On September 30, the VN–UK Institute for Research and Executive Education (VNUK) solemnly held the Opening Ceremony of the 2024–2025 Academic Year, promising a vibrant and successful school year ahead.
General Information about VNUK’s 2024–2025 Opening Ceremony:
Established based on the commitment between the Governments of Vietnam and the United Kingdom, over the past 10 years, VNUK – a member of the University of Danang – has made significant contributions to the development of high-quality education in Vietnam. Today, VNUK organizes the Opening Ceremony to welcome the 10th cohort of new students to the VNUK community, as well as to honor outstanding student groups and individuals for their achievements in the 2023–2024 academic year.
Distinguished Guests Attending the Opening Ceremony
From Da Nang City’s Departments and Agencies:
– Mr. Pham Tan Ngoc Thuy – Deputy Director, Department of Education and Training of Da Nang
From the University of Danang (UD):
– Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Thanh Bac – Vice President, The University of Danang
Along with leaders from UD’s functional departments, offices, Youth Union, faculties, and affiliated centers, including:
– Dr. Dinh Thi My Hanh – Head, Department of Student Affairs
– Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Dat – Secretary of the Youth Union; Deputy Head, Department of Science and International Cooperation
– MA. Ton Nu Tra My – Deputy Chief of Office, The University of Danang
– Mr. Thai Quang Son – Secretary, Youth Union of the UD Administration Office
– MA. Ngo Thi Huong Giang – Head, Department of Inspection and Legal Affairs
– MA. Nguyen Bac Nam – Deputy Head, Department of Academic Affairs and Quality Assurance
– MA. Le Ngoc Khanh – Deputy Head, Department of Personnel and Organization
– MA. Pham Thi Thanh Huyen – Deputy Head, Department of Planning and Finance; Chief Accountant of UD
– MA. Nguyen Thac Vu – Deputy Head, Department of Facility and Investment Management
From UD’s Member Universities:
– Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Hong Hai – Vice Rector, University of Science and Technology – UD
– Assoc. Prof. Dr. Doan Ngoc Phi Anh – Vice Rector, University of Economics – UD
– Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Xuan Bach – Vice Rector, University of Education – UD
– Dr. Huynh Ngoc Mai Kha – Vice Rector, University of Foreign Language Studies – UD
– Dr. Tran The Son – Vice Rector, Vietnam–Korea University of Information and Communication Technology – UD
– Dr. Le Viet Nhiem, MD – Vice Rector, University of Medicine and Pharmacy
– Dr. Vo Dinh Hop – Acting Dean, Faculty of Physical Education
– Prof. Dr. Sc. Le Thanh Nhan – Danang International Institute of Technology (DNIIT)
– MA. Le Thi Thanh Nhan – Deputy Director, Center for Information – Learning Resources and Communication, UD
From the Vietnam–UK Institute for Research and Executive Education (VNUK), The University of Danang:
– Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Manh Toan – Dean
– Dr. Tran The Vu – Vice Dean
– Dr. Nguyen Thi My Huong – Former Dean
Together with all faculty members, staff, students, and parents who attended the ceremony to mark the beginning of the new academic year.
10 Highlights of VNUK in the 2023–2024 Academic Year
VNUK became a Recognised Teaching Centre of the University of London
Successfully co-hosted the International Biomedical Science Conference in collaboration with University of Tsukuba, Japan
VNUK student teams achieved high prizes in Startup and Innovation competitions
Nearly 50 students earned international certifications (CMI, ACCA, CIM), expanding career opportunities and global integration
Successfully organized U-Invent Season 6 – a national Science and Technology Innovation competition for high school students
Held a series of events celebrating the 10th Anniversary of VNUK and the 30th Anniversary of the University of Danang
Meaningful community development projects led by students and staff
Vibrant international cooperation activities with global academic and industry partners
“Green Summer” volunteer campaign in collaboration with the Youth Union of the University of Danang
Student-led fundraising campaign to build a library for Que Minh Primary School in Que Son District, Quang Nam Province
Remarks by the Dean – Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Mạnh Toàn
“A new academic year begins, bringing with it both opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. What matters most is that you prepare yourselves with the best possible mindset and tools to seize these opportunities and overcome your own limits. I believe that you possess the right awareness and attitude towards learning; that you know how to take care of yourselves, live responsibly, and cherish your families. I encourage you to make full and proactive use of learning and research resources, uphold self-discipline, and contribute every day to nurturing and protecting our beloved institution.
I firmly believe that, with the support of authorities at all levels, the business community, the leadership and guidance from the Party Committee and the Board of Presidents of the University of Danang — along with the dedication, sense of responsibility, and strong determination of our faculty, staff, and students — the Vietnam–UK Institute for Research and Executive Education will successfully fulfill all assigned tasks and goals in the new academic year.”
Message from an Alumnus
“Sitting here today, you might be wondering how to ‘navigate’ the years ahead. My answer to you is this: you already have everything — not just to succeed, but to grow. You are the leaders, the creators, and the innovators of the future. So unleash your energy, your passion, and your potential. The future is yours — and it starts right here, right now. Congratulations on the beginning of a new journey. I can’t wait to see everything you’ll accomplish in the years to come.”
Recognition and Scholarship Awards
The Opening Ceremony also served as a meaningful occasion to acknowledge and celebrate the outstanding achievements of exceptional students and student groups from the 2023–2024 academic year.
During the ceremony, VNUK honored top freshmen, outstanding individuals, and students who achieved excellence in academics, training, and research for the 2024–2025 academic year. These students not only demonstrated remarkable academic performance, but also exemplified determination, perseverance, and a deep passion for learning and personal development.VNUK also recognized outstanding individuals and collectives with notable academic records and achievements over the past academic year.
For 2024–2025, VNUK has awarded scholarships totaling 2.5 billion VND to both high-achieving students and those overcoming difficult circumstances. These scholarships not only honor academic excellence and personal resilience, but also serve as a source of motivation, encouraging students to move forward confidently, unlock their full potential, and continue to embody innovation and leadership within the VNUK community.
Speech by Student Representative
Cao Le Phuc Thinh, first-year student of Software Engineering, delivered the following remarks on behalf of the new students of the 2024–2028 cohort:
“My name is Cao Le Phuc Thinh, a freshman majoring in Software Engineering at the Vietnam–UK Institute for Research and Executive Education.
Looking back, we have all overcome many challenges — from preparing our application documents, completing admissions procedures, and taking the 2024 National High School Graduation Exam, to this very moment — wearing the student uniform and standing here to speak. I feel truly proud and happy. This is not only an important milestone in my life but also a new beginning — a journey to seek new knowledge and experiences here at VNUK.
I believe that university is not only a place to acquire knowledge, but also a space to explore, develop our personal skills, and build meaningful connections with the community and society.
Lastly, I believe each of us has the power to make a difference. So let’s give our best to turn our dreams into reality. And to do so, we must always remember the three values that VNUK proudly displays on our student shirts:
Innovation, Compassion, and Diligence.”
VNUK would like to extend our sincere thanks to all esteemed leaders, distinguished guests, valued corporate partners, respected parents, dedicated lecturers, and all students for joining us on this meaningful occasion. Welcome to the new academic year 2024–2025!
