Truong received national honour for many coin-manufacturing innovations, establishing Canada as global minting leader
Dr. Hieu C. Truong, who led the Royal Canadian Mint’s engineering and research and development programs for nearly four decades, was recently appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada by Governor General David Johnston.
Truong, who was one of nine Ottawans appointed to the Order of Canada last month, was commended by Johnston “for his innovative contributions as an engineer and a leader who has helped propel Canada to the forefront of the minting industry.” He’s also the namesake of the Mint’s Hieu C. Truong Centre of Excellence for Research and Development, which opened in June 2013.
“The Royal Canadian Mint is proud of its global reputation as a tireless innovator, much of which is founded on the tremendous engineering achievements of Dr. Hieu C. Truong,” said Sandra Hanington, Mint president and CEO. “Innovations such as multi-ply plated steel, circulation coin colouring and state-of-the art coin security are only a few examples of how Dr. Truong helped Canada stand out as a minting industry leader and everyone at the Mint is delighted that his tremendous contributions are being nationally recognized by his appointment as an Officer of the Order of Canada.”
NUMEROUS INVENTIONS
A true innovator, Truong holds seven patents related to coin colouring, plating and precious metal refining, and his achievements have impacted coin users in Canada and around the world.
His distinguished career at the Mint was marked by numerous inventions, which—in addition to revolutionizing coin manufacturing on a global scale—furthered Canada’s reputation for innovation and created a vibrant export market for Canadian coin technology. He also helped establish Mint coins as the world’s most secure coins.