On the morning of November 15, 2024, the Vietnam – UK Institute for Research and Education, University of Danang, solemnly held the 10th Anniversary Celebration (2014 – 2024).

This event holds great significance for generations of staff, lecturers, and students at VNUK; it is an opportunity to review and evaluate VNUK’s achievements and contributions to the overall development of the University of Danang and to the socio-economic growth of the Central, Central Highlands regions, and the entire country. It is also a moment for VNUK to express gratitude to leaders, lecturers, and business partners who have significantly contributed to the establishment and development of VNUK.

Attending delegates at the ceremony

Image 1. Overview of the 10th Anniversary Celebration

The solemn and meaningful event was attended by Associate Professor Dr. Nguyễn Ngọc Vũ – Member of the Danang City Party Committee, Director of the University of Danang; Dr. Phan Minh Đức – Secretary of the Party Committee, Chairman of the University Council of Danang; Professor, Doctor of Science Bùi Văn Ga – Former Deputy Minister of Education and Training, Former Director of the University of Danang; Professor Dr. Trần Văn Nam – Former Director of the University of Danang; Comrade Lê Công Hùng – Secretary of Danang Youth Union, Chairman of Danang Student Association; Mrs. Nguyễn Thúy Anh – Deputy Director of the Department of Foreign Affairs; Dr. Vũ Thị Bích Hậu – Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development; Deputy Directors of the University of Danang: Associate Professor Dr. Lê Quang Sơn, Associate Professor Dr. Lê Thành Bắc, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyễn Mạnh Toàn – concurrently Director of VNUK; former leaders of VNUK Institute: Dr. Dương Mộng Hà, Dr. Nguyễn Thị Mỹ Hương.

Also attending were representatives of leadership from member universities and affiliated units under the University of Danang; representatives of organizations and unions of the University of Danang; representatives from partner units and organizations; principals and vice principals of high schools in the area; and a large number of generations of lecturers, staff, employees, alumni, and students of VNUK.

Commemorative Speeches at the Ceremony

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyễn Ngọc Vũ – Member of the Executive Committee of Danang City Party Committee, Director of the University of Danang, spoke at the ceremony: “The past 10 years have proven that with unity and determination, nothing is impossible. Today, VNUK is not only an educational institution but also a united and creative intellectual community; together, we have created many memories and overcome all challenges. We fully believe that, with the enthusiasm and talent of our staff, lecturers, and students, VNUK will continue to grow strongly to achieve the aspiration of becoming the Vietnam-UK International University in the near future.”

Delivering the commemorative speech at the ceremony, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyễn Mạnh Toàn – Deputy Director of the University of Danang and Director of VNUK shared: “It can be said that the past 10 years were a period of exploration, and the next 10 years will be a phase of breakthrough. I hope that all VNUK staff and lecturers will further promote the achievements made, uphold the spirit of unity, dynamism, and creativity, and strive decisively to elevate VNUK to new heights.”

Image 2. Associate Professor Dr. Nguyễn Ngọc Vũ – Director of the University of Danang and Associate Professor Dr. Nguyễn Mạnh Toàn – Deputy Director of the University of Danang, Dean of VNUK, delivering speeches at the ceremony

VNUK – A 10-Year Journey

The Vietnam-UK Institute for Research and Training (VNUK) is a unit under the University of Danang, established by Decision No. 5555/QĐ-BGDĐT issued by the Ministry of Education and Training on November 22, 2013.

“In the early 2010s, to implement the policy of comprehensive and fundamental reform of higher education, the government initiated the establishment of three universities following advanced international university governance models to be applied in Vietnam, including an international university in Danang. The governments of Vietnam and the United Kingdom signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to establish the Vietnam-UK University, and this project remains valid to this day.” – Professor, Doctor of Science Bùi Văn Ga, Former Deputy Minister of Education and Training.

As part of Phase I in building the Vietnam-UK University under the University of Danang, VNUK was authorized to carry out training activities at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, scientific research, university autonomy, and carries the mission of elevating Vietnam’s higher education and research to the international level.

After 10 years of construction and development, VNUK currently has more than 100 staff and employees, including 2 Associate Professors, 14 PhDs, and 38 Masters. The training scale has increased to over 1,200 full-time undergraduate students and 50 postgraduate learners, with English as the main language of instruction. In 2023, VNUK launched a new program in Materials Technology, specializing in Nanotechnology, bringing the total number of majors taught at VNUK to 10.

Image 3. VNUK collective and outstanding individuals receiving certificates of merit and commendation at the Anniversary Ceremony

VNUK – A Bridge of Inspiration

With the mission to become a Bridge of Inspiration that connects Vietnamese students to the world and brings global knowledge to Vietnam, VNUK has continuously promoted cooperative activities to create numerous opportunities for students to access an international education environment at Vietnamese tuition fees.

Besides academic achievements, VNUK students are highly valued by businesses for their attitudes and work skills as global citizens. Notably, many students have been recruited by enterprises even before completing their training programs. This results from their own efforts, supported by continuously updated curricula based on surveys of experts, employers, students, and alumni, combined with diverse practical experiences for students to mature, gain experience, and improve themselves. Early internship programs, psychological counseling services, extracurricular activities, international exchange and transfer programs are examples of outstanding experiences that VNUK offers to its students.

Image 4. Vibrant activities of VNUK students

VNUK – Honoring the Past, Cherishing the Present, Investing in the Future

Receiving special attention from the University of Danang, VNUK has been and is being strongly invested in. In January 2022, the Vietnam – UK Institute for Research and Education was granted financial autonomy and responsibility for regular expenditure group 2, following the Decision from the Ministry of Education and Training and approval from the Board of Directors of the University of Danang. Recently, VNUK was assigned additional space at 91A Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, belonging to the Medical Center of the University of Danang. Thus, VNUK has been allocated two “prime land plots” by the University of Danang, both located in the city center of Da Nang—a place with a developed economy, excellent transportation, and modern facilities. Thanks to this, VNUK not only attracts a large number of talented students but also creates favorable conditions for cooperation with domestic and international businesses and research organizations.

Notably, VNUK is also included in the planning of the ODA project for the Da Nang University Village, approved by the Prime Minister and led by the University of Danang. The project covers a 6.7-hectare land area with construction and investment items, notably a centralized experimental center with a budget of over 50 billion VND. Utilizing these resources in the future will help VNUK enhance teaching and scientific research activities, create new breakthroughs, and contribute to addressing economic and social issues.

Image 5. Vietnam – UK International University Project

The above investments are clear evidence of the attention and commitment from leadership at all levels, reflecting the strategic vision of the University of Danang in building a high-quality higher education system in Da Nang. This is also the goal in the near future as VNUK strives to become one of the leading international universities in the Central region, deeply integrated regionally and globally, worthy of the expectations and pride of the University of Danang.

Ten years—a journey not too long but filled with unforgettable stories and marks. Honoring the past, cherishing the present, and investing in the future, VNUK will continue to rise, building an educational environment rich in love, creativity, and inspiration!

This is a significant event—a moment for VNUK to look back on milestones and achievements throughout its development journey; at the same time, it serves as an inspiring bridge for staff, lecturers, and students to meet, connect, and aim for promising new goals in the future.

VNUK sincerely thanks the esteemed leaders and delegates who attended and congratulated the 10th Anniversary Celebration of the Vietnam – UK Institute for Research and Education. Your presence and congratulations are a great encouragement to VNUK on this new journey filled with new hopes and aspirations.