On the morning of October 9, 2024, National Economics University (NEU) hosted the opening ceremony for Cohort 4 of the joint Bachelor of Business (BBUS) program between NEU and the University of Waikato, New Zealand.

A view of the ceremony

Representing the University of Waikato, New Zealand, at the opening ceremony were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Stuart Dillion, Dean of Management and Business, Waikato Management School, and faculty and staff from the University of Waikato. Representing NEU were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Huy Nhuong, Vice President; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President; Dr. Nguyen Huu Dong, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Chair of the NEU Trade Union; and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ta Van Loi, Rector of the College of Business and Dean of the School of Trade and International Economics. Also attending were representatives of the leadership of colleges, departments, faculties, schools, institutes, and centers; faculty and staff from both universities involved in teaching the program; and, in particular, new students and their families and relatives.

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

On behalf of the University leadership, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President, congratulated the new students in the Supply Chain Management and Digital Business majors on their outstanding performance in the entrance examination, which had earned them a place at the ceremony.

Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Thanh Hieu affirmed that the opening ceremony was an important event marking the longstanding partnership between the University of Waikato and NEU, two leading universities renowned for academic excellence, and a strong testament to innovation and global engagement.

“The BBUS program’s two majors, Supply Chain Management and Digital Business, are fields of growing importance in today’s business environment. The partnership between the two universities therefore offers students a great opportunity to earn a globally recognized degree, while also contributing to growing demand in Vietnam’s supply chain and digital business sectors,” shared Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu.

On behalf of the University leadership, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu wished the program’s new students a smooth transition and quick adjustment to the new university learning environment, as well as valuable experiences at both universities.

A representative of the leadership of the University of Waikato delivers remarks online

Representing the University of Waikato, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Stuart Dillion, Dean of Management and Business, Waikato Management School, emphasized that the partnership between NEU and the University of Waikato offered Vietnamese students an opportunity to study in an environment meeting international standards and earn a prestigious international bachelor’s degree.

With experienced lecturers from both universities, the academic program will provide students with the best possible learning experience over the next 3.5 years. In addition, students will receive dedicated support in developing both knowledge and skills in Digital Business and Supply Chain Management.

Assoc. Prof. Stuart Dillion wished the new students of Cohort 4 positive experiences at both universities and looked forward to meeting them in Hanoi at the end of the year, when he would visit NEU for working meetings and attend the graduation ceremony for the program’s first cohort.

New students of Cohort 4 of the joint Bachelor of Business program

The Bachelor of Business program in Supply Chain Management and Digital Business is an international program taught entirely 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 flexibly transfer to the University of Waikato’s campuses in New Zealand.

University leaders and representatives of unit leaders present scholarships to students

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.

A representative of the new students speaks at the ceremony

Students enrolled in the University of Waikato’s Bachelor of Business program experience a 100% New Zealand academic program right in Vietnam; earn a Bachelor of Business degree awarded by the University of Waikato and recognized worldwide; and save 75% on tuition fees compared with studying in New Zealand. Enrolling in the Waikato Bachelor of Business program at NEU means becoming part of the worldwide Waikato student community and having opportunities to undertake internships at companies in Vietnam and abroad.

With its fourth admissions cohort at NEU in 2024, the program has affirmed its position as one of NEU’s highest-quality international programs and earned high regard from the public.

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.

Some photos from the ceremony:

Article and photos: 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.