On September 20, 2024, Ton Duc Thang University (TDTU) held a ceremony to conclude the Academic Year 2023-2024, and welcoming students of Intake 28 to the Opening of the Academic Year 2024-2025, with the joy of its 27th Anniversary Celebration (September 24, 1997 - September 24, 2024).
The Opening Ceremony was attended by distinguished guests including Dr. Ngo Duy Hieu, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour; Mr. Tong Van Bang, Head of the Organizing Committee of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour and member of the University Council; Lieutenant General Nguyen Van Nam, member of the Permanent Committee of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee and Commander of the Ho Chi Minh City Command; Ms. Nguyen Thi La, Permanent Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of Ho Chi Minh City University and College and member of the University Council; Mr. Vu Trong Binh, Director General of the Department of Employment; along with leadership representatives from various city and provincial organizations and departments; representatives from several universities, high schools, and amicable enterprises, such as Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chau Vinh Huy, President of the Ho Chi Minh City University of Physical Education and Sports; Meritorious teacher, Dr. Colonel Pham Duy Hoang, Vice President of the People’s Security University; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Colonel Vo Quoc Cong, Vice President of the People’s Police University; Ba Huan Joint Stock Company; Hoa Sen Group Joint Stock Company; Rex Hotel; Vietnam Rubber Industry Group; FPT Corporation, among others.
From TDTU, the attendees included Dr. Vu Anh Duc - Secretary of the Party Committee, Chairman of the University Council; Dr. Tran Trong Dao - Chairman of the Science and Training Council, President; Dr. Vo Hoang Duy - Vice President; Dr. Dong Si Thien Chau - Vice President; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Thi Minh Ly - Vice Chairwoman of the University Council. Also present at the Ceremony were esteemed leaders of various units within TDTU, representatives of over 1,200 staff members, along with representatives of over 26,000 students.
At the Ceremony, the delegates and attendees observed a minute of silence to mourn the citizens who died, to honor and remember the officials and soldiers who sacrificed their lives while performing rescue operations and addressing the aftermath of the recent typhoon no. 3.
In the summary report of the Academic Year 2023-2024, Dr. Tran Trong Dao, Chairman of the Science and Training Council and President of the University, affirmed that the academic year was marked by the significant efforts and achievements of the University’s staff and students. This highlights the University’s commitment to its goal of “Becoming an outstanding organization in education and research, aiming at meeting societal needs and fostering human development.”
During the Academic Year 2023-2024, TDTU was honored to receive international accreditation from FIBAA, which awarded the university a Quality Seal for the period from 2024 to 2030. Additionally, 22 undergraduate and graduate programs were recognized as meeting international standards and ranked highly in global and regional university rankings. In terms of academic achievements, 6,878 students graduated, with a 99.4% employment rate within 12 months of graduation.
The University successfully organized 7 international scientific conferences, recorded over 600 new publications in WoS/Scopus databases, and saw numerous accomplishments by lecturers and researchers. This contributed to affirm the University’s direction towards becoming an internationally recognized research university. In terms of international collaboration, the University established partnerships with 15 new leading universities, all ranked among the top 800 globally, in France, Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan (China), etc. Moreover, the University welcomed 2,066 international students and sent 1,013 students abroad for short-term study programs, exchanges, and cultural activities.
With these achievements, the University is steadily progressing toward its goal of becoming a world-class research institution. “On this occasion, the University calls on lecturers, staff, and students to be more responsible and effective in their work and duties, take care of the interests of students and the University as if it were their own interests to contribute in building TDTU into a QUALITY & TRUST educational & scientific institution, and making the University become a bright spot in educational science of Ho Chi Minh City and the Country,” said Dr. Tran Trong Dao.
Congratulating the new students of Intake 28, the President expressed his gratitude to the parents and students for trusting and choosing Ton Duc Thang University, an institution that upholds the core values of quality and reliability, and follows principles of behavior: Democracy, Fairness, Effectiveness, and Devotion. The President advised the new students to quickly adapt to the university environment, integrate into the culture and student community at TDTU, take the initiative in studying, exploring knowledge, and actively develop skills to become global citizens, scientists, engineers, bachelors, architects, and pharmacists who will contribute to society. He especially reminded the new students: “Nothing is difficult if you dare to think and dare to do.” Let’s make this your guiding principle throughout your university journey. Set clear goals, build an effective study plan, and always seek opportunities to learn and grow.
On this occasion, the University was honored to receive a commendation from the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour for its “Outstanding achievements in the excellent labour emulation movement and building a strong labour union organization in 2023.” Additionally, the University was awarded a certificate of merit from the Party Committee of Ho Chi Minh City University and College for “Outstanding completion of exemplary tasks in 2023,” and another from the Quang Ngai Provincial People’s Committee for its “Contributions to training human resources, research, and technology transfer for Quang Ngai Province.” The Vietnam General Confederation of Labour also recognized the individual contributions of TDTU members, with Dr. Tran Trong Dao, President of TDTU, being awarded the title “Emulation Soldier of the General Confederation Level in 2023.”
At the Ceremony, the University also recognized outstanding students for their exceptional achievements in various fields, including Academics - Conduct, Sports, Scientific Research, and Arts & Culture. Scholarships were awarded to the valedictorian of Intake 28, as well as to students with an English entry score of 8.0 according to the IELTS standard. Additionally, students from the Vietnam-Finland International School (VFIS), part of TDTU, were honored for their academic achievements and extracurricular activities both domestically and internationally.
On behalf of the new students of Intake 28, Mai Dang Kim Ngoc, a student from the Faculty of Foreign Languages and the valedictorian, shared: “Today signifies a fresh start - a journey filled with dreams, ambitions, and new challenges. We pledge to always strive and persevere to be worthy of the trust and expectations of our teachers and parents. With the guidance of our lecturers, the love of our parents, and the companionship of our friends, we believe we will overcome all obstacles to achieve our goals and make the time at Ton Duc Thang University the most meaningful and memorable time of our lives.”
At the Ceremony, Mr. Ngo Duy Hieu, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour, on behalf of the Party Committee and the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour’s Presidium, praised the University’s achievements. “Ton Duc Thang University has become an educational institution with a modern and advanced learning environment that meets international standards, incorporating modern philosophy, culture, behavior, and principles of action. It is strongly integrated with other international-standard universities while still preserving the traditions and values of Vietnamese education.”
Speaking on behalf of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour’s leadership, the Vice Chairman also provided several suggestions and directives for the University to consider and implement during the Academic Year 2024-2025. Among them, he emphasized that Ton Duc Thang University must always be a pioneering institution in launching new and relevant academic programs with precision and effectiveness. Addressing the students, he stated, “You have every right to be proud of the university you have chosen to plant the seeds of your future.”
In his response and words of gratitude, Dr. Vu Anh Duc, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the University Council, affirmed that the achievements and results attained during the Academic Year 2023-2024 have created significant milestones in the University’s development process. He acknowledged that these accomplishments were the result of not only the efforts of the entire lecturers, staff, and students but also the ongoing leadership, guidance, and support from the current and former leaders of the Party, the State, the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour, the Ministry of Education and Training, the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee, and the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of close coordination and timely support from various ministries, sectors, local authorities, and union organizations at all levels.
On behalf of the University’s leadership, lecturers, staff, and students, the Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the University Council expressed gratitude for the valuable attention and support from various leaders. He also expressed a desire for continued support from all levels of leadership and for closer cooperation with local authorities, institutions, and partner universities, so that the University can continue striving for further development and growth.
