I first came across the works of Prof. Yu while working on my master thesis and final project, in search of ways to respond to the water-related catastrophes that my country, Vietnam, is facing. His research, vision, and personality have inspired me deeply. The story of how the son of a farmer rose to become an internationally renowned landscape architect — one who could make the most powerful people listen to his wise words and take action — has been a guiding light for me. I wished to follow in his steps and, one day, to become the “Kongjian Yu of Vietnam.”

Meeting him in Nantes was an incredibly warm and moving experience: to see, up close, the icon I had studied, and to find him so open, simple, and welcoming. I am deeply saddened by his passing, and I wish to share my heartfelt condolences with his family. I also promise to live by his example and to continue defending and spreading his ideas for the good of the world.

译文

在撰写硕士论文及毕业设计期间，为应对越南水患危机，我首次研读俞孔坚教授著作。其学术思想、远见卓识与人格魅力令我深受启迪——这位农民之子终成国际景观大师，让权贵倾听智慧之言并付诸行动的人生轨迹，始终指引着我的职业道路。我立志追随其足迹，成为越南的俞孔坚。

南特之会是我毕生难忘的温暖相遇：近距离瞻仰学术偶像，却发现他如此平易近人、谦和热忱。惊闻教授溘然长逝，谨向家属致以最深切哀悼。我誓将秉承其精神遗产，继续捍卫并传播其思想理念，造福人类。