On June 6, 2026, at Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Engineering (HCM-UTE, formerly Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education), the Vietnam Association for Mechanics, in collaboration with the University, held the Closing and Award Ceremony for the 36th National Mechanics Olympiad 2026 – Southern Region. At the competition, HCM-UTE achieved remarkable results, earning 2 First Prizes, 6 Second Prizes, 23 Third Prizes, and 12 Consolation Prizes in the individual category, as well as 1 Second Prize and 2 Third Prizes in the team category. Notably, student Ngo Hai Dong was honored with the prestigious Nguyen Van Dao Award.
Closing and Award Ceremony of the 36th National Mechanics Olympiad 2026 – Southern Region
Hosted by HCM-UTE, the 36th National Mechanics Olympiad 2026 – Southern Region attracted 606 contestants from 25 universities. Over the course of its 36 editions, the competition has become one of the most prestigious academic platforms in the field of mechanics, contributing to the discovery and nurturing of young talents while promoting learning and scientific research among university students.
Attending the ceremony were Prof. Dr. Sci. Nguyen Tien Khiem, President of the Vietnam Association for Mechanics; Prof. Dr. Tran Van Lien, Vice President and Secretary General of the Association; Prof. Dr. Nguyen Quoc Hung, Vice President of the Association; Prof. Dr. Nguyen Huu Loc, Member of the Standing Committee of the Vietnam Association for Mechanics and Deputy Head of the Organizing Committee for the Southern Region, along with representatives from universities, sponsoring enterprises, lecturers, and students from 25 universities across Southern Vietnam.
Representing HCM-UTE were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chau Dinh Thanh, Vice President of the University and Deputy Head of the Organizing Committee for the Southern Region, together with leaders of faculties, departments, centers, and related units.
Presenting the competition report, Prof. Dr. Nguyen Huu Loc stated that this year's Olympiad was successfully organized with high academic quality and strong participation from students of universities across Southern Vietnam. The results reflect the growing attention paid by higher education institutions to academic activities, scientific research, and the enhancement of students' professional competencies.
Prof. Dr. Nguyen Huu Loc presenting the competition report
In his remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chau Dinh Thanh, Vice President of HCM-UTE, emphasized that being entrusted by the Vietnam Association for Mechanics to host the competition was a great honor for the University. HCM-UTE made thorough preparations in terms of facilities, organization, and support services to ensure a professional, fair, and convenient competition environment for all participating teams.
He further highlighted that the National Mechanics Olympiad is not only a meaningful academic competition but also an opportunity for students to exchange knowledge, enhance professional skills, and foster their passion for scientific research. The achievements earned by HCM-UTE students demonstrate the University's commitment to practice-oriented education, research, and innovation.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chau Dinh Thanh delivering remarks at the ceremony
During the program, the Organizing Committee expressed gratitude to sponsoring enterprises and organizations for accompanying the competition. Representing the sponsors, Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Son, General Director of Inoue Vietnam Co., Ltd., shared his impressions of the event and expressed his desire to continue supporting educational activities, scientific research, and the development of high-quality technical human resources.
The Organizing Committee presenting flowers and commemorative gifts to sponsors
At the award ceremony, the Organizing Committee announced and presented awards to outstanding individuals and teams of the 36th National Mechanics Olympiad 2026 – Southern Region. These awards not only recognized students' academic and research achievements but also helped spread the spirit of scholarship, creativity, and the aspiration to conquer knowledge among engineering students.
At this year's competition, the HCM-UTE team won a total of 43 individual awards and 3 team awards, including 2 First Prizes, 6 Second Prizes, 23 Third Prizes, and 12 Consolation Prizes in the individual category, as well as 1 Second Prize and 2 Third Prizes in the team category. In particular, student Ngo Hai Dong received the Nguyen Van Dao Award, the highest honor of the National Mechanics Olympiad.
This achievement reflects not only the students' dedication to learning and research but also the devoted guidance of the University's faculty members. It further affirms HCM-UTE's strengths in engineering and technology education.
The Organizing Committee presenting the Nguyen Van Dao Award to an HCM-UTE student
Award presentation to First Prize winners in the Computer Applications in Machine Design category
Award presentation to the First Prize-winning team in Engineering Mechanics
In his closing remarks, Prof. Dr. Sci. Nguyen Tien Khiem, President of the Vietnam Association for Mechanics, highly appreciated the collaborative efforts of HCM-UTE and related organizations in hosting the event, while recognizing the valuable contributions of universities nationwide to the development of the Mechanics Olympiad movement.
Continuing the tradition of the National Mechanics Olympiad, the Vietnam Association for Mechanics officially handed over the hosting flag for the 37th National Mechanics Olympiad 2027 – Southern Region to Tra Vinh University.
The Closing and Award Ceremony of the 36th National Mechanics Olympiad 2026 – Southern Region concluded in an atmosphere of celebration and pride. The success of the event further affirmed the prestige of the National Mechanics Olympiad while demonstrating HCM-UTE's capability in organizing large-scale academic events and showcasing the University's quality in engineering and technology education.
The Nguyen Van Dao Young Talent in Mechanics Award is the most prestigious honor of the National Mechanics Olympiad. Presented by the Vietnam Association for Mechanics, the award recognizes the most outstanding students, typically those achieving the highest scores or exceptional nationwide performance. Named after the late Professor and Academician Nguyen Van Dao, the award pays tribute to one of the pioneers of Vietnamese mechanics. Beyond student recognition, the award fund has also expanded to honor young scientists and researchers in mechanics whose work has achieved international significance.
Regarding the University's Name Change
On December 26, 2025, the Prime Minister issued Decision No. 2809/QĐ-TTg, officially renaming Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education to Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Engineering (HCM-UTE). The new name reflects the University's multidisciplinary development orientation, strengths in technology and engineering, and its current stature.
Prior to 2007, the University was a leading institution in technical teacher education. Since 2007, in response to changes in Vietnam's national academic classification system, the University has expanded and strengthened its technology, engineering, and related disciplines. The name change aligns with the national higher education network development plan for 2021–2030 with a vision toward 2050, meeting workforce demands in the era of digital transformation while reaffirming HCM-UTE's role as a national key university in technology and engineering.