On the evening of November 7, 2025, at National Economics University (NEU), the “Homecoming” Gala Dinner—one of the key activities in the series of events marking the 20th anniversary of the IBD@NEU International Bachelor’s Program—took place in a formal, warm, and deeply moving atmosphere.

Delegates attending the ceremony pose for a commemorative photo.

Representing partner institutions at the ceremony were Tran Minh Phuong, Regional Director, TMC Academy; Tran Ngoc Duy, Marketing and Admissions Lead for Indochina, University of the West of England; and Dr. Nguyen Viet Anh, Director of Andrews University Programs in Vietnam.

Representing NEU 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; Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Trung Thanh, Dean of the Institute of International Education; Prof. Dr. Tran Tho Dat, former President, Secretary of the Party Committee, former Chair of the University Council, and Chair of the Scientific and Training Council; and Prof. Dr. Pham Hong Chuong, former President. Also attending were former leaders of units across different periods; representatives of the leadership of schools, departments, faculties, and institutes; business representatives; former staff and current faculty and staff of the Institute of International Education; and IBD alumni and students from cohorts 1 through 21.

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

In his opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President, emphasized: “IBD is one of the pioneers in international education partnerships, helping bring the quality of Vietnamese education closer to global standards. Today, we are proud that many generations of IBDers have become leaders and experts, carrying the IBD spirit even further.”

The IBD@NEU International Bachelor’s Program, offered by the Institute of International Education, is NEU’s first international joint undergraduate program. It was established with the mission of bringing international education programs to a generation of dynamic students ready to become global citizens. The year 2025 marks a special milestone: 20 years of IBD@NEU’s establishment and development. Over two decades, the program has established its standing with 21 student cohorts, with 95% of students finding employment within three months of graduation and earning high regard for their skills and expertise. Twenty years may not be a particularly long journey, but it is an important milestone recognizing the maturity, innovation, and sustainable development of IBD@NEU—a place that connects knowledge, nurtures aspirations for international integration, and provides a career starting point for thousands of students.

On behalf of the Minister of Education and Training, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chair of the University Council, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Huy Nhuong, President of NEU, present a Certificate of Merit to the Institute of International Education.

Over 20 years of establishment and development, the Institute of International Education at NEU has affirmed its pioneering position in delivering the IBD@NEU International Bachelor’s Program, making important contributions to the internationalization of higher education in Vietnam. For its outstanding achievements in education, scientific research, and international cooperation, the Institute of International Education was honored to receive a Certificate of Merit from the Minister of Education and Training for its outstanding achievements and contributions to education and training.

Units and individuals with outstanding achievements receive Certificates of Commendation from the President.

The success of the IBD@NEU International Bachelor’s Program over the past 20 years is the result of close coordination among units throughout the University, from academic units and functional departments to education support teams, working together to build a high-quality international education model with a distinctive identity. These achievements also reflect the sustained, dedicated, and enthusiastic contributions of every faculty member, administrative staff member, and employee of the Institute of International Education, who have quietly supported and made important contributions to IBD@NEU’s establishment and development over the past two decades. In recognition of these contributions, the President of NEU awarded Certificates of Commendation to units and individuals with outstanding achievements contributing to the IBD@NEU Program’s 20 years of establishment and development.

The Institute of International Education presents gifts of appreciation to leaders of the University and the Institute across different periods.

The Institute of International Education presents gifts of appreciation to faculty members and staff of the Institute of International Education.

Also during the IBD@NEU 20th anniversary celebration, commemorative medals were formally presented to NEU leaders across different periods; former leaders of the Institute of International Education, who laid the foundations, provided leadership, and shaped the Institute’s direction at different stages of its development; and the staff currently responsible for directly managing, implementing, and operating the International Bachelor’s Program.

The Institute of International Education presents gifts of appreciation to businesses and alumni who have consistently supported the program.

Meaningful recognition was also given to corporate partners that have supported and accompanied the IBD Program for many years. These strong partnerships have not only helped provide students with a modern learning environment closely connected to practice, but have also opened up a wealth of opportunities for experience and career connections.

The program also recognized the dedicated contributions of the IBD alumni community—generations who grew through their education at the University and now return as speakers, mentors, recruiters, and links to corporate partnerships. With a sense of responsibility and attachment, they have continued to spread IBD’s core values—the spirit of learning, sharing, and contributing—carrying forward the program’s proud and sustainable two-decade journey of development.

“Homecoming” was not only a gala marking 20 years of establishment and development, but also a reunion of generations of IBDers who have carried the IBD spirit into society and around the world, making their own mark in many different professions. Reunions, recollections, expressions of thanks, and good wishes all came together to create an evening rich in emotion.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Trung Thanh, Dean of the Institute of International Education, presents awards to the top 20 participants in the “Running Home – IBD@NEU 2025” virtual running event.

Alongside the recognition activities, the awards presentation for the “Running Home – IBD@NEU 2025” virtual running event became an emotional highlight of the gala evening. Held from October 22 to November 6, 2025, the running event drew enthusiastic participation from hundreds of runners, including alumni, students, lecturers, and staff of the Institute of International Education.

The nearly three-week journey was not only a challenge to develop physical fitness and determination, but also a symbol of the spirit of connection and IBD pride, with every stride carrying the message “Stay fit to connect – Run to return.”

At the gala, the Organizing Committee honored the top 20 runners overall, along with the top three male and female runners from each week of competition—outstanding participants who spread positive energy and a strong IBD spirit throughout the student and alumni community.

Dr. Trinh Thi Thu Giang, Vice Dean, and Dr. Le Thi Huong Lan, in charge of the Development Cooperation Division, present awards to the top three runners in each week of the running event.

With support from sponsor Verlosar, “Running Home – IBD@NEU 2025” has concluded, but the spirit of the running event continues to spread as an expression of gratitude and a strong bond connecting generations of IBDers everywhere. Every step leads not only toward the finish line, but also toward the “beloved IBD home”—where the journey of growth and lasting connections began.

Online connections and live conversations with IBD alumni living and working abroad.

Another emotional highlight of the program was the online connection and live conversation with IBD alumni living and working abroad. Despite differences in time zones and geographical distance, alumni in many countries still made time to participate remotely, offering congratulations and sharing their career journeys and the values IBD had brought them. Their authentic glimpses of life, international working environments, career lessons, and messages sent “back home” on IBD’s 20th anniversary created moments of profound connection, affirming the enduring bonds of the IBDers community, wherever they may be in the world.

Some images from the lucky draw.

Alongside its main activities, the “Homecoming” Gala also offered moments of surprise and excitement through a lucky draw for attending delegates. Many valuable, practical, and meaningful gifts were presented during the event, creating a lively atmosphere and a sense of connection.

What made the lucky draw special was that all prizes were sponsored by supporting businesses and IBD alumni—former students of the program who have now returned as partners, business owners, and value creators, spreading the spirit of “giving back” to the next generation. This also clearly demonstrates the journey of growth within the IBDers community: from recipients to givers.

The “Homecoming” Gala Dinner concluded in a warm and moving atmosphere, filled with hope and positive energy. The past 20 years have been a journey of building, breaking new ground, and creating lasting value for thousands of students. From this 20-year milestone, IBD@NEU now enters a new phase, extending its connections, developing an even stronger alumni community, expanding its ecosystem of international and business partnerships, and continuing to uphold its mission of bringing educational standards and a global mindset closer to Vietnam’s younger generation.

Our sincere thanks go to the leaders, teachers, partners, businesses, and the entire community of IBD Alumni, students, faculty and staff who have supported IBD@NEU, helped shape it, and shared in its pride over the past 20 years, and who will continue to accompany it on the journey ahead.

Some images from the event:

Article and photos: Institute of International Education and 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.