Nguyen Huu Lam’s story is a powerful example of how passion and a clear sense of purpose can shape a fulfilling career in agriculture. After graduating from Vietnam National University of Agriculture (VNUA), Lam was awarded the Erasmus Scholarship, which took him to Spain and France to study Plant Health in Sustainable Cropping Systems. Grateful for the opportunities he received, Lam now pays it forward by mentoring students who dream of studying abroad, with three of his mentees already achieving success, including two who followed in his footsteps with Erasmus scholarships.

Currently, Lam works as a Sales Executive at Vietnam Food Joint Stock Company (VNF). Guided by the vision “Today waste is tomorrow resource,” VNF transforms shrimp co-products (typically discarded heads and shells) into high-value food ingredients, biopolymers, bionutrients, natural antioxidants, and microbial products. This circular, zero-waste approach resonated deeply with Lam, aligning perfectly with his commitment to sustainability.

Lam’s passion for agriculture was seeded in childhood, nurtured by stories from his father about life on the land. Initially driven by a goal to develop high-yield crops, his studies at VNUA, and later in Europe, broadened his perspective. He came to see that beyond productivity, quality, safety, and sustainability are essential for the future of food systems. For Lam, the most rewarding part of his work is being out in the field, exploring diverse agricultural practices, and witnessing the joy of farmers during harvest. “That moment when their hard work pays off reminds me why I chose this path,” he shares.

To students considering a career in the agri-food sector, Lam offers heartfelt advice: “This industry is vital for life itself. As global challenges rise, so do opportunities for innovation. It’s rewarding work with profound purpose. Remember, ‘If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.’ I look forward to collaborating with many passionate young people in this journey.”

Lam was also one of the speakers during the webinar “Youth-Led Initiatives: Tackling Environmental Challenges in Agri-Food Systems” in light of World Environment Day. To read a recap of the webinar, click here.