Han Quoc Bao: From Wanting to Quit to Writing the Next Chapter of Lac Hong University’s 11-Time Robocon Championship Legacy

From a student who once contemplated giving up after a painful defeat, Han Quoc Bao, an Artificial Intelligence major from the Faculty of Information Technology, stood alongside his teammates to write the next chapter in Lac Hong University's illustrious history, securing the institution's 11th Vietnam Robocon Championship.

When the final whistles blew, the LHU FOF team officially claimed the crown at the 2026 Vietnam Robocon Championship. To many onlookers, this victory was the fruit of months dedicated to research, engineering, and refining robots. But for Han Quoc Bao, the achievement carried a far deeper meaning: it was a triumph over his own self-doubt and the moments he wanted to walk away.

Overcoming the Urge to Walk Away After Defeat

Few realize that before standing on the podium as a champion of Vietnam Robocon 2026, Han Quoc Bao went through a period of profound disillusionment following a setback in the previous season.

After his team was eliminated in the quarter-finals, the Artificial Intelligence student seriously considered leaving the Robocon arena behind.

"At that time, I was devastated and didn't want to continue. I felt like I had poured my heart into it, but the results just didn't match the effort," Bao shared.

"However, it was the unwavering support of my professors that changed my perspective. The phone calls from Dr. Lam Thanh Hien and Mr. Cao Tuan were not just words of encouragement; they were profound lessons in perseverance, responsibility, and resilience. They shared so many stories and taught me valuable principles. Thanks to them, I found the inner strength to return and conquer a new Robocon season."

The Mentors Behind the Success

On the road to the championship, Bao expressed deep gratitude toward Mr. Doan Duong Quy, the direct technical advisor for the LHU FOF team.

According to Bao, Mr. Quy closely monitored every technical detail, from mechanical design to robot control programming. Every error was identified in real time, and every hurdle was solved collaboratively with the students.

"He was the one who gave me the most constructive feedback. There are things he said that I still remember vividly today because they were tied to each time we calibrated the robots, debugged the programs, and perfected the final system."

In addition, Mr. Nguyen Ba Thuan was another mentor who constantly maintained high standards, encouraging the students to continuously push their boundaries.

Looking back at the intense season, Bao humorously noted that racing against time to optimize the robots caused him to lose 5kg. In return, however, he gained invaluable professional expertise, a strong sense of accountability, and the ability to perform effectively under high pressure.

A Championship Built on Trust and Synergy

Beyond the guidance of faculty members, LHU FOF's journey was fueled by the collective support of alumni, former Robocon competitors, and lecturers from both the Faculty of Information Technology and the Faculty of Mechatronics - Electronics.

One of Bao’s most cherished memories was a word of encouragement from an alumnus named Vu just before the competition day.

"He told me he dreamed that LHU FOF would win the championship. Hearing that gave me a massive boost of confidence."

That shared belief galvanized the team to enter every match with ultimate determination. After months of rigorous research, testing, and system optimization, LHU FOF outstandingly defeated formidable opponents to capture the 2026 Vietnam Robocon Championship title.

Robocon: Beyond a Competition, a Catalyst for Maturity

In August 2026, Han Quoc Bao and the members of the LH-FOF team will represent Vietnam at the ABU Robocon 2026 in Hong Kong (China), carrying the ambition to extend Lac Hong University's golden track record on the international stage.

With the 2026 domestic title, Lac Hong University has raised its total national championships to 11, solidifying its position as the most decorated institution in the history of Vietnam Robocon. Furthermore, LHU students have previously won the Asia-Pacific ABU Robocon Championship 4 times, elevating the reputation of both the university and Vietnam on the regional technology map.

For Han Quoc Bao, the Artificial Intelligence student from the Faculty of Information Technology, this year's championship is more than just the destination of countless nights working tirelessly alongside machines. It is tangible proof of the maturity of a student who once wanted to stop after a loss but chose to keep moving forward.

Bao's story reflects the journey of generations of LHU students. Here, Robocon is never merely a contest to win medals or titles. It serves as a real-world proving ground where students learn to surpass their own limits, sharpen their engineering minds, master teamwork, and build the grit required to face adversity. It is these core values that have laid the foundation for 11 national championships, 4 Asian titles, and a proud Robocon legacy at Lac Hong University spanning over two decades.