping him see AI from different perspectives.

The coursework is demanding, pushing students to apply knowledge in practical ways. At times, Cuong found himself struggling to keep up, but the support from classmates, mentors, and the RMIT community kept him going.

Despite the workload, he sees every project as a step closer to his goal—mastering AI and using it to create real impact.

The reality of balancing work, study, and life

Returning to student life while working wasn’t easy. There were weeks when deadlines piled up, and balancing coursework with professional responsibilities became overwhelming. Cuong quickly realized that he needed a strategy to manage his time effectively.

That’s when he turned to timeboxing techniques, breaking his schedule into focused blocks for study, work, and personal time. He also made room for things that kept him grounded—exploring new cultures, trying different cuisines, and learning about emotional intelligence and consciousness. These moments helped him stay motivated, preventing burnout and keeping his passion for AI alive.

Cuong Ich Truong, MAI student

Giving back: Building Vietnam’s tech community

Cuong’s passion for technology extends beyond his own career—he wants to empower others in Vietnam’s tech industry. That’s why he dedicates time to Tech Meetup, a non-profit community with over 1,100 members.

As a host, he takes on the challenge of organizing events, securing sponsorships, and connecting industry leaders. It’s not just about networking—it’s about creating a space where aspiring tech professionals can learn, grow, and innovate together.

Through these efforts, he hopes to inspire more engineers to explore AI and see how technology can drive real-world change.

Looking ahead: AI for social impact

Cuong’s journey with AI is just beginning. In the future, he hopes to specialize in AI-integrated development, applying AI to fintech, healthcare, and even agriculture. He envisions leveraging AI to support local farmers, making technology more accessible to those who need it most.

Beyond his career, he remains committed to giving back—organizing AI knowledge-sharing events, mentoring young engineers, and advocating for AI’s ethical and impactful use in Vietnam and beyond.

For Cuong, AI isn’t just about technology—it’s about building a better, smarter future for everyone.

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27 April 2025

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