On the morning of May 15, 2025, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education (HCMUTE) became the next stop in the ongoing series of events titled “Uni Tour – Drug-Free Campus.” The event was lively and engaging, attracting a large number of students and spreading a powerful message about living positively and proactively avoiding drugs and social evils in the university environment.
The program was organized by the Ho Chi Minh City Police Department in collaboration with the Ho Chi Minh City Youth Union and the Vietnam Students' Association of Ho Chi Minh City. It aimed to raise student awareness about the severe dangers of drugs and disguised addictive substances such as “laughing gas,” “happy water,” e-cigarettes, and shisha. Notably, the program highlighted the growing trend of drug use becoming younger and more sophisticated, infiltrating school environments in ways that are increasingly difficult to detect.
HCMUTE leadership presents flowers to thank the organizers of the Uni Tour program
During the program, Colonel Huynh Trung Phong – Head of the Political Affairs Division of the HCMC Police – shared:
“Drugs are not only addictive substances; they are silent destroyers that rob individuals of their health, dignity, and future, causing devastating consequences for families, communities, and society. With increasingly deceptive appearances, drugs can infiltrate students’ daily lives without being easily recognized.”
He warned that just a moment of curiosity, ignorance, or temptation can lead a student down the path of addiction—a painful loss for the individual, their family, and the young human resources that Ho Chi Minh City is striving to develop.
The program went beyond awareness-raising, becoming an inspirational journey that equipped students with the skills to “immunize” themselves against temptation, helping them become a shield to protect themselves and spread positive values within the academic community.
“Each student should become an advocate who actively says no to drugs and helps build a safe learning environment,” Colonel Huynh Trung Phong emphasized.
Colonel Huynh Trung Phong speaking at the program
In his remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chau Dinh Thanh – Vice President of HCMUTE – affirmed:
“Today’s students are tomorrow’s engineers, educators, and managers. You not only need to master technology but also be responsible citizens to yourselves, your families, and society. To be fully prepared for the future, students must be protected from threats that are creeping into school life, such as drugs, e-cigarettes, and new addictive substances.”
He further emphasized:
“Drugs not only destroy health but also erode morality and cause individuals to lose themselves. New forms like ‘happy water,’ LSD paper tabs, laughing gas, and e-cigarettes containing addictive substances are increasingly being disguised under legal appearances, posing a growing threat to the youth.”
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chau Dinh Thanh speaking at the program
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chau Dinh Thanh also expressed hope:
“Each HCMUTE student will be a ‘shining light’—spreading awareness of social evils prevention, being a companion, and a role model for their peers. Let’s build HCMUTE into a university that is not only strong in academic expertise but also rich in ethics, worthy of its status as one of Vietnam’s leading technical and technological universities.”
Talk show: “City Students: Passionate Learners – Passionate Explorers – Say NO to Drugs”
As part of the program, a talk show themed “City Students: Passionate Learners – Passionate Explorers – Say NO to Drugs” created an open space for dialogue, helping students enhance their awareness, strengthen their resilience, and adopt a healthy lifestyle.
Additionally, the final round of the competition “Designing Drug-Free and Vice-Free Classrooms and Campuses” took place with great enthusiasm, showcasing many creative and practical models. The student projects demonstrated strong critical thinking and a sense of community responsibility, receiving high praise from the judging panel and positive engagement from the audience.
More images from Uni Tour – Drug-Free Campus at HCMUTE:
