The Mentor of the Year award at VEX Robotics Vietnam 2026 is not only a recognition for Mr. Nguyen Dong Bang, but also a meaningful milestone in his journey of guiding and supporting students.
At the VEX Robotics Vietnam National Championship 2026, the STEAM community witnessed outstanding performances from teams representing WASS. Behind the impressive achievements and the prestigious opportunity to advance to the global stage stands a dedicated and resilient mentor: Mr. Nguyen Dong Bang, recipient of the esteemed Mentor of the Year award.
Inspiring a passion for technology
Taking on dual roles as a Technology teacher and coach of the Talented Engineers Team, Mr. Bang is uniquely positioned to closely support each student’s growth journey. To him, Robotics is not merely about lines of code or electronic circuits, but a gateway for students to explore their potential and confidently push beyond their own limits.
He shared: “What sets a mentor apart is not only subject expertise, but also the ability to inspire and create an environment where students can truly thrive. At WASS, the development of a STEAM Innovation ecosystem, combined with structured mentoring approaches, empowers students to think boldly, take initiative, experiment with ideas, and collaborate effectively.”
A remarkable season and a ticket to the world stage
Under his guidance, WASS’s “engineers” achieved remarkable results across regional competitions:
- Top 2 and 3, along with prestigious awards such as the Amaze Award and Build Award at the Northern Regional Qualifier (VEX IQ category).
- Alliance Champion title, affirming their strong performance at the Southern Regional Qualifier (VEX IQ category).
The highlight of this journey came at the National Championship, where team WASS-ITEAM delivered an outstanding performance to claim the Teamwork Champion award, officially earning the honor of representing Vietnam at the VEX Robotics World Championship in the United States.
Growing Through Challenges
Reflecting on the journey, Mr. Dong Bang shared that what makes him most proud is not just the trophies or accolades, but the remarkable growth of his students. From long hours of dedicated practice to high-pressure moments on the competition field, students have gradually developed confidence, teamwork, perseverance, and resilience in the face of challenges.
To WASSers pursuing Robotics, he offered a heartfelt message: “Stay curious, be willing to try, dare to make mistakes, and never stop learning. It is the journey of exploration that shapes your growth and leads to lasting success in the future.”
The Mentor of the Year title is a well-deserved recognition of Mr. Bang’s dedication. Yet perhaps the most meaningful reward for him is witnessing the “seeds of knowledge” he has nurtured grow with confidence, ready to embrace challenges and reach new horizons in the journey ahead.
