On December 12, 2024, National Economics University (NEU) held the graduation ceremony for the first cohort of the joint Bachelor of Business (BBUS) program between NEU and the University of Waikato, New Zealand.

A view of the ceremony

Attending the ceremony on behalf of the New Zealand Embassy in Vietnam was Ms. Caroline Beresford. Representing the University of Waikato, New Zealand, were Prof. Dr. Neil Quigley, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Waikato; and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Stuart Dillon, Acting Pro Vice-Chancellor of Waikato Management School. 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, Vice President; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President; and Assoc. 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, notably, the new graduates and their families and loved ones.

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). The program’s first graduating cohort comprised 60 students who graduated and received bachelor’s degrees, including 40 students in Vietnam and 20 in New Zealand.

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

Speaking at the ceremony, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President of NEU, shared that the partnership between the two universities reflects a shared vision of providing world-class education and creating a curriculum that balances global business knowledge with an understanding of local markets.

Fields such as Supply Chain Management and Digital Business are changing rapidly. Supply chains are vital to the global economy, and digital transformation is reshaping the very structure of business operations. The new graduates are entering roles that are not only relevant but essential to the future of commerce on a global scale. The education they have received will help them face these challenges with confidence and creativity.

Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Thanh Hieu also emphasized: “The achievements of today’s graduates are a testament to resilience and adaptability. You have overcome challenges, embraced global learning opportunities, and demonstrated your determination to succeed. More importantly, you have become role models for future generations of students.”

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

Caroline Beresford, New Zealand Ambassador to Vietnam, delivers remarks

Also speaking at the ceremony, Caroline Beresford, New Zealand Ambassador to Vietnam, noted that the fields the students had chosen, such as Supply Chain Management and Digital Business, are more relevant than ever in an interconnected world. These fields are at the forefront of global trade and innovation.

According to the New Zealand Ambassador, the partnership between the University of Waikato, New Zealand, and NEU not only enhances the quality of education for students in Vietnam but also strengthens ties between the two countries.

The first cohort of graduates of the joint Bachelor of Business (BBUS) program beams at the graduation ceremony

The Bachelor of Business program in Supply Chain Management and Digital Business is an international joint program taught at NEU, with degrees awarded by the University of Waikato, New Zealand. The program has a total duration of 3.5 years at NEU. During their studies, students may choose to complete the entire program at NEU or take advantage of flexible transfer arrangements to study at the University of Waikato’s campuses in New Zealand.

A distinctive feature of the Bachelor of Business (BBUS) program is that students graduate with a degree that includes both a major and a minor: a Bachelor of Business with a major in Supply Chain Management and a minor in Digital Business, or vice versa.

A representative of the new graduates delivers remarks and presents flowers to the lecturers in appreciation

The University of Waikato ranks 235th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2025; belongs to the elite top 1% of business schools worldwide and holds accreditation from three international accreditation organizations, AACSB, AQUIS, and AMBA; and ranks first in New Zealand for research.

The program is taught in English, with 100% of lecturers for the 15 specialized courses coming from the University of Waikato, New Zealand. All domestic lecturers and experts have been trained abroad, possess strong professional expertise and foreign language proficiency, and have been evaluated and selected by the University of Waikato to teach in the program.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chair of the University Council of NEU, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Stuart Dillon, Acting Pro Vice-Chancellor of Waikato Management School, present degrees and flowers to the new graduates

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President of NEU, presents the President’s Certificates of Merit to graduates with outstanding academic achievements

Some photos from the ceremony:

Article and photos: Department of Communications

Media coverage of the ceremony:

VTC10 Television: Joint Bachelor of Business program

Nhan Dan: NEU awards degrees to Bachelor of Business graduates of an international joint academic program

Dai Bieu Nhan Dan: 60 students in the first cohort of the joint program between National Economics University and the University of Waikato graduate

Vietnamnet: Saving 90% compared with studying abroad: How good are international joint programs?

Lao Dong: National Economics University awards degrees to BBUS graduates

VTC News: Degrees awarded to the first 60 students of a joint academic program with New Zealand

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