David Nguyen, a Vietnamese student in Vancouver city in the US State of Washington DC has been granted a scholarship from Gates Millennium Scholars (GMS) Program founded by billionaire Bill Gates.

The 12th grader, who is studying at Hudsons Bay High School, won the grant in recognition of his extraordinary efforts to fight off his prolonged illness and excel in his study.

Born in Ho Chi Minh City in 1994, Nguyen suffered an illness that could not be diagnosed by local doctors. His parents were very distressed because Nguyen was not able to speak when he was 7 years old.

His parents decided to move to Vancouver when he was 9 in the hope that he would be cured by US doctors.

Living in a new environment, Nguyen had to study English. He said he is fond of mathematics and sciences. 

The Gates Millennium Scholars Program was sourced USD1.6 billion from Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The programme selects best 1,000 students in the US to grant full scholarship.

David Nguyen is one of 30 students in Washington DC having received the scholarships. He plans to study in Washington State University’s branch in Vancouver in the first two years.