On September 24 and 25, 2026, the National Economics University (NEU) and the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) organized a series of exchange and collaboration activities in Ho Chi Minh City and Vinh Long Province. The program took place in a spirit of celebration for the 70th anniversary of the National Economics University and the 50th anniversary of the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City, contributing to strengthening connections, sharing, and deepening the collaborative relationship between the two universities.

With activities ranging from strategic exchanges, signing of Memorandums of Understanding between the Youth Unions of the two universities, to supporting local educational institutions, visiting generations of educators, heritage journeys, and sports exchanges, the program created numerous meeting points and connections among NEU – UEH staff, faculty members, officials, employees, and youth union members. Through these activities, the values nurtured throughout the journey together continue to be shared, contributing to deepening the collaborative relationship between the two universities.

Kicking off the series of activities, on the morning of September 24, 2026, at Hall B1.205, University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City, the UEH Youth Union and NEU Youth Union jointly organized the Forum “The Role of Young Officials and Employees in the Development Strategy of NEU – UEH for the Period 2026 – 2030.” The forum was held in a hybrid format, connecting with the National Economics University in Hanoi, opening discussions on the role, responsibilities, and contributions of the young workforce in the development strategy of the two universities for the new period.

Forum Overview

Attending the Forum, from NEU were: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho – Party Secretary, Rector; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Huy Nhuong – Deputy Party Secretary, Vice Rector; Prof. Dr. Nguyen Huu Anh – Vice Rector; Dr. Nguyen Huu Dong – Chairman of the University Trade Union, Chief of the Party – Union Office; Dr. Vu Tri Tuan – Secretary of the NEU Youth Union.

From UEH were: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Quang Hung – Party Secretary, Rector; Prof. Dr. Nguyen Khac Quoc Bao – Deputy Party Secretary, Vice Rector; Dr. Nguyen Thien Duy – Chairman of the Trade Union, Chief of the Party – Union Office; MSc. Nguyen Thi Thuong Nho – Secretary of the UEH Youth Union; along with representatives of the leadership of various units, Trade Union, Youth Union, lecturers, officials, and young employees of the two universities at both locations.

The year 2026 marks significant milestones in the development of NEU and UEH, with the 70th anniversary of the National Economics University and the 50th anniversary of the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City. Building on the foundation nurtured through many generations, the Forum opened discussions on the role and responsibility of the young intellectual workforce in continuing the values, while contributing specific initiatives and solutions for the development strategy of the two universities for the period 2026 – 2030.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho – Party Secretary, Rector of the National Economics University speaks

In his keynote speech at the Forum, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho, Party Secretary and Director of the National Economics University, emphasized the role of young staff and workers in the development journey of NEU and UEH. They are the successors, continuing the values and traditions nurtured over generations, while bringing creativity, innovation, and practical contributions to realize strategic goals in the new phase. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho also affirmed that the leadership of both universities is always ready to listen, accompany, and create a favorable environment for young staff to develop their capabilities, promote initiatives, and actively participate and contribute more deeply to the development of each university.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Quang Hung – Party Secretary and Director of the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City presents a special topic

At the Forum, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Quang Hung, Party Secretary and Director of UEH, presented the special topic “From a Multidisciplinary and Sustainable University to the Core of a Regional Innovation Ecosystem – An Approach from UEH.” Drawing from a 50-year journey of construction and development, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Quang Hung shared the direction for building the UEH University Innovation Hub model for the 2026 – 2030 period, clarifying the role of young staff and workers in creating knowledge, promoting collaboration, and spreading the spirit of innovation in the university environment. This group is also identified as needing to proactively participate, contribute initiatives, and gradually take on leadership roles in realizing UEH’s new development directions.

Following the special topics, a dialogue session co-chaired by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho, Director of the National Economics University, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Quang Hung, Director of the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City, opened direct exchanges between the leadership and young teams of NEU – UEH. Many contributions and initiatives were shared focusing on the working environment, professional development, academic research, and strengthening the connection between the two institutions; particularly focusing on student and faculty exchanges, research collaboration, technology and artificial intelligence applications, talent attraction, as well as expanding cooperation in entrepreneurship, innovation, and organizing specialized conferences.

The Youth Union of the National Economics University and the Youth Union of the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City sign a cooperation agreement for the 2026 – 2030 period

From the exchanges and proposals at the Forum, the spirit of cooperation was further concretized by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Youth Union of NEU and the Youth Union of UEH, witnessed by the management of both universities. The Memorandum of Understanding provides a foundation for the youth of NEU – UEH to enhance coordination, gradually implement practical joint activities, thereby promoting the role of union members, staff, and young workers in connecting resources, sharing initiatives, and contributing to the increasingly deep cooperation relationship between the two universities.

Delegates attending the Forum of the two universities take a commemorative photo

Continuing the series of activities, on September 25, 2026, the NEU and UEH delegation organized the handover ceremony of the “Local Educational Support Project” at Tra Cu Secondary School, Vinh Long Province. The activity demonstrates the concern of the two universities for the local education sector, while affirming their social responsibility and commitment to accompanying the community. This is also one of the meaningful activities on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of NEU and the 50th anniversary of UEH, contributing to spreading humanitarian values and deepening the cooperative relationship between the two universities.

Inauguration and handover ceremony of the STEM Classroom Project at Tra Cu Secondary School, Vinh Long

Ribbon-cutting ceremony for the handover of the STEM Classroom Project at Tra Cu Secondary School

On the same day, the NEU and UEH delegation laid flowers and offered incense in memory of President Ho Chi Minh at the President Ho Chi Minh Temple in Vinh Long Province. In a solemn atmosphere, the delegation members respectfully expressed their boundless gratitude for his immense contributions to the national revolutionary cause, particularly in the “cultivation of people”. The return-to-origin trip is a meaningful occasion for staff, lecturers, and youth members of the two universities to foster revolutionary traditions, continue to promote learning and following Ho Chi Minh’s thoughts, ethics, and style in teaching, academic research, and community service.

The NEU and UEH delegation lays flowers and offers incense in memory of President Ho Chi Minh at the President Ho Chi Minh Temple, Vinh Long Province

On the same day, the Trade Union and Youth Union of NEU – UEH jointly organized a Journey to the Roots in Vinh Long with the participation of representatives from the Executive Committee of the Trade Union, the Youth Union, along with staff and members from both universities.

The first destination of the journey was the Memorial Site of Chairman of the Council of Ministers Pham Hung. In a solemn atmosphere, the NEU – UEH delegation laid flowers and offered incense in memory, expressing their respect and gratitude for Comrade Pham Hung’s contributions to the national liberation struggle, nation-building, and defense. Through the documents and artifacts preserved at the Memorial Site, members of the delegation also had the opportunity to gain deeper insights into the life, career, and significant contributions of Comrade Pham Hung in the history of Vietnam’s revolution.

The Trade Union and Youth Union of both universities visited and offered incense at the Memorial Site of Chairman of the Council of Ministers Pham Hung

Continuing the journey, the delegation visited the Memorial Site of the late Prime Minister Vo Van Kiet, reverently laying flowers, offering incense, and remembering the late Prime Minister’s contributions to the cause of renovation, construction, and development of the country. The documents, artifacts, and stories preserved at the memorial sites helped NEU – UEH staff and members understand more about the lives and careers of previous generations of leaders, thereby deeply appreciating the values of innovation, responsibility, and the aspiration to contribute to the community and the nation.

The Trade Union and Youth Union of both universities visited and offered incense at the Memorial Site of the late Prime Minister Vo Van Kiet

During the journey, the NEU – UEH delegation visited and expressed gratitude to generations of educators and staff who have significantly contributed to the construction and development of both universities. This activity provided an opportunity for today’s generations to express their appreciation for those who have helped build the foundations, traditions, and values that NEU and UEH have inherited and continued throughout their development journey.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho – Party Secretary, Director of the University, along with the delegation, visited Assoc. Prof. Dr. People’s Teacher Dao Van Tai – Former Vice Rector of UEH – one of NEU’s educators who transferred to work at UEH and was among the first members of UEH in 1976 – NEU Alumni K1

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Huu Anh – Vice Director of the University, along with the delegation, visited Meritorious Teacher Nguyen Tang Hao – Former Party Secretary, Vice Rector of UEH, NEU Alumni K4, Former Deputy Head of the Faculty of Labor Economics at NEU

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Huu Anh – Vice Director of the University, along with the delegation visited Prof. Dr. Meritorious Teacher Nguyen Thanh Xuong – Former Vice Rector of UEH, Alumni, former Lecturer at NEU

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Huu Anh – Vice Director of the University, along with the delegation visited Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Quoc Te – Former Party Secretary, Chairman of the University Council, Vice Rector of UEH, NEU Alumni K15, former Lecturer at NEU

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Huu Anh – Vice Director of the University, along with the delegation paid respects to the late Prof. Dr. People’s Teacher Nguyen Tan Lap – Former Rector of UEH, Former Head of the Mathematics Faculty at NEU

These meetings and visits provided an opportunity for generations of staff and educators to reminisce about memorable milestones in the journey of construction and development, while also passing on values, emotions, and bonds nurtured over many generations. Through this, the traditions of each university continue to be preserved, while also creating stronger connections in the partnership between NEU and UEH.

Continuing the spirit of connection, the NEU – UEH Sports Exchange Program 2026 was held on September 24 and 25, 2026, at the UEH Nguyen Van Linh campus in Ho Chi Minh City and UEH Mekong in Vinh Long province. The program not only brought a lively atmosphere through competitions and exchanges but also created opportunities for staff, faculty members, and employees of both universities to meet, strengthen solidarity, and share joy during the 70th anniversary of NEU and the 50th anniversary of UEH.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Quang Hung present trophies and commemorative flags to the NEU – UEH athlete delegation

After the opening ceremony, NEU and UEH athletes entered the first day of competition (September 24) at the UEH Nguyen Van Linh campus with two events: football and table tennis, creating an exciting and enthusiastic exchange atmosphere.

Speaking at the program, leaders of both universities emphasized the significance of sports activities in enhancing connections, solidarity, and the bond among NEU – UEH staff, faculty members, and employees, thereby continuing to foster the collaborative relationship between the two universities.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Quang Hung present commemorative medals to NEU – UEH leaders and participating athletes.

Within the framework of the program, NEU and UEH leaders presented trophies and commemorative flags, as well as commemorative medals and souvenirs to representatives of participating units and athletes. The moments of exchange on the field and side activities contributed to creating a close, cohesive atmosphere, reflecting the spirit of partnership between the two universities during the meaningful milestones of 2026.

The second day of competition (September 25) at UEH Mekong, Vinh Long province, continued to extend the lively atmosphere and spirit of connection of the program. Without emphasizing achievements, each match became an occasion for meeting, sharing, and strengthening collegiality among NEU – UEH members. Handshakes, words of encouragement, and shared moments on the field added beautiful memories, making the spirit of sports a bridge that enhances the bond between the two universities.

The football and table tennis teams of NEU and UEH staff and employees

The series of activities commemorating the 70th anniversary of the National Economics University and the 50th anniversary of the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City has further strengthened the bonds between NEU and UEH. Each meeting and joint activity continues to foster understanding, sharing, and the values nurtured in the relationship between the two universities. On this foundation, NEU and UEH continue to expand connections among units and generations of staff, faculty members, employees, and students; together creating increasingly practical and effective collaborative programs, continuing the journey of “Connecting – Solidarity – Together Development.”

Article and photos: Task Force & Communications Department