An overview of the ceremony

External guests attending the ceremony included Nguyen Thi Thao, Indochina Regional Admissions Officer for the University of the West of England in Vietnam; and MSc. Pham Vu Tung, Marketing Director of CNG Company.

Representing NEU were Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President of NEU; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Trung Thanh, Dean of the Institute of International Education; leadership representatives from the University’s schools, departments, faculties, institutes, and centers; and faculty and staff at the Institute of International Education.

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

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President of NEU, warmly congratulated the 2025 cohort of the IMD@NEU International Master’s Program. These students had excelled in a highly selective admissions process to join one of the University’s leading international academic programs.

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu emphasized, “Your presence today is clear evidence of an exceptionally successful admissions cycle for the reputable joint program between National Economics University and the University of the West of England (UWE), United Kingdom.”

The Vice President also affirmed that the Institute of International Education continually strives to innovate and refine its curriculum in line with international standards, supported by reputable lecturers and a dynamic learning environment. These efforts aim to provide students not only with in-depth academic knowledge but also with inspiring learning experiences that foster comprehensive development and global integration.

Prof. Ray Priest, Asia-Pacific Regional Director at the University of the West of England, United Kingdom, congratulates the new students

To congratulate the students on joining the International Master’s Program at NEU, the University of the West of England (UWE), United Kingdom—a strategic partner of the program—sent a basket of fresh flowers and best wishes for the occasion.

Although unable to attend in person, Prof. Ray Priest, Asia-Pacific Regional Director at the University of the West of England, sent a congratulatory message expressing pride in the strong growth of the IMD@NEU program. He also affirmed that this growth clearly demonstrates the enduring educational partnership between the United Kingdom and Vietnam.

Prof. Ray Priest also emphasized that UWE would continue to support students throughout their studies, ensure educational quality in line with international standards, and offer numerous opportunities for global academic experiences. These commitments help strengthen students’ confidence in a rewarding learning journey that opens up many prospects for future development.

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President of NEU, presents the Potential Development award to the student with the highest admission score in the program

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Trung Thanh, Dean of the Institute of International Education, presents the Inspiring Innovative Leaders awards to students who achieved strong academic results as NEU undergraduates

To encourage learning and honor outstanding achievements, NEU presented the “Inspiring Innovative Leaders” and “Potential Development” awards to outstanding students of the 2025 IMD@NEU International Master’s Program.

The awards not only recognize students’ efforts and academic achievements they can be proud of but also reflect the IMD@NEU program’s commitment to nurturing innovation and supporting a generation of young intellectuals on their journey toward global integration and development.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Trung Thanh, Dean of the Institute of International Education, delivers welcoming remarks to the new students

Student Nguyen Phuong Anh shares her thoughts at the ceremony

Representing the 98 students in the 2025 cohort of the IMD@NEU International Master’s Program, Nguyen Phuong Anh, the top-scoring entrant in the Master of Business in Digital Management specialization, shared her thoughts and expressed gratitude to the lecturers. Phuong Anh explained that studying at IMD@NEU is not only a process of acquiring knowledge but also an opportunity to gain experience, challenge oneself, and demonstrate one’s abilities. “The willingness to think boldly, take action, and embrace new experiences will be the key to helping each student develop comprehensively and make their own mark on their career path,” Phuong Anh affirmed.

Representatives of the new students present bouquets of fresh flowers as an expression of deep gratitude to the University of the West of England, NEU, and the Institute of International Education

MSc. Pham Vu Tung, Marketing Director of CNG Company, shares insights on building brands through cultural activities and the vision of brand builders

Next on the agenda, MSc. Pham Vu Tung, an alumnus of the Vietnam–U.S. Graduate Program and Marketing Director of CNG Company, offered practical and inspiring perspectives in a talk on “Building brands through cultural activities and the vision of brand builders”.

In his talk, MSc. Pham Vu Tung emphasized that a sustainable brand is shaped not only by products or communication strategies but also by cultural values and the vision of its leaders. His sincere and insightful remarks further motivated students, inspiring creativity and responsibility as they embark on their learning and career development journeys.

Dr. Duong Van Bay, Head of the Postgraduate Division, and a representative of the new students present flowers to thank MSc. Pham Vu Tung

Following the business representative’s talk, the program continued with a course orientation led by Dr. Duong Van Bay, Head of the Postgraduate Division, and Dr. Nguyen Thi Hong Van, IMD@NEU Program Director. They introduced the academic program’s structure, study regulations, and academic and student networking activities planned for the coming academic year, giving new students an overview and helping them prepare as fully as possible for the learning journey ahead.

Delegates pose for a commemorative photo with the new students

The ceremony concluded in an atmosphere of joy, energy, and anticipation. The new journey for students of the 2025 IMD@NEU International Master’s Program officially began—a journey of knowledge, connections, and aspirations to reach new heights.

Some photos from the ceremony:

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