Nguyễn Hồng Quân (Frank Nguyen)
Hometown: Phú Thọ, Vietnam
I came to Taiwan in 2012 after receiving a scholarship from the International Master of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science program at National Taipei University of Technology (now Taipei Tech). It was a rather hasty decision, driven mainly by curiosity—curiosity about studying and living in a different country.
After completing my master’s degree, I worked for a small company in Taipei, then returned to the university to continue my academic journey. Upon earning my Ph.D., I joined a large company in Taipei, and today, my journey continues at ITRI.
My first encounter with ITRI was when my company collaborated with the institute on a power electronics project. I was deeply impressed by the environment—peaceful, green, and refreshing compared to the hustle and bustle of Taipei. When I visited one of the labs, I thought to myself how wonderful it would be to have such a space to implement my ideas, pursue the work I was passionate about, and stay at the forefront of technological developments.
Eventually, I joined ITRI, and it has not disappointed me. Here, I am not only able to do the work I had once envisioned but also to explore new opportunities. My role involves applying power electronics technology to smart grids, integrating renewable energy sources—a global trend that Taiwan’s government actively supports and promotes. I am fortunate to be involved in every stage of the technical process, from hardware design, firmware development, and communication systems to full system integration. This holistic exposure has given me a more complete understanding of the work I do.
Like many foreigners in Taiwan, I have faced language and cultural barriers. Thankfully, I have friendly colleagues who are always willing to explain Taiwanese customs or how to express certain ideas in specific situations. ITRI also offers a Mandarin learning program for foreign employees, which I am currently attending.
Day by day, I grow at ITRI. For me, it is an excellent environment for learning, development, and self-improvement. I do not yet know when I will return to Vietnam or whether I will continue this journey somewhere else in Taiwan, but for now, I truly enjoy working at ITRI—and I enjoy life here.