The first submarine inventor in Vietnam and Southeast Asia
On October 25th, 2014 at Shakespeare house – Fleming Campus , over 300 SIU and IAS students had a chance to meet with Mr. Phan Boi Tran – the first submarine inventor in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. During this event, he also imparted his passion for science research to the students.
Phan Boi Tran is a French – Vietnamese businessman, a mechanical engineer and an expert in submarine manufacturing. He was the first Vietnamese person to successfully manufacture submarines. His life’s mission is to apply what he learned abroad to develop and produce submarines as weaponry in order to protect the sovereignty of Vietnam.
Submarine inventor, Phan Boi Tran
He enthusiastically shared the journey to his dream with the students. He provided them with valuable lessons in life and displayed his passion for the work required to succeed.
Engineer Phan Boi Tran shares his dream with students
As the students became familiar with the story of submarine inventor Phan Boi Tran, they expressed great admiration for him and enjoyed both his modesty and scientific creativity.
Students raised questions for the inventor
The topic on manufacturing submarines to protect the Vietnam sea sovereignty attracted great attention from the students. Many relevant questions were raised to Mr.Tran. He said: “I am very pleased to see that students nowadays are very active, confident and eager to discover new things. Knowledge gained at school is not enough and we must also learn from life, work and the successes of previous generations.”
With his broad experience and great enthusiasm, engineer Phan Boi Tran conveyed his passion to students, hoping that they can make similar efforts to achieve their own dreams.
Engineer Phan Boi Tran and students
| Phan Boi Tran, real name Phan Boi An, was born in 1954 in Hue and is a descendant of Phan Boi Chau.
In 1974 at the age of 20, he went to France to study composite and plastics engineering at University of Marseille. In 1978, he graduated and began working for Comex company, specializing in submarine and helicopter shells. In 2006, he founded his company in Vietnam specializing in designing machines, electric bicycles and children’s toys. In 2010, he was the first Vietnamese inventor of Yet Kieu mini – submarine Currently, there is a company in HCMC negotiating to buy his submarine used for laying underwater cable. In addition, his first submarines were exported to Malaysia to serve sea travelling at a price of only $3.500 each. Malaysia may order 50 more single-seat or two-seat submarines that are equipped with a glass lid to observe the marine life outside. (Wikipedia) |
Perceived by students
Le Bao Diem Phuong – Business Administration – IAS
“I have learnt many valuable ideas from Mr.Tran. The meeting was fascinating; I have gained new knowledge about the benefits of submarines, especially for tourism and sovereignty protection.”
Nguyen Minh Thanh – Business Administration – SIU
“The topic is strange to me so I was quite intrigued by this story of engineer Phan Boi Tran. I think this is a good opportunity for me to expand my knowledge and motivate myself.”
Vuong Hoang Thao Linh – English – SIU
“The meeting has brought me new knowledge not only of submarine manufacturing but also of life skills.”
Pham Anh Tuyet – Business Administration – SIU
“The event helps me get valuable information about a unique application of science. The encouragement and passion from Mr. Tran motivates me to learn better.”
