On December 16, 2025, National Economics University (NEU) held the graduation ceremony for the second cohort of its joint Bachelor of Business (BBUS) program with the University of Waikato, New Zealand.

Representing the New Zealand Embassy at the ceremony was Rebecca Wood, New Zealand Deputy Ambassador to Vietnam. Representing the University of Waikato, New Zealand, were Prof. Dr. Neil Quigley, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Waikato; and Prof. Dr. Stuart Dillon, Executive Dean of Waikato Management School.

Representing NEU were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chair of the University Council; Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President; and Prof. Dr. Ta Van Loi, Rector of the College of Business. Also attending were representatives of the leadership of colleges, departments, faculties, institutes, and centers; faculty and staff from both universities involved in teaching the program; and, especially, the new graduates and their families and loved ones.

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President of NEU, delivers remarks

Speaking at the ceremony, Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President of NEU, emphasized that the partnership between the two universities was built on a shared vision of providing education that meets international standards, with academic programs designed to balance global business thinking with a deep understanding of local market conditions.

According to Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, fields such as supply chain management and digital business are undergoing unprecedented, profound changes. Supply chains play a pivotal role in the global economy, while digital transformation is fundamentally changing how businesses operate. Against this backdrop, today’s graduates are expected to assume important roles essential to the future of international trade. The foundation of knowledge and skills they have acquired will help students approach new challenges with confidence, flexibility, and creativity.

The Vice President of NEU emphasized: “Your achievements today clearly demonstrate your perseverance and strong adaptability. You have overcome many difficulties, actively embraced opportunities to learn in an international environment, and demonstrated your determination to succeed. More importantly, you have become role models for future generations of students through your dedication to learning and determination to succeed.”

Prof. Dr. Neil Quigley, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Waikato, delivers remarks

Rebecca Wood, New Zealand Deputy Ambassador to Vietnam, delivers remarks

At the graduation ceremony, Hoang Phuong Thao shared heartfelt reflections on the learning journey and future plans on behalf of the 50 new graduates. Hoang Phuong Thao noted that, as they enter the global workplace equipped with knowledge of business and management, the graduates will face numerous challenges, particularly amid continuing global economic and political volatility.

Reflecting on the journey, Hoang Phuong Thao expressed pride in the tireless efforts of both herself and her classmates, from nights spent working on assignments until late to the moment they held their bachelor’s degrees—a milestone marking the completion of a challenging yet meaningful learning journey. “Although many difficulties lie ahead, we believe that our experiences will always remind us of our perseverance, our determination to overcome adversity, and our belief that we have succeeded, are succeeding, and will continue to succeed,” Hoang Phuong Thao emphasized.

Leaders of NEU and the University of Waikato, New Zealand, present degrees to the new graduates

The joint Bachelor of Business program, with degrees awarded by the University of Waikato (New Zealand), is an international academic program offered in Vietnam with two majors: Digital Business (BBus – DigiBus) and Supply Chain Management (BBus – SCM). Building on the positive results of the first cohort, the program saw 50 students complete their studies and receive bachelor’s degrees this year, marking another important step in developing high-quality human resources to international standards.

The Bachelor of Business program in Supply Chain Management and Digital Business is a joint international academic program between NEU and the University of Waikato (New Zealand). The bachelor’s degree awarded by the University of Waikato is recognized by Vietnam’s Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) and is also recognized globally. The program is delivered over three years at NEU, while allowing students to choose to study entirely in Vietnam or transfer flexibly to the University of Waikato’s campuses in New Zealand, providing diverse international academic experiences aligned with their personal development goals.

A distinguishing feature of the Bachelor of Business (BBus) program is that graduates receive a bachelor’s degree with one major and one minor, enhancing their competitive advantage in the labor market. Specifically, learners can graduate with a Bachelor of Business majoring in Supply Chain Management with a minor in Digital Business, or majoring in Digital Business with a minor in Supply Chain Management, flexibly meeting workforce needs amid digital transformation and international economic integration.

All instruction in the program is delivered entirely in English, ensuring international standards and an international learning environment. Lecturers from the University of Waikato (New Zealand) directly teach 15 specialized courses. Meanwhile, the Vietnamese lecturers and experts teaching in the program have all received formal education abroad, possess strong professional expertise and foreign language proficiency, and have undergone rigorous selection and evaluation by the University of Waikato, helping ensure the quality of education and consistency of the program.

New graduates of the second cohort of the joint Bachelor of Business (BBUS) program with the University of Waikato, New Zealand

The University of Waikato ranks 235th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2025 and leads New Zealand in research quality. It is among the elite top 1% of business schools worldwide and is accredited by three international accreditation bodies: AACSB, AQUIS, and AMBA.

Leadership representatives of the two universities and new graduates of the second cohort of the joint Bachelor of Business program (BBUS) pose for a commemorative photo

Article and photos: Institute of Trade and International Economics and Department of Communications

Media coverage of the ceremony:

Hanoi Television: Expanding international joint education programs

People’s Deputies Newspaper: NEU awards degrees to the second cohort of the Vietnam–New Zealand joint Bachelor of Business program

Labor Newspaper: A message to new graduates in the digital age

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