On the morning of October 5, 2024, amidst the joyful atmosphere of the nationwide back-to-school season, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education (HCMUTE) proudly held its opening ceremony for the 2024-2025 academic year and celebrated the 62nd anniversary of its founding (October 5, 1962 - October 5, 2024), marking the beginning of a promising new chapter. The event took place in a warm and uplifting atmosphere, honoring the unwavering efforts of all faculty and students in striving for another successful academic year.
Overview of the Opening Ceremony for the 2024-2025 Academic Year and the 62nd Anniversary of HCMUTE
The ceremony was honored to welcome numerous delegates from government agencies, departments, as well as representatives from the University’s partners and alumni. Among the distinguished guests were Mrs. Trương Mỹ Hoa – Former Vice President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Chairwoman of the Vừ A Dính Scholarship Fund; Mr. Nguyễn Huy Ngọc – Head of the Southern Regional Department of the Central Propaganda and Education Commission; Dr. Nguyễn Đức Nghĩa – Former Vice Rector of the Vietnam National University-Ho Chi Minh City, Member of the Education Quality Assessment Council; representatives from the local government, law enforcement, and businesses, along with partner universities and colleges.
On the side of HCMUTE, there were Dr. Trương Thị Hiền – Secretary of the Party Committee, Chairwoman of the University Council; Associate Professor Dr. Lê Hiếu Giang – Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee, Acting Rector of the University; Mr. Nguyễn Nam Thắng – Member of the Standing Committee of the Party Committee, Chairman of the University’s Trade Union; representatives from the youth union, student association, alumni, and retired teachers and veterans.
The Joyous and Proud Atmosphere of the Opening Ceremony and 62nd Anniversary Celebration
At the event, Dr. Lê Hiếu Giang – Acting Rector of the University, took the first few moments to express deep sympathy with the people in the northern region who were severely affected by Typhoon Yagi. He called for solidarity and hoped that the people in the affected areas would soon overcome the difficulties and stabilize their lives.
Dr. Lê Hiếu Giang's Welcome Speech at the Ceremony
Prior to this, in response to the loss and hardship caused by Typhoon Yagi and its aftermath in the northern provinces, the University leadership decided to hold the ceremony in a simplified format, without receiving flowers or hosting a banquet. The school received strong support from partners, businesses, organizations, and individuals who contributed to helping those affected by the floods. This gesture is a reflection of the University’s humanistic values and its educational philosophy.
During the ceremony, Dr. Lê Hiếu Giang expressed pride in the University's significant achievements, particularly its rise to the 401-450 range of the best universities in Asia, improving by 200 spots according to the QS Asia University Rankings. This success is the result of substantial improvements in education, research, international cooperation, and infrastructure development.
The theme for the 2024-2025 academic year is "University Governance Innovation and Global Integration." Dr. Giang emphasized this spirit in the University's strategic objectives, with ten main goals: improving university governance, opening the Bình Phước campus, developing advanced training programs, building a digital learning ecosystem, improving QS rankings, accrediting training programs, and expanding the global alumni network. The University is determined to continue asserting its position and growing stronger in the new academic year.
Reflecting on the Successful Journey: Efforts and Achievements
The 2023-2024 academic year closed with remarkable milestones, reflecting the perseverance and dedication of both faculty and students. With a graduation rate of over 95%, the University not only trains students with solid expertise but also instills in them a spirit of continuous learning and creativity.
Additionally, the University's students achieved outstanding results internationally. The Robocon team reached the Asia-Pacific finals, and research projects such as environmental monitoring systems and IoT applications in agriculture showcased the students' creativity and commitment to contributing to society.
Scholarships for Talented Students: A Quiet but Strong Encouragement
Each year, the University pays special attention to its students through the "Talented Student Scholarship" program. These scholarships are a significant motivation, encouraging students to continue excelling in their academic pursuits.
This year, 37 students who scored 26 or above in the entrance exam were awarded scholarships worth 1 million VND per point, with a total value of nearly 900 million VND. The scholarships not only recognize their efforts but also inspire them to confidently embark on their academic journey. During the ceremony, the top student was selected to receive a symbolic scholarship, representing the success of all 37 scholarship recipients.
Dr. Lê Hiếu Giang and the Family of the Late Professor Vũ Đình Hòe Present Scholarships to Top Students
Special recognition was given to the valedictorian Nguyễn Phi Bảo (28.25 points, majoring in Control and Automation Engineering) and the runner-up Nguyễn Ni Muộn (28.00 points, majoring in Mechanical Engineering). The valedictorian, Nguyễn Phi Bảo, was also awarded an additional 2 million VND and a certificate of achievement. The family of the late Professor Vũ Đình Hòe, Vietnam's first Minister of Education, presented a special scholarship of 8 million VND to the top student and 6 million VND to the runner-up.
Scholarship Sponsorships and Equipment Donations – Honoring Corporate Partnerships
The 2023-2024 academic year also saw significant achievements in corporate partnerships. The University expanded its collaboration with over 200 large enterprises both domestically and internationally, helping 98% of graduates secure jobs right after graduation, particularly at multinational corporations and leading technology companies.
The ceremony also acknowledged the generous contributions from businesses and individuals, with a total sponsorship of 7.7 billion VND for scholarships and equipment for the 2024-2025 academic year.
In the ceremony, the University also organized a gratitude event for the businesses, expressing deep appreciation for their support in enhancing education quality and providing the best learning conditions for students.
The Ceremony Becomes Warm and Meaningful with the Presence of Mrs. Trương Mỹ Hoa
During the ceremony, Mrs. Trương Mỹ Hoa, Former Vice President of Vietnam and Chairwoman of the Vừ A Dính Scholarship Fund, personally presented 3 scholarships, each worth 48 million VND, to students from disadvantaged backgrounds who have excelled in their studies. These scholarships are not only financial support but also a great source of encouragement, helping the students become more confident and determined in their academic journey.
Mrs. Trương Mỹ Hoa, Chairwoman of the Vừ A Dính Scholarship Fund, Delivers a Speech
Through these meaningful gifts, Mrs. Hoa planted seeds of hope, encouraging the students to become useful citizens who contribute positively to society.
Receiving 17 Accredited Programs
During the opening ceremony, the University was honored to receive 17 programs that achieved quality accreditation from the Ministry of Education and Training. This is an important milestone, confirming the University's ongoing efforts to enhance education quality and meet the increasing demands of society and the labor market.
The Opening Drum: A New Knowledge Journey Begins
Concluding the ceremony, Dr. Lê Hiếu Giang, Acting Rector of the University, struck the ceremonial drum, signaling the official start of the new academic year. The sound of the drum resonated as a call to action, urging both faculty and students to unite, overcome challenges, and reach new heights in the pursuit of knowledge.
This year’s opening ceremony, though simple, was filled with deep sincerity. Every scholarship awarded and every encouraging word offered to students carried a clear message: each person has boundless potential to overcome difficulties and achieve success.
The new academic year has officially begun, bringing with it a renewed sense of hope and faith in a new journey, where dreams and aspirations will become reality under the roof of Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education.