On the morning of September 5, 2026, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Engineering (HCM-UTE, formerly Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education) solemnly held the Opening Ceremony for the 2026-2027 academic year, joining the nationwide opening day of Vietnamese education and welcoming the 2026 cohort as they officially begin their studies at HCM-UTE.

Attending the ceremony were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Hieu Giang – Secretary of the Party Committee and President of the University; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chau Dinh Thanh and Dr. Quach Thanh Hai – Vice Presidents of the University; together with faculty, staff and students of HCM-UTE.

The 2026-2027 academic year carries special significance, as opening ceremonies were held simultaneously across the country in a shared celebration of Vietnamese education. At HCM-UTE, faculty, staff and students watched the live broadcast of the Opening Ceremony for the 2026-2027 academic year organized by the Ministry of Education and Training and transmitted to educational institutions nationwide.

HCM-UTE watching the live broadcast of the Opening Ceremony for the 2026-2027 academic year organized by the Ministry of Education and Training

Following the national program, HCM-UTE held its own opening ceremony, at which the highlights of the 2025-2026 academic year were revisited in a year-in-review video. From teaching and learning to scientific research, innovation, competitions and student activities, the images portrayed a year of effort, achievement and progress by the University’s faculty and students.

Delivering the welcome address for the 2026-2027 academic year, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Hieu Giang – Secretary of the Party Committee and President of the University extended his greetings and shared his messages with all faculty, staff and students of HCM-UTE. Looking back on the 2025-2026 academic year, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Hieu Giang affirmed that these results form the foundation for the University to continue developing on its new path under the name Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Engineering. Building on the results achieved, the University will continue to promote a spirit of unity, innovation, creativity and responsibility, while expanding opportunities for learning, research, experience and connection for its students. Through this, HCM-UTE aims to build a modern educational environment in which every student can take ownership of knowledge and technology and develop themselves, and in which all can together create lasting value for the University and for society.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Hieu Giang – Secretary of the Party Committee and President of the University speaking at the Opening Ceremony for the 2026-2027 academic year

A highlight of the ceremony was the recognition of the highest-scoring admitted student of 2026 and the presentation of admission scholarships to new students with outstanding results. The University holds this activity to acknowledge their academic achievements and to encourage these new faces to continue developing their potential throughout their university years.

Nguyen Minh An – a first-year student in Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technology – was honored as the highest-scoring admitted student of 2026, with a total high school graduation examination score of 29 and an admission score of 29.3. This achievement reflects a serious and persistent learning process, and marks a memorable milestone as he officially becomes an HCM-UTE student.

HCM-UTE presenting a certificate of merit to the highest-scoring admitted student of 2026

Along with the highest-scoring admitted student, 26 new students who ranked first in their respective majors also received 2026 admission scholarships from the University. The scholarships are awarded to candidates whose total score in the three subjects of their admission combination reaches 26 or above in the 2026 high school graduation examination, excluding priority and bonus points. Under this policy, each scholarship serves both as recognition of the new students’ achievements and as an expression of the University’s support in the first steps of their university journey. The total value of the merit scholarships awarded in this round is VND 702.6 million.

HCM-UTE presenting merit scholarships to 26 new students who ranked first in their respective majors

Speaking on behalf of the 2026 cohort, Nguyen Minh An – the highest-scoring admitted student of the 2026 cohort – expressed his greetings and gratitude to the University’s teachers and to his family, and shared his feelings on his first day as a member of HCM-UTE. For the new students of the 2026 cohort, the day marks not only the start of their university journey but also an opportunity to discover themselves and to study, research, create and mature in a new environment. Nguyen Minh An also expressed his determination to take initiative in his studies, to keep creating, to live responsibly and to make meaningful marks together during his years at HCM-UTE. The title of highest-scoring admitted student is a source of pride and, at the same time, the starting point of a long journey ahead – a journey of confidence, aspiration and determination to create lasting value.

Nguyen Minh An – the highest-scoring admitted student of the 2026 cohort speaking at the Opening Ceremony for the 2026-2027 academic year

The Opening Ceremony for the 2026-2027 academic year closed in an atmosphere of enthusiasm, marking the moment when the faculty and students of HCM-UTE began a new journey together. For the new students of the 2026 cohort, it is the first milestone on a path of exploring knowledge, gaining experience and growing at HCM-UTE.

Building on the values it has cultivated, the University enters the 2026-2027 academic year in a spirit of initiative, unity and innovation, remaining committed to its educational philosophy of “Humanity – Innovation – Integration” and to building a learner-centered educational environment that encourages creative thinking and active integration. Through this, HCM-UTE and its learning community will continue to create new milestones in training, scientific research, innovation and development in the new academic year.

Text: HT
Photos: Gia Thien