On the afternoon of December 20, 2025, National Economics University (NEU) held the opening ceremony for Cohort 15 and the 2025 master’s degree award ceremony for its Executive MBA program, welcoming 176 new master’s students and honoring 57 new master’s graduates.

A view of the ceremony

Attending the ceremony were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chair of the University Council; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Huy Nhuong, President of NEU; Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President of NEU; and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vu Thanh Huong, Dean of the Institute of Postgraduate Education. Also present were leadership representatives from colleges, departments, faculties, institutes, and centers; representatives of sociopolitical organizations; faculty members teaching in the program; and, notably, the new master’s students and master’s graduates, along with their relatives, friends, and colleagues.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Huy Nhuong, President of NEU, delivers remarks

On behalf of NEU’s leadership, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Huy Nhuong congratulated the Executive MBA program’s 176 new master’s students and 57 new master’s graduates, acknowledging the academic achievements they had worked hard to attain and could take pride in.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Huy Nhuong stated that NEU’s Executive MBA program is designed specifically for leaders and managers, with a strong emphasis on practical application and close links to business management practices in Vietnam amid deepening international integration.

Emphasizing the need for lifelong learning in the new context, the President of NEU shared: “In today’s context, knowledge is no longer fixed but constantly evolving and changing. Whatever position we hold, each of us needs to keep learning and updating our knowledge to make sound decisions amid considerable uncertainty.”

According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Huy Nhuong, the world is entering a period of rapid change driven by digital transformation, artificial intelligence, the green economy, the circular economy, and new requirements for sustainable development. These trends are fundamentally reshaping business models, management approaches, and the way businesses and the economy operate. In this context, managers cannot rely solely on their existing experience but must continually renew their thinking and strengthen their decision-making capabilities.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Huy Nhuong expressed his hope that each new Executive MBA master’s student would demonstrate a commitment to learning at a higher standard and actively bring knowledge and practical experience into the classroom, thereby contributing to the success of the tripartite cooperation model linking the State, the University, and businesses. The University hopes that each Executive MBA class will become a forum connecting academic knowledge and practice, where master’s students share ideas, engage in critical discussion, and seek solutions to management challenges arising in practice.

NEU’s leadership reaffirmed the University’s commitment to continuing to modernize its academic program, enhance its practical relevance, and promote integration; strengthening links between education, scientific research, policy consulting, and business needs; expanding the use of digital technology in teaching; and building a rigorous, professional academic environment that provides the best possible conditions for learners to develop their capabilities and pursue their aspirations to contribute to the development of businesses and society.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vu Thanh Huong, Dean of the Institute of Postgraduate Education, announces the Decision recognizing Cohort 15 Executive MBA master’s students and the award of Executive MBA master’s degrees in 2025

MSc. Nguyen Hoang Ha, Head of the Department of Political Affairs and Student Management, announces the Decision on commendations

To recognize master’s students’ efforts and encourage their commitment to learning and research, the President of NEU signed a Decision awarding commendations to candidates with the highest entrance examination results and new master’s graduates with outstanding achievements in academic work, scientific research, and class management. This timely encouragement reflects the University’s recognition of master’s students’ persistent efforts and contributions throughout their studies and personal development.

University leaders present certificates of merit to new Executive MBA master’s students with outstanding entrance examination results

University leaders present certificates of merit to new Executive MBA master’s graduates with outstanding academic achievements and numerous positive contributions to their cohort’s activities

A representative of the new master’s students delivers remarks and receives a congratulatory bouquet from University leaders

New master’s graduate Nguyen Van Thai delivers remarks

Speaking on behalf of the new master’s graduates receiving their degrees, Nguyen Van Thai expressed his deep gratitude to NEU’s leadership and faculty members for their dedicated support, knowledge sharing, and inspiration throughout the master’s students’ studies.

According to Nguyen Van Thai, for each new Executive MBA master’s graduate, the degree represents not only the result of rigorous, sustained study but also an affirmation of a commitment to lifelong learning, a determination to improve, and an aspiration to contribute to the sustainable development of organizations, businesses, and the national economy.

Speaking at the ceremony, new master’s graduate Nguyen Van Thai emphasized: “We understand that economic knowledge goes beyond models and numbers. More importantly, it involves the ability to apply that knowledge flexibly in practice, helping address challenges arising in the operations of businesses, markets, and society.”

Presentation of the Executive MBA program’s golden key—the key to success

The golden key, a traditional emblem of the Executive MBA program, is regarded as a symbol of knowledge, resolve, and success. At each opening ceremony, the key presentation ritual is always a special moment, expressing the University’s trust in and expectations of its master’s students. Through this ritual, the program hopes that each master’s student will embrace, preserve, and further advance the pioneering spirit, innovative thinking, and tradition of success established by generations of Executive MBA master’s students.

University leaders present the Decision establishing the Alumni Network Liaison Committee and introduce its members

NEU was the first higher education institution entrusted by the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) with permission to pilot an Executive MBA program, introduced for the first time in Vietnam in 2011. The University also transferred the program’s delivery know-how to the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City for implementation in the South.

The Executive MBA program is specially “designed” for future leaders of organizations and businesses. This highly practical program focuses on developing problem-solving mindsets and leadership skills, helping managers not only improve their decision-making abilities but also build long-term strategies. Throughout the course, master’s students have opportunities to apply theory to practice, gain experience, and develop skills in real-world business environments, thereby helping create breakthroughs and distinctive value for their organizations. Combining learning with practice, the program not only helps master’s students strengthen their senior management thinking but also enables them to connect ideas, create business opportunities, and learn and grow together.

NEU is proud to be one of Vietnam’s leading higher education institutions. Over nearly 70 years of growth and development since its establishment, the University has educated and provided the country with highly qualified scientists, experts, and managers in economics and business, making important contributions to the process of renewal, economic development, and the building of an increasingly flourishing and prosperous Vietnam.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Huy Nhuong, President of NEU, presents degrees to new master’s graduates

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chair of the University Council, presents degrees to new master’s graduates

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President of NEU, presents degrees to new master’s graduates

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vu Thanh Huong, Dean of the Institute of Postgraduate Education, presents degrees to new master’s graduates

The 2025 Executive MBA program opening and master’s degree award ceremony not only marked the beginning of a new learning journey but also recognized the sustained efforts and well-earned achievements of the new master’s graduates. The event held special significance in connecting NEU’s nearly 70-year tradition with the aspirations of a future generation of leaders. With the foundation of contemporary knowledge, advanced management thinking, and extensive network offered by the program, Executive MBA master’s students are expected to continue demonstrating their resolve, intellect, and spirit of innovation, making tangible contributions to the development of businesses, communities, and the country in an era of deepening integration.

Additional photos from the ceremony:

Article and photos: Department of Communications

Media coverage of the ceremony:

Lao Dong: Experience alone is not enough: Managers need to renew their thinking and embrace lifelong learning

Dai Bieu Nhan Dan: NEU holds the opening ceremony for the 15th cohort of its Executive MBA academic program

Giao Duc & Thoi Dai: Executive MBA – a forum for exchange connecting academia and practice

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