On the morning of October 9, 2025, National Economics University (NEU) held the opening ceremony for Cohort 5 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 ceremony were Jason Matangi, Vice Dean for International Affairs at Waikato Management School, and faculty and staff from the University of Waikato. Representing NEU were Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President of NEU; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ta Van Loi, President of the College of Business and Dean of the School of Trade and International Economics; and representatives of the leadership of colleges, departments, faculties, schools, institutes, and centers. Also attending were faculty and staff from both universities involved in teaching the program and, notably, new students and their families and loved ones.

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

Speaking at the opening ceremony for Cohort 5 of the joint Bachelor of Business program in Supply Chain Management and Digital Business between the University of Waikato and NEU, Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President of NEU, warmly welcomed 122 new students officially joining the program. He affirmed that choosing to study with two reputable universities marked a meaningful beginning to a promising international learning journey.

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu emphasized that the partnership between NEU and the University of Waikato demonstrates ongoing efforts to internationalize education and provide Vietnamese students with learning opportunities that meet global standards.

“Supply Chain Management and Digital Business play pivotal roles in the modern economy. The program not only offers a prestigious international degree but also contributes to developing a high-quality workforce that meets the country’s development needs,” Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu shared.

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

Jason Matangi, Vice Dean for International Affairs at Waikato Management School, delivers remarks

Also at the ceremony, Jason Matangi, Vice Dean for International Affairs at Waikato Management School, said he was honored to represent the University of Waikato’s leadership at this formal occasion.

Jason Matangi noted that the partnership between the University of Waikato and NEU was established in 2020 and has continued to grow strongly. The joint program has quickly established its reputation and quality, with admissions increasing steadily each year and reaching a record high for Cohort 5. “We are very proud to accompany you on your learning journey and are committed to providing a modern, innovative international learning environment and comprehensive support to help students reach their full potential,” he emphasized.

The Vice Dean for International Affairs at Waikato Management School also shared that students in the program have the opportunity to experience learning in New Zealand, a dynamic, multicultural, and friendly country. Jason Matangi congratulated the new cohort’s students and expressed confidence that they would have a memorable learning journey, achieving many successes and gaining valuable experiences.

Dr. Dao Thanh Tung, Head of the Department of International Cooperation, announces the Decision confirming admission

New student Nguyen Minh Nguyet delivers remarks

Representing the new students of Cohort 5, Nguyen Minh Nguyet, a student in the Digital Business class, delivered heartfelt and inspiring remarks, expressing her pride, aspirations, and determination to succeed on her new academic journey.

Minh Nguyet shared that she comes from a province where opportunities to learn English remain limited. Although she studied in a dynamic environment at a high school for gifted students, she always recognized the need to work twice as hard to develop her foreign language skills, viewing it as a journey of perseverance and passion. “Passion and persistence have helped me believe that, as long as we keep striving, we can overcome any challenge,” Nguyet shared.

Becoming a student at NEU and, at the same time, part of the University of Waikato community is a source of great pride for her. “My initial worries quickly disappeared when I felt the dedication of my lecturers and saw the growth of students in earlier cohorts. I realized that I had made the right choice—a program that not only provides knowledge but also opens up opportunities to gain experience and grow in a multicultural environment,” the new student said.

A representative of the new students receives a congratulatory bouquet from representatives of the two universities’ leadership

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 take advantage of flexible transfer options to study at the University of Waikato’s campuses in New Zealand.

Dr. Nguyen Bich Ngoc, Vice Dean of the School of Trade and International Economics, announces the Decision on awards

Representatives of the leadership of the two institutions award 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.

Students in the University of Waikato’s Bachelor of Business program experience a 100% New Zealand academic program right in Vietnam; receive a Bachelor of Business degree awarded by the University of Waikato and recognized worldwide; and save 75% on tuition 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 intern at companies in Vietnam and abroad.

Delegates and students attending the program pose for a commemorative photo

With its fifth admissions cohort at NEU in 2025, the program has established its position as one of the highest-quality international programs at NEU and has earned strong public recognition.

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.

Article and photos: School of Trade and International Economics and Department of Communications

News outlets covering the ceremony:

People’s Deputies: National Economics University opens joint program in Supply Chain Management and Digital Business with the University of Waikato

Education and Times: National Economics University opens joint Bachelor of Business program with the University of Waikato

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