The year 2023 has just ended with special marks in the aspirational journey to success of Ton Duc Thang University (TDTU). Let’s review the typical milestones of TDTU lecturers and students in 2023.

1. Continuously expanding cooperation, aiming to become an international center for education and training, and attracting international students

With the aim of consistently pursuing the path of university internationalization to become a destination and international center for education and training to attract international students, the University constantly connects with international partners and prestigious educational organizations in countries with developed education, such as Canada, New Zealand, Denmark, Netherlands, Poland, Czech Republic, Korea, India, Taiwan, etc., to organize various programs or activities, like the 1^st International Competition on Research and Design of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, the Education Fair on Studying in Finland 2023, etc.

 During the European business trip from May 24 to June 2, 2023, in addition to promoting educational cooperation with member universities of the UCI (University Consortium International), TDTU leaders have worked and exchanged more potential cooperation programs with prestigious partners and universities such as Dresden University of Technology (Federal Republic of Germany), Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Poland, universities in the Czech Republic such as Czech Technical University in Prague, University of Pardubice, Prague University of Economics and Business, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Tomas Bata University in Zlin, Technical University of Ostrava, University of Ostrava, etc. They also met foreign organizations and enterprises such as the Confederation of Industry of the Czech Republic, Skoda Automobile Manufacturer of the Volkswagen Group, BR Group, Vietnam Embassy in Czech Republic, the Union of Vietnamese People Associations in Europe, Maticni Skola Ostrava High School for the Gifted, Czech Republic, among others.

From December 7 to December 12, 2023, the TDTU’s delegation visited, discussed and signed cooperation agreements with major universities in Taiwan, such as the National Taiwan Sport University, National Taipei University of Business, Feng Chia University, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Lunghwa University of Science and Technology, and Chang Gung University to develop effective bilateral cooperation contents.

In 2023, TDTU was honored to welcome many politicians to visit the University such as the delegation of the Central Union of Cuban Workers, Ambassador of the Republic of Finland in Vietnam, Charge d’Affaires of the Republic of Poland in Vietnam, the Consulate General of India in Ho Chi Minh City, and the Danish Economic and Commercial Office in Ho Chi Minh City.

TDTU has continuously welcomed many international student groups from the UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Denmark, etc., such as the UK international student group, La Trobe University, University College of Northern Denmark, Aarhus Business College, and others, to study and exchange cultures at TDTU.

2. Consolidating science and technology activities in the direction of substantive, sustainable development and international integration

With the goal of becoming a research university, TDTU continues to promote scientific and technological activities towards sustainable and substantive development, pay special attention to finding solutions to improve the effectiveness of scientific research associated with teaching and innovation, and deploy digital transformation applications in managing scientific research activities. The University has issued policies to promote the development of science and technology research and attract high-quality human resources to work at the University.

TDTU lecturers and staff continuously improve their expertise, and accompany and encourage students in their scientific research. The year 2023 marks the successes of TDTU scientists, lecturers, and students, specifically:

• 2 Scientists are among the TOP 1% of most influential scientists in the world. Many Scientists are trusted and elected by countries and international journals.
• TDTU lecturer won First Prize in the “Science Innovation Contest 2023” by the Ministry of Science and Technology, Vietnam.
• TDTU lecturer won First Prize in the “Excellent Mathematics Work Award 2023” by the Ministry of Education and Training, Vietnam.
• TDTU students won 2 Second Prizes, 1 Third Prize, 3 Consolation Prizes, 1 topic transferred into the research project, 1 prize for the most voted scientific video clip at the “25^th Student Scientific Research Competition – Euréka.”

In 2023, the University continuously coordinated with universities and research institutes of many countries and territories around the world to successfully organize many international conferences, creating opportunities for academic exchange and interaction among leading experts in many fields. Conferences held in 2023 included:

• The 4^th International Conference on “Computer Vision and Computational Intelligence” and the 5^th International Conference on “Asia Pacific Information Technology” on February 10 - 11, 2023;
• The 2^nd International Conference on “Advanced Smart Materials and Structures” 2023 on June 28 - 30, 2023;
• The 5^th Asia Conference on “Pharmaceutical Sciences” that took place on August 16 - 18, 2023;
• The 4^th International Conference on “Environmental Technology and Innovations 2023” held last November 29 - 30, 2023;
• The 8^th International Conference on “Advanced Engineering: Theory and Applications 2023” on December 15-16, 2023.

3. Promoting the study program accreditation and institutional accreditation according to international standards

TDTU’s activities were continuously improved according to the standards of international accreditation organizations and in accordance with the practical needs of society, contributing to improving training quality and expanding work and study opportunities for students.

In 2023, TDTU once again affirmed the quality of training when being granted a quality seal by FIBAA for 7 study programs, including a master’s degree (2 programs): Sociology and Finance - Banking; bachelor degree (5 programs): Law, Marketing, International Business, Business Administration - majoring in Hospitality Management, and Business Administration - majoring in Human Resource Management. In March 2023, AUN-QA recognized 4 more undergraduate study programs, including Pharmacy, Chemical Engineering, Interior Design, and Environmental Engineering Technology.

Thus, as of November 2023, TDTU has had a total of 26 study programs accredited and recognized as meeting international standards by international accreditation organizations, of which 11 study programs are accredited and recognized as meeting the international quality standards of FIBAA.

The On-site Visit FIBAA Institutional Accreditation at TDTU took place from December 13 to December 15, 2023, to identify strengths and details that need to be improved, aiming to develop the University according to international standards.

4. Being recorded in world rankings

In June 2023, according to the ranking results of THE Asia University Rankings 2023, TDTU was ranked 86^th out of 928 ranked Asian universities. Prestigious university ranking organizations in the world continued to evaluate and rank TDTU at a high rank, specifically:

• 138^th best university in Asia according to QS Asia University Rankings 2023;
• Top 150 best young universities in the world according to Young University Rankings 2023; and
• Top 601-800 best universities in the world in the 2024 ranking phase of THE World University Rankings.

5. Tightening community, enterprise and local cooperation

Enterprise cooperation activities developed with more than 100 new partners. TDTU successfully organized 2 job fairs with a total scale of more than 110 booths, attracting more than 10,000 students to participate in learning about information and job opportunities, and organized TDTU Alumni Business Day 2023.

TDTU always pays attention to implementing social responsibility through effective cooperation programs with localities. In 2023, TDTU discussed, signed new agreements, and carried out exchange activities with the provinces, including Quang Ngai, Hau Giang, An Giang, Dong Thap, Kien Giang, Soc Trang, Lam Dong, Dak Nong, Ca Mau, and Ba Ria - Vung Tau. Moreover, TDTU connected universities and enterprises in the Czech Republic with Quang Ngai province.

TDTU was also honored to welcome Deputy Prime Minister Le Minh Khai, Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee; the delegations of the Party Committee of Hanoi University and College and the Party Committee of Ho Chi Minh City University and College; Ministry of Education and Training; 130 universities and colleges nationwide; the delegations from the Federation of Labour of provinces; the Standing Committee of Vietnam Petroleum Trade Union; the Union of Vietnamese People Associations in Europe and the Vietnamese People Association in the Czech Republic; who signed a cooperation agreement with the Department of Labour, War Invalids and Social Affairs of Ho Chi Minh City; among others. In addition, TDTU welcomed and prepared for the Ministry of Education and Training to successfully organize the “Panel Discussion on Domestic and International Experts on Transferring Vocational Training and College Levels to University Level - International Experiences and Lessons for Vietnam” with attendees from more than 100 universities and colleges.

6. Holding various major events

In 2023, hundreds of major events were held at TDTU, notably: Conference on defense and security joint education for the academic year 2023-2024, the employee football tournament celebrating the 94^th establishment anniversary of the Vietnam Trade Union, UpRace 2023 running event to raise Vu A Dinh Scholarship Fund, Vietnamese Student Youth Football Tournament, Vietnam Student Securities Investment Contest 2023, the 4^th Ton Duc Thang University Student Beauty Contest, Ton Duc Thang University MC Contest 2023, Inauguration of the 3D Golf Simulation Room, etc. attracting the participation of politicians, celebrities, many lecturers, staff and students of the entire University, and lecturers and students of universities with candidates attending the above events.

Events such as Party - Youth Union congresses and conferences, panel discussions, celebrations, academic competitions, awarding the university-level student with 5 merits, spring volunteer campaigns, blood donation day, and traditional and sport days of faculties also took place regularly and successfully.

7. TDTU students with high results at domestic and international competitions

TDTU students and alumni with the spirit of Discipline - Politeness - Professionalism - Creativity - Devotion have actively seized opportunities, exceeded their own limits, and affirmed TDTU’s mark at competitions, music, and artistic activities with various awards and achievements such as:

• 2 Gold Medals, 1 Silver Medal and 2 Bronze Medals at the 32^nd SEA Games
• Champion of the 2^nd National Student Seven-a-side Football Tournament
• Champion of the 2023 Ho Chi Minh City Student Basketball Tournament – Women’s team, Champion of the Southern Region Student Basketball Tournament – Women’s team, Best Female Athlete of the Southern Region Qualifier, and Silver Medal in the NUC National Student Basketball Tournament 2023
• Music contests: 1 First Prize and 1 Fourth Prize in Duet - Group Category; 1 Second Prize, 1 Third Prize and 1 Fourth Prize in Solo Category; Award for the group with impressive performance costumes and staging; Most Exciting Fan Award at the “Golden Lotus Voice 2023 Open” Competition
• First Prize for the Entire Team - Southern Region; Third Prize for the Entire Team; Promising Vocalist Award; Consolation Prize in the “National Student Singing” Contest.
• Certificate of Merit from the Ministry of Education and Training for the group with the highest percentage of students participating in the “Youth learning following Ho Chi Minh’s ideology, ethics, and style” 2023 contest.

The silent and tireless contributions of the staff and students of Ton Duc Thang University to accomplish glorious achievements in 2023 are a great source of motivation, paving a new and exciting journey in 2024. TDTU lecturers and students continue to nurture aspirations, determination, and solidarity to contribute to bringing the University named after beloved Uncle Ton to new successes, sustainable development, and quality.