On January 18, 2024, the Institute of International Education, National Economics University (NEU), held a graduation ceremony for 13 new master’s graduates from the first cohort of the IMD@NEU International Master’s Program. The program comprises Information Management with a specialization in Entrepreneurship, Technology and Innovation Management (ETIM), offered in partnership with the University of Koblenz, Federal Republic of Germany (University of Koblenz), and Business Administration, offered in partnership with the University of the West of England, United Kingdom (UWE).

An overview of the 2024 IMD@NEU graduation ceremony

External guests attending the graduation ceremony included Hoang Lan Hoa, Chief Representative of the University of the West of England in Vietnam. Representing NEU were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Trung Thanh, Dean of the Institute of International Education; leadership representatives from departments, faculties, institutes, and centers; and the University’s faculty and staff. In particular, the parents, families, and friends of the 13 new master’s graduates from the first IMD@NEU cohort attended to share in their joy.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President of NEU, speaks at the graduation ceremony

Speaking at the ceremony, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President of NEU, extended his heartfelt congratulations to the new IMD@NEU master’s graduates. He affirmed: “We deeply appreciate your determined and sustained efforts in undertaking and completing a master’s program of European-standard quality, such as the University of Koblenz’s ETIM program and UWE’s MScBM program, while also fulfilling equally demanding daily responsibilities at work, at home, and in society.” On behalf of the University’s leadership, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu also expressed special gratitude to the professors and administrative staff of both partner universities—the University of Koblenz (Federal Republic of Germany) and UWE (United Kingdom)—for their close cooperation and shared commitment to delivering the IMD@NEU International Master’s Program at NEU.

Prof. Dr. Harald Von Koflesch, former Vice President of the University of Koblenz, together with Mr. Christoph Jocker and Dr. Tran Phuong Anh, Program Coordinator, congratulates the new master’s graduates

Prof. Steve West, President of the University of the West of England, congratulates the new master’s graduates

Although circumstances beyond their control prevented them from attending the graduation ceremony, representatives of the two partner universities—Prof. Dr. Harald Von Koflesch, former Vice President of the University of Koblenz; Mr. Christoph Jocker; and Dr. Tran Phuong Anh, Program Coordinator, representing the University of Koblenz; together with Prof. Steve West, President of UWE—continued to follow the master’s students’ progress and were moved to see them complete a meaningful journey marked by considerable hardship, challenges, and effort.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President of NEU, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Trung Thanh, Dean of the Institute of International Education, present master’s degrees in Information Management with a specialization in Entrepreneurship, Technology and Innovation Management, offered in partnership with the University of Koblenz, Federal Republic of Germany

To develop internationally qualified human resources with specialized expertise in business administration, NEU has expanded its partnerships with many reputable universities worldwide. In particular, the ETIM master’s program is a collaboration between the University of Koblenz, Federal Republic of Germany, and NEU. Launched in 2017, the program has now trained and graduated its first cohort.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President of NEU, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Trung Thanh, Dean of the Institute of International Education, present master’s degrees in Business Administration, offered in partnership with the University of the West of England, United Kingdom

Meanwhile, the master’s program in Business Administration—Msc Business Management—is the result of cooperation between UWE, United Kingdom, and NEU. Designed specifically for managers in businesses and socioeconomic organizations, the program provides strategic thinking, up-to-date knowledge, and a solid, systematic grounding in management and leadership. After more than 10 years of successful cooperation at the undergraduate level, the two partner universities formally expanded their educational partnership to the master’s level in 2022. The master’s program in Business Administration has attracted interest and graduated its first cohort within 12 months.

In the solemn atmosphere of the ceremony, the 13 new master’s graduates joyfully rose to express their happiness and gratitude with the warmest applause. They acknowledged the meaningful support and companionship of the University, their families, and their loved ones. This achievement is not merely a stopping point, but a new beginning on the journey ahead. It is hoped that the graduates’ spirit of learning and enthusiasm will remain a constant source of motivation in their lives and careers.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President of NEU, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Trung Thanh, Dean of the Institute of International Education, present certificates of merit to two new master’s graduates for outstanding academic achievement.

To recognize the master’s students’ exceptional efforts, NEU and the Institute of International Education decided to commend the two students with the most outstanding academic records, representing the two programs: Giang Hong Tien and Ta Thi Thu Ly. This recognition is a fitting reward for their outstanding academic performance and demonstrates the University’s commitment to imparting knowledge and recognizing the value of its community of master’s students. These achievements are a tremendous source of encouragement and pride, reflecting the continuous efforts of both the students and the University.

Nguyen Thi Van Anh shares her reflections at the ceremony on behalf of the 13 new master’s graduates

Honored to represent the 13 new master’s graduates, Nguyen Thi Van Anh shared her emotions on this special occasion: “For all of us, and for me personally, MSc BM1 and ETIM1 have been among the most memorable journeys of our lives. Only after going through interviews and challenging entrance examinations did we earn the opportunity to become master’s students in one of the world’s leading master’s programs. This was our cohort’s first source of pride in the early days of the course. We still feel the same joy and emotion, brimming with youthful excitement. Yet, unlike our undergraduate graduations in years past, today we are also filled with pride because we are the first master’s graduates of the joint postgraduate program between NEU and UWE and the joint program between NEU and the University of Koblenz, Federal Republic of Germany.”

New master’s graduates present flowers to University leadership representatives as a gesture of thanks

The IMD@NEU International Master’s Program has become a home and a second family for each master’s student: people who came together by chance and one day found themselves with more brothers and sisters as close as family. Graduation marks an important milestone after months of building a foundation of new knowledge and experiences: makeshift dinners, weekend classes, group study sessions, days experiencing life as international students at partner universities, and countless changes in life and work. These experiences have brought IMD@NEU master’s students not only academic knowledge but also emotional rewards and classmates who later become partners supporting one another in their work and careers.

ETIM master’s students during their three-month experience in the Federal Republic of Germany on Erasmus scholarships

Master’s students in Business Administration during their two-week experience in the United Kingdom

The ceremony concluded amid the joy of the new master’s graduates, filled with pride in their achievements and firm confidence in the future. Life is a series of journeys, and among them, the pursuit and enrichment of knowledge is truly an adventure that requires effort and continually pushing beyond one’s limits. This achievement is the result of unity and sustained effort, and a source of honor not only for the master’s students but also for the University and their families.

The joy of new master’s graduates on their momentous day

Some images from the ceremony:

Article and photos: Institute of International Education & Department of Communications

This is an automated translation. If you notice any errors, please contact the Department of Communications, National Economics University at phongtruyenthong@neu.edu.vn.