On the morning of September 29, 2024, National Economics University (NEU) held an opening ceremony for its 66th cohort of full-time undergraduates, comprising 8,248 students admitted in 2024.

An overview of the ceremony

International guests attending the ceremony included Hem Chamrong, First Secretary of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Cambodia in Vietnam; Sonechanh Phoutthayong, Economic and Commercial Counselor of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic in Vietnam and an alumna of NEU’s 31st full-time undergraduate cohort; and Bun-Pon KEO-PHENG-LA, Second Secretary of the Embassy of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic in Vietnam.

Representing NEU were Prof. Dr. Pham Hong Chuong, President; 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 Dr. Nguyen Huu Dong, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Chair of the NEU Trade Union. Also attending were leaders representing the Trade Union, Youth Union, Student Association and Veterans’ Association, as well as leadership representatives from the colleges, faculties, institutes, departments and centers, and faculty members from faculties and units throughout the University.

Former University leaders attending included Prof. Dr. Nguyen Dinh Huong, former Vice Chair of the National Assembly’s Committee on Culture, Education, Youth, Adolescents and Children and former President; Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Thuong, former President; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ngo Duc Cat, former Secretary of the Party Committee; Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Do, former Secretary of the Party Committee and former Vice President; Prof. Dr. Tran Tho Dat, former Secretary of the Party Committee, former Chair of the University Council and former President; and Prof. Dr. Tran Thi Van Hoa, former Vice President.

Representing businesses and sponsors were Nguyen Thanh Hai, Director of the Bao Viet Training Center, Bao Viet Group; Le Duc Hieu, Director of Bao Viet Dong Do Company, Bao Viet Group; Ta Huy Quy, Deputy Director of Bao Viet Dong Do Company, Bao Viet Group; Pham Ngoc Nam, Secretary General of the NEU Alumni Golf Club; Nguyen Duc Thanh, Member of the Board of Directors of Vietnam Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Industry and Trade (VietinBank); Trinh Minh Khanh, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Branch of the Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam (BIDV); Nguyen Viet Cuong, Deputy General Director of the Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Foreign Trade of Vietnam (Vietcombank); Nguyen Thi Thai Ha, Deputy Head of the Organization and Personnel Department of the Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Foreign Trade of Vietnam (Vietcombank); Dang Minh Huyen, Human Resources Director of Military Commercial Joint Stock Bank (MBbank); Tran Ngoc Hoang, Deputy Director of the Hai Ba Trung Branch of Vietnam Public Joint Stock Commercial Bank (PVcomBank); Le Anh Tan, Director of the Dong Do Branch of Saigon–Hanoi Commercial Joint Stock Bank (SHB); Tran Dang Nam, Director of the Trang An Branch of Saigon–Hanoi Commercial Joint Stock Bank (SHB); Tran Thi Ngoc Bich, Deputy Director of the Dong Do Branch of Saigon–Hanoi Commercial Joint Stock Bank (SHB); Vu Thi My Dung, Deputy Director of the Dong Do Branch of Saigon–Hanoi Commercial Joint Stock Bank (SHB); Nguyen Trung Hieu, Member of the Board of Directors and Deputy General Director of Bao Ngoc Investment Group Joint Stock Company; Le Thi Phuong Lan, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Branch of Vietnam Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Agribank); Ha Thi Lam, Deputy Director of the Human Resources Division of Ho Chi Minh City Development Joint Stock Commercial Bank (HDBank); Luu Quang Phu, Brand Director of ROX Group; and Tran Huyen Trang, Product Development Director of Popplife Joint Stock Company. Representatives of news agencies, the press, radio and television also attended and covered the ceremony. Notably, more than 800 new students from the 66th full-time undergraduate cohort attended, representing the 8,248 students from across the country admitted to NEU’s full-time undergraduate program. International students from Ukraine, Laos, Cambodia and Mongolia also attended, along with class representatives from the University’s other student cohorts.

Prof. Dr. Pham Hong Chuong, President of NEU, delivers remarks

On behalf of the University’s faculty, Prof. Dr. Pham Hong Chuong warmly welcomed and congratulated the new students, who had excelled among tens of thousands of applicants to officially join the NEU community, a leading institution in the country for training and developing professionals in economic management, business administration and technology.

Prof. Pham Hong Chuong, President of NEU, shared that becoming a university student marks a major turning point in plans for one’s future life and career, and the beginning of a journey with exciting experiences ahead. He encouraged students to study and conduct research with the passion and wholehearted dedication of youth, quickly and creatively adapt to new learning methods, build their capabilities and acquire essential skills. He urged them to explore courageously, innovate and make continuous efforts, working with their teachers to “Create smart pathways for everyone to become the best version of themselves and bring value to the community,” so that they can confidently enter a highly integrated and competitive world of work as economic experts, business executives and managers, or future entrepreneurs. He encouraged them to make today the beginning of wonderful new things.

Prof. Pham Hong Chuong also noted that the world is changing, and NEU is changing too. The University has established three constituent colleges: the College of Economics and Public Management, the College of Business and the College of Technology, along with six newly introduced majors in computing and information technology. He emphasized that NEU is making steady progress toward becoming a multidisciplinary, multifield university with highly interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary academic programs. Students will have opportunities to acquire foundational knowledge of technology to become administrators, managers and technology engineers in a new era—the digital age, when modern technologies such as cloud computing, automation, the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain and virtual reality are already present and transforming the world dramatically. He described the students as outstanding representatives of Generation Z, a generation that will play a decisive role in shaping the world’s future in the near term. He encouraged them to acquire extensive knowledge, as understanding is the foundation for enlightenment, opening new horizons for future development. Mastery of knowledge provides limitless power for positive, creative ideas, including the boldest ideas that no one has yet conceived.

Prof. Pham Hong Chuong, President of NEU, also told the students, “I know that many of you are leaving home and the loving embrace of your families for the first time to begin an independent life. You will have to make many decisions on your own and face difficult choices. I hope you will always maintain your passion and eagerness to learn, and never stop dreaming. Success will come to those who dare to dream and devote their utmost efforts to making those dreams a reality.”

“The 2024-2025 academic year has arrived. This is a year in which the University will continue to lead in innovation, the development and dissemination of knowledge in economics, management and business administration, and the application of modern technology in these fields. NEU’s achievements over nearly 70 years of development embody its traditional values and the tireless contributions of generations of faculty members, administrative and support staff, students and learners. I hope that faculty members and administrative staff will continue to uphold this historical tradition and always retain their love for their profession, so that every teacher truly becomes a role model of ethics, character and lifestyle for students. Together, let us create an environment that nurtures and develops their potential, gives wings to their noble dreams and helps realize them through their studies. We pledge always to accompany and support our students and provide them with the best possible conditions,” Prof. Pham Hong Chuong emphasized.

The resounding opening drumbeats struck by President Prof. Pham Hong Chuong officially marked the start of the new academic year, promising new successes and achievements for the faculty and students of NEU

The ceremonial handover of the traditional flag from students of earlier cohorts to the 66th cohort

A cultural tradition nurtured over many years, the ceremonial handover of the traditional flag officially marks the arrival of a new generation at NEU. It conveys the determination, affection and trust of senior students, giving new students in the 66th cohort strength and resolve for the road ahead, to become pioneering citizens in the digital age and acquire the knowledge, skills and confidence needed on their journey to becoming the best versions of themselves!

Dr. Le Anh Duc, Deputy Head in charge of the Department of Academic Affairs, announces the Decision approving the list of students admitted to NEU’s 66th full-time undergraduate cohort

MSc. Nguyen Hoang Ha, Head of the Department of Political Affairs and Student Management, announces the Decision on Commendations

During the admission review for its 66th full-time undergraduate cohort, NEU awarded scholarships covering full tuition for four years of undergraduate study at the University to five new students who ranked first in their respective admission methods. The University also awarded numerous scholarships to students with high achievements in the full-time undergraduate admission review.

Prof. Dr. Pham Hong Chuong, President of NEU, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chair of the University Council, present certificates of merit and flowers to new students who ranked first in the admission review for the 66th full-time undergraduate cohort

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Huy Nhuong and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice Presidents of NEU, present certificates of merit and flowers to new students who achieved high results in the admission review for the 66th full-time undergraduate cohort

In 2024, NEU admitted students under 66 major/academic program codes. These included six new major codes: Artificial Intelligence; Data Science; Information Security; Software Engineering; Information Systems; and Entertainment and Event Management. The total enrollment quota announced in the University’s Admissions Plan was 7,995 (including full-time undergraduate programs and transfer programs leading to a second full-time undergraduate degree). A total of 8,248 admitted students enrolled at the University, representing approximately 103% of the quota. The University used three admission methods: direct admission under Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) regulations; combined admission review under the University’s Admissions Plan; and admission review based on 2024 high school graduation examination scores.

New student Tran Tung Bach speaks on behalf of the 66th cohort

Speaking at the ceremony on behalf of the 66th cohort, new student Tran Tung Bach said that becoming a student at NEU was an honor and a source of pride. “This is not only a place that equips us with valuable knowledge and professional skills and opens up many opportunities, but also offers a vibrant, dynamic learning environment with modern facilities, where we are free to discover ourselves, change and continually improve.”

Tran Tung Bach also shared that becoming a university student inevitably brings difficulties, challenges and unfamiliar experiences, but he and all his fellow students in the 66th cohort felt full of pride and ready to work hard to overcome every obstacle on the road ahead. “As we take our first steps on this journey, we face countless difficulties in transitioning to a new learning environment with entirely different ways of studying. However, every difficulty seems to have been resolved through our teachers’ dedication and commitment, as we learned about the University’s long history and traditions through its communication channels, senior students’ community activities and visits to the University when we were still playful, carefree schoolchildren. This is also the foundation on which we gradually build a second home for every student, a home that brings a sense of safety and warmth to everyone inside, where our earlier questions will gradually be answered.” Bach also affirmed, “We will strive continually to carry forward the University’s long-standing traditions and be worthy of being part of NEU.”

A representative of the new students receives a congratulatory bouquet from the University leadership

Representatives of the University leadership receive scholarship sponsorships from organizations and businesses

Prof. Dr. Pham Hong Chuong, President of NEU, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chair of the University Council, present flowers in appreciation to organizations and businesses sponsoring scholarships

MSc. Bui Duc Dung, Head of the Department of General Affairs, serves as master of ceremonies

University leaders, delegates, guests and new students pose for a commemorative photo

Outstanding artistic performances at the ceremony

Article and photos: Department of Communications

Media coverage of the ceremony:

Nhan Dan Television

VTC10 Television

Dan Tri: Five Top-Ranked Entrants to NEU Receive Full Scholarships

Nhan Dan: NEU Awards Full Scholarships to Students Ranked First in 2024 Admissions

Dai Bieu Nhan Dan: Five Top-Ranked Entrants to NEU Receive Full-Tuition Scholarships

Lao Dong: President Advises Students to Study with Youthful Passion

Giao Duc & Thoi Dai: More than 8,000 NEU Students Begin the New Academic Year

Tien Phong: Top-Ranked Students with Remarkable Achievements Gain Admission to NEU

Communist Party of Vietnam: 8,248 New Students Enroll at NEU for the 2024-2025 Academic Year

VTC News: NEU President Advises New Students to Learn to Face Difficulties

Dan Viet: Meet NEU’s Five Top-Ranked Entrants of 2024 with “Remarkable” Achievements

Nguoi Dua Tin: NEU President Urges Students to Explore Boldly and Embrace Technology

Cong Dan & Khuyen Hoc: Five Top-Ranked Entrants to NEU Boast “Remarkable” Achievements

NEU Awards Scholarships to Top-Ranked Entrants

Tri Thuc & Cuoc Song: Profile of a Top-Ranked NEU Entrant: A Former Third-Prize Winner in the National Competition for Outstanding Students Chooses a Trending Major

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