VAS Student Wins Full RMIT Scholarship with AI-Powered Waste-Sorting Robot Innovation

A straight-A student, young inventor, and jazz music lover – Dao Hieu Phong’s talents and interests are as broad as his curiosity. Entering university, the RMIT scholarship winner hopes to continue innovating with user-centric technologies to benefit the community.

Phong (pictured right) received the RMIT scholarship on 15 October 2024. Photo: RMIT

Student Invents AI-Powered Robot for Waste Sorting

When Dao Hieu Phong first conceived the idea for Otto, an AI-powered trash-sorting robot, he didn't expect it would lead him to become one of RMIT’s Vice-Chancellor’s Scholars this year. Yet his innovative solution to improve waste management at his former school, the Vietnam Australia International School (VAS), demonstrates why he stood out among the applicants.

"Despite countless awareness campaigns, I noticed that my fellow students continued to misuse separation bins. We needed a new approach to build a waste-sorting habit across the school – something more creative, engaging, and effective,” Phong said.

This realisation sparked the creation of Otto. The idea was simple: a robot attached to the sorting bins that automatically opens the correct lid after identifying the type of trash.  

The Otto project team introduced the first version of their AI-powered waste sorting robot at the “VASers for the Community 2023-2024” event. Photo: VAS.

Phong’s task as the project's founder was to develop the first fully functional model. Working from his bedroom-turned-engineering-lab, Phong dove into unfamiliar territory.

"In the first week, I built dozens of circuits and made a mess of my bedroom. I had no prior experience with robotics and machine learning. So, engineering and building a robot from scratch was no small feat,” he recalled.

“I managed to assemble Otto’s first prototype in a month. Still, we needed upgrades, so off I went again!”

The Otto project team working on their development process. Photo: VAS.

The determination paid off. After several upgrades to Otto, Phong and his team won First Prize at the Ho Chi Minh City Secondary School Science and Engineering Fair, and Otto is now being implemented at VAS's Ba Thang Hai campus. Phong has recruited and trained a group of students to continue the project, and now serves as the advisor of the group.

The Otto project won first place at the 2024 Ho Chi Minh City High School Science and Engineering Competition. Photo: VAS.

A talented and high-achieving male student

Throughout high school, Phong maintained academic excellence with a GPA above 9.7 and earned seven A* in the Cambridge IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education).

But his achievements extend beyond top grades and technological innovations. As a member of his school's band for six years, Phong played guitar and bass in various concerts and school events.

“For me, it was more than just playing an instrument. It was about building discipline, humility, and growing as a leader – an experience foundational to my success.”

Phong particularly enjoys jazz, having spent days studying jazz pieces and trying to perfect his bass playing in high school.

"It's great to feel how each instrument contributes to the music," he said, drawing parallels between the harmony of jazz and the different technologies in his projects.

Phong (pictured centre) played in VAS Ba Thang Hai’s music band. Photo: VAS

At RMIT, Phong will pursue a Bachelor of Information Technology with AI electives. "What makes me happiest is being able to create something from scratch using technology. Whether it's software, robots, or an AI application, I believe technology is the key to creativity,” he explained.

Phong plans to fully immerse in university life through the various student clubs, sports, and competitions. He's also eager to participate in RMIT's student exchange program, viewing it as an opportunity to gain a global perspective and access cutting-edge knowledge in IT and AI.

As one of only seven Vice-Chancellor's Scholars this year, Phong's advice to future applicants reflects his own journey: "It's important that the projects you're working on have special meaning to you. Don't follow what others have done just because they seem to be successful."

He also revealed that one of the hardest parts of his scholarship application journey was cutting down on gaming and YouTube.

“As Grade 12 started, time became so precious. I had goals to reach, and I had fun while working on my projects. Gradually, I became more in control of my time. I learned that ‘discipline drives dreams’,” he said.

For Phong, the RMIT scholarship represents more than financial support – it's an opportunity to continue his mission of creating user-centric tech solutions. He plans to develop projects that will first benefit fellow students and faculty members, then expanding their reach through social media.

"I have always dreamed of becoming a great inventor,” Phong said.

“To invent, I must envision the future and dare to go where no one has. There's no better time to chase my dreams than now.”