On August 27, 2024, National Economics University (NEU) held a graduation ceremony for 260 new graduates of Cohort 16 of the IBD@NEU International Bachelor’s Program in International Business Management and Banking & Finance, offered in partnership with the University of the West of England (United Kingdom), and Business & Marketing, offered in partnership with Coventry University (United Kingdom).

A view of the ceremony

Representing the partner universities at the graduation ceremony were Jo Midgley, Vice President of the University of the West of England (United Kingdom), and Sarah Brown, representative of Coventry University (United Kingdom). Representing NEU were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President of NEU; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Trung Thanh, Dean of the Institute of International Education; and representatives of the leadership of departments, faculties, and institutes. Also notably present were parents, friends, and the 260 new graduates of IBD Cohort 16.

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 of NEU, congratulated the new graduates of the joint program between the University of the West of England, Coventry University, and the Institute of International Education, who had overcome four challenging years of study and personal development to attend the graduation ceremony that day. They entered the University just as the COVID-19 pandemic began, but through their efforts and determination, they stood firm in the face of adversity and turned it into opportunities for breakthroughs.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu affirmed that the bachelor’s degrees the graduates received that day marked the successful completion of an important stage in their education and lives and were evidence of their tireless efforts over the past four years. He also expressed confidence that the bachelor’s degrees in economics awarded by the UK partner universities would provide a fitting foundation for their future careers amid economic integration and advancing globalization.

Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President of NEU, also expressed the hope that the new graduates would serve as role models for subsequent cohorts of the program in demonstrating and developing the qualities and abilities within each individual. On this occasion, the Vice President also extended his sincere thanks to the University of the West of England and Coventry University, United Kingdom, for working effectively with NEU to successfully deliver the program. Both sides share a commitment to sustainable development, focusing on balancing the interests of all stakeholders, from educators and learners to society.

Jo Midgley, Vice President of the University of the West of England, delivers remarks.

Prof. Jo Midgley, Vice President of the University of the West of England, warmly congratulated all the new graduates and advised them: “Your experiences over the past few years, particularly in recent years, will enrich your knowledge and understanding and help you develop essential lifelong skills, qualities, and ways of thinking. These are things that employers and society will value, including excellent communication skills, problem-solving abilities, the ability to work with others, resilience, compassion, and a desire to continue learning and growing.”

Expressing pride in having played an important part in the new graduates’ educational journeys, Prof. Jo Midgley emphasized: “We are proud that many of you will become leaders in your fields, and we hope you will continue to be proud to be our alumni… You can be confident that the knowledge, skills, and experience you have gained throughout your studies will put you in a strong position to make the most of opportunities in the global knowledge economy. I expect you to go out into the world with confidence, determination, and courage; I want you to use what you have learned to change the world.”

Prof. Jo Midgley, Vice President of the University of the West of England, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President of NEU, confer bachelor’s degrees in International Business Management and Banking & Finance from the University of the West of England.

The international bachelor’s program jointly offered by NEU and its UK partners has now graduated 16 cohorts and has just welcomed its 20th cohort. All graduates have proven themselves in a range of positions and earned high regard from employers. The Institute of International Education looks forward with confidence to the 2024 graduates building on those successes and providing the clearest evidence of the program’s successful and sustainable development.

Sarah Brown, representative of Coventry University, speaks at the ceremony.

At the graduation ceremony, Sarah Brown, representative of Coventry University, said she was delighted and honored to join the celebration marking the students’ considerable achievements after years of dedicated study. Addressing the new graduates, Sarah Brown said, “Through studying with Coventry University, you are now part of a community of tens of thousands of alumni worldwide—a community that will benefit from growing global and career opportunities.”

Sarah Brown also expressed her deep pride in Coventry University’s graduating class: “Success comes from a commitment to making change and a willingness to innovate, try new things to overcome challenges, and work together. The University leadership hopes that, as new graduates of Coventry University, you can step confidently into the future and trust in your ability to continue making a difference… Providing an excellent education and quality student experiences is at the heart of everything we do. Our job is to inspire the next generations and ensure that you have the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in your future careers.”

Sarah Brown, representative of Coventry University, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Trung Thanh, Dean of the Institute of International Education, confer bachelor’s degrees in Business & Marketing from Coventry University.

Sarah Brown, representative of Coventry University, and Dr. Trinh Thi Thu Giang, Vice Dean of the Institute of International Education, confer bachelor’s degrees in Business & Marketing from Coventry University.

To recognize the students’ efforts throughout their studies, NEU and the Institute of International Education decided to honor students with outstanding academic achievements and those who had made the most active contributions to the program. The students’ radiant smiles and the certificates of merit they proudly held testified to the University’s efforts to bring knowledge and value to its students.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President of NEU, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Trung Thanh, Dean of the Institute of International Education, present certificates of merit from the President of NEU to students with outstanding academic achievements.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Trung Thanh, Dean of the Institute of International Education, and Dr. Trinh Thi Thu Giang, Vice Dean of the Institute of International Education, present certificates of merit from the Dean of the Institute of International Education to students with outstanding achievements in their studies and activities.

New graduates Tran Minh Khue and Trinh Thuy Linh speak at the ceremony.

Honored to represent the 260 new graduates, Tran Minh Khue, a Banking & Finance student at the University of the West of England, and Trinh Thuy Linh, a Business & Marketing student at Coventry University, shared their thoughts and feelings at this special ceremony: “Let us discover and fulfill our missions together and contribute to transparency and innovation, creating sustainable value for businesses and society. To achieve this, many of us will pursue further studies in the land of mist—the historic United Kingdom, a leading global financial center and a place rich in treasured traditions and knowledge—or at other universities of our choice. Many others want to test themselves at large corporations. Whatever option or path we choose, we will certainly gain extensive knowledge and valuable experience. This is not only our own journey but also part of the shared journey of the young people of the Institute of International Education and National Economics University, where every step and every effort aims to create positive and lasting change. Let us move forward courageously together and pursue our dreams. One day soon, let us return here to share what we have done to make the world a better place.”

Representatives of the new graduates present flowers to thank the presiding panel.

The ceremony concluded with the new graduates celebrating, proud of the knowledge and skills they had acquired and their achievements, and confident in their future success. Today’s success marks the beginning of a long journey ahead, throughout which it is hoped that the new graduates will maintain their enthusiasm and desire to learn and contribute.

More images from the ceremony:

Article and photos: Institute of International Education and 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.