On the morning of December 20, 2025, the School of Banking and Finance at National Economics University (NEU) held the graduation ceremony for the 10th cohort of the International Executive Master of Business Administration (PGSM) program for 32 new master’s graduates.

A view of the ceremony

Representing the partner institution at the ceremony were Pham Thi Thu Hang, Chief Representative of PGSM Vietnam; and Prof. Dr. John Behzad, a member of the PGSM Academic Advisory Council.

Representing NEU were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chair of the University Council; Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President; and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hoang Xuan Que, Dean of the School of Banking and Finance. Also attending were leadership representatives from schools, departments, faculties, institutes, and centers; the new master’s graduates of the 10th cohort; and many family members, relatives, and friends.

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President of NEU, speaks at the ceremony

Speaking at the ceremony, Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President of NEU, said that the International Executive Master of Business Administration program, launched in 2015 through a partnership between NEU and the Paris Graduate School of Management, focuses on practical solutions, problem-solving skills, and business strategy development.

The program aims to equip students with the knowledge and tools to address practical production and business challenges as effectively as possible. Learners not only become better versions of themselves but also contribute in many ways to businesses and everyday life.

Emphasizing that cooperation between NEU and the Paris Graduate School of Management still holds considerable potential for development in education and scientific research, Prof. Nguyen Thanh Hieu expressed his hope that the partnership between the two institutions would continue to grow, contributing to their shared development as well as diplomatic relations between Vietnam and France.

Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President of NEU, also congratulated the 32 new master’s graduates receiving their degrees that day, who had become members of NEU Alumni and outstanding ambassadors for the University.

Pham Thi Thu Hang, Chief Representative of PGSM Vietnam, speaks at the ceremony

Speaking with emotion, Pham Thi Thu Hang, Chief Representative of PGSM Vietnam, said that today was a meaningful day for PGSM, Galiléo Global Education, National Economics University (NEU), and the new master’s graduates. The day also marked 15 years of master’s education in Vietnam.

Present in Vietnam since 2010, the EMBA PGSM program has become a familiar name to generations of learners in this S-shaped country with its strong tradition of valuing education. Its figures are impressive: more than 1,000 master’s graduates over 15 years, with 53% from state-owned enterprises and 47% from private enterprises, most of whom hold important management positions.

“In particular, our 15-year journey of contributing to Vietnam could not have succeeded without the valuable cooperation and support of our partners, including NEU, and the support of lecturers, learners, their families, and our colleagues,” emphasized Pham Thi Thu Hang, Chief Representative of PGSM Vietnam.

Prof. Dr. John Behzad, a member of the PGSM Academic Advisory Council, speaks at the ceremony

Speaking at the event, Prof. John Behzad, a member of the Academic Advisory Board of the IEMBA PGSM program, said that the Paris Graduate School of Management (PGSM) is a member of Galiléo Global Education, Europe’s largest private higher education system, with 65 member universities, more than 110 campuses across 20 countries worldwide, and more than 300,000 students globally.

Within this system, PGSM is an internationally reputable institution with 18 campuses in France and has offered academic programs in business administration since 1975. Present in Vietnam since 2010, PGSM’s International Master of Business Administration program, through its cooperation with NEU, has gradually established itself as one of the leading international master’s programs with a strong reputation, operating under rigorous academic governance and strict quality control.

New master’s graduate Nguyen Trung Son, class representative of Intake 10, speaks on behalf of the new master’s graduates and shares his feelings at the ceremony

Speaking on behalf of the 32 new master’s graduates, Nguyen Trung Son, class representative of Intake 10, shared: “PGSM has given us not only in-depth knowledge but also a journey of personal growth. Together, we attended rigorous weekend classes with dedicated lecturers. There were late nights of studying, lively debates, and real-world business projects that required us to continually change our thinking and put ourselves in the role of leaders to find solutions.

Those very moments helped us continually sharpen our critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication skills—the three core competencies needed to become a capable manager in the modern world.

We were inspired by professors and lecturers who not only taught us but also challenged us to think differently, push beyond our limits, and continually pursue excellence. They helped us become better versions of ourselves, step by step, in an ever-changing and challenging world of digital technology.

Today is not only the end of one journey—it is also the beginning of a new one. We will carry with us our knowledge, experience, and commitment to continuous learning, ready to enter the next stage with the resolve, confidence, and responsibility of a leader.”

Representatives of the new master’s graduates present flowers to express their gratitude to lecturers from both institutions

The Paris Graduate School of Management, known in French as École supérieure de gestion de Paris – ESG and in English as Paris Graduate School of Management – PGSM , was founded in 1975 and has built a substantial record of achievements over nearly 50 years of establishment and development in France. PGSM is part of Galileo Global Education, a world-leading education system and the largest in Europe, offering undergraduate and graduate programs in business, arts, culture, design, digital technology, health, medicine, and other fields.

The International Executive Master of Business Administration program was developed through cooperation between NEU and the Paris Graduate School of Management in the French Republic. Upon completing the program, learners receive a prestigious master’s degree from the Paris Graduate School of Management, known as PGSM.

The International Executive Master of Business Administration (PGSM) program is among the top 10 business schools in France and offers two specializations: Finance and Banking, and Strategic Management. Both meet international standards in their educational objectives, teaching methods, curriculum content, language of instruction, lecturers, and program qualifications. To enroll in the International Executive Master of Business Administration (PGSM) program at the School of Banking and Finance, applicants must pass three rounds of admission review: application review, essay assessment, and an in-person interview. Learners study entirely in English.

Eligibility for direct admission to the PGSM program requires graduation with a Very Good or Excellent classification from an International, Advanced, High-Quality, POHE, or equivalent program taught in English in Vietnam; graduation from one of these programs with a Good classification accompanied by an IELTS score of at least 5.5; or a bachelor’s degree with a Good classification or higher from an English-taught academic program abroad.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chair of the NEU University Council, and Prof. Dr. John Behzad, a member of the PGSM Academic Advisory Council, present degrees and flowers to the new master’s graduates

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President of NEU, and Prof. Dr. John Behzad, a member of the PGSM Academic Advisory Council, present degrees and flowers to the new master’s graduates

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hoang Xuan Que, Dean of the School of Banking and Finance at NEU, and Prof. Dr. John Behzad, a member of the PGSM Academic Advisory Council, present degrees and flowers to the new master’s graduates

NEU and the Paris Graduate School of Management in the French Republic are confident that, upon completing the program, learners who recognize their own strengths and are equipped with the necessary knowledge will be ready to become the managers and highly qualified workers that the Vietnamese market needs and seeks, in line with the trend toward international integration.

Combining a solid academic foundation, modern teaching methods, and a multinational learning environment, the joint program between the two institutions not only offers learners opportunities to develop a global management mindset but also helps them gain practical experience, leadership skills, and adaptability amid rapid socioeconomic change.

The continued partnership between NEU and the Paris Graduate School of Management in the French Republic reaffirms their strong commitment to developing a highly qualified workforce to support the country’s development. There is confidence that, equipped with knowledge gained through an academic program that meets international standards, learners will confidently enter the labor market, demonstrate their capabilities, and contribute actively to Vietnam’s integration and sustainable development in the new phase.

Some images 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.