On the afternoon of August 7, 2025, National Economics University (NEU) held the opening ceremony for Cohort 7 of the Global CEO Academy. The event was jointly organized by NEU’s Institute for Sustainable Development and Continuing Education Center.

An overview of the ceremony

External guests attending the opening ceremony included Song Eun Eui, Standing Deputy Director of KOICA; Kang Sin Ho, Program Manager; Nguyen Thi Thu Trang, Program Manager and representative of the KOICA International Cooperation Agency in Vietnam; and leaders of Korean businesses in Vietnam.

Representing NEU were Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President; Dr. Dao Thanh Tung, Head of the Department of International Cooperation; Dr. Can Anh Tuan, Director of the Continuing Education Center; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bach Ngoc Thang, Deputy Director of the Institute for Sustainable Development; and representatives of the leadership of schools, departments, faculties, institutes, and centers. Representing the Global CEO Academy’s management team was Dr. Haeja Park, Program Director, alongside all lecturers, advisors, alumni, and new trainees of Cohort 7 of the Global CEO Academy.

Dr. Can Anh Tuan, Director of the Continuing Education Center, announces the Decision to launch the training course

At the start of the ceremony, acting on behalf of the President of NEU, Dr. Can Anh Tuan, Director of the Continuing Education Center, announced the Decision to launch Cohort 7 of the Global CEO Academy short-term training course.

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, emphasized that this postgraduate academic program is designed for experienced managers and chief executives, equipping learners with the knowledge and skills needed to lead and manage businesses in a globalized environment.

Although limited in scale and duration, the program is highly practical, with special requirements for quality and value at NEU. Launched in 2013, with its first cohort officially beginning training in 2014, the program has trained more than 180 leaders and managers from Vietnamese and Korean businesses. Following a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s course returns with numerous changes to its content and methods, focusing on the global economy, innovation, Vietnam’s investment and business environment, history and culture, and social responsibility.

Since the beginning of 2025, under the leadership of Dr. Haeja Park, Program Director, efforts to connect with the Vietnamese and Korean business communities have intensified, laying the groundwork for the program’s successful relaunch. Close coordination between the Institute for Sustainable Development and the Continuing Education Center has also played an important role in sustaining and developing the program.

At the ceremony, Vice President Nguyen Thanh Hieu thanked the KOICA Office in Vietnam for assigning an expert to support NEU; the Korean business community and Korean residents in Vietnam for their continued support; and alumni for helping take the program to new heights. Prof. Nguyen Thanh Hieu particularly recognized the efforts and professionalism of Dr. Haeja Park, who devoted considerable care and dedication to preparing today’s formal and meaningful opening ceremony.

Song Eun Eui, Standing Deputy Director of KOICA, delivers remarks

Representing KOICA, Song Eun Eui, Standing Deputy Director, expressed confidence that the program would offer trainees a valuable opportunity to go beyond acquiring knowledge as they would in a conventional training program. They would also reflect together on the future of economic cooperation between South Korea and Vietnam, seek effective responses to the rapidly changing socioeconomic environment, and, above all, build a strong network of relationships between Vietnam and South Korea. Song Eun Eui also expressed her hope that the course would not only provide management knowledge but also create opportunities for trainees from both countries to exchange ideas, expand their business networks, and help strengthen Vietnam–South Korea economic cooperation.

Representing alumni, Park Seong-ju, President of the Alumni Association, and Jang Sun-bong, CEO of KAS Holdings, offer congratulations and encourage new trainees to foster a spirit of learning and cooperation

Park Seong-ju, representative of the new trainees of the Global CEO Academy, delivers remarks

Haeja Park, Program Director, delivers remarks and introduces the program

The Global CEO Academy brings together leading, respected experts and lecturers to offer in-depth, up-to-date perspectives on international economics and business. This year’s teaching roster includes highly influential figures such as the South Korean Ambassador to Vietnam; leaders of the Ministry of Finance; the Chairman of Samsung Vietnam; representatives of the Foreign Investment Agency (FIA); senior officials from the State Bank of Vietnam; successful startup entrepreneurs in Vietnam; a former South Korean Minister of SMEs and Startups; and Prof. Dr. Tran Tho Dat, former President of NEU, among others.

The participation of leading experts across multiple fields not only gives trainees access to highly practical knowledge but also opens opportunities to connect and collaborate with a network of leaders, managers, and entrepreneurs in Vietnam and abroad. This distinctive feature gives Cohort 7 its appeal and sets its value apart from previous cohorts.

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President of the University, presents commemorative gifts to delegates

Cohort 7 of the Global CEO Academy promises to continue serving as an important bridge between the Vietnamese and Korean business communities, helping nurture sustainable, friendly cooperation and mutual development.

Leaders of the University pose for a commemorative photo with delegates and trainees

Additional photos from the event:

Article and photos: Institute for Sustainable Development & 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.