Opening Ceremony of UEF International Bachelor’s programmes, Academic Year 2022-2023

OCTOBER 12 - Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics and Finance (UEF) held the Opening Ceremony for the new academic year 2022 - 2023 of International Bachelor’s programmes. These collaborative programs are the fruitful outcome of the partnership between UEF, the University of Gloucestershire and Leeds Trinity University from the UK and Keuka College from the US, bringing students many benefits.

The Opening Ceremony of UEF International Bachelor’s programmes took place at Innovation Hall

Attending the ceremony, there were Mr. Sam Wood – Deputy Consul General & Head of Trade and Investment, British Consulate General HCMC, Ms.  Ho Thi Kim Phuong – Trade Manager, British Consulate General HCMC, Ms. Natella Svistunova – Cultural Affairs Officer, U.S. Consulate General HCMC, Ms. Quach Thi My Ngoc – Senior Education Advisor, U.S. Consulate General HCMC, Mr. Ho Nhu Duyen – Deputy Director, Southern Center for Education and Training Development and representative of Vietnam Ministry of Education and Training, Prof. Stephen Marston – Vice-Chancellor, University of Gloucestershire, Ms. Dho'un Azahari – International Development Advisor (Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia), University of Gloucestershire, and industry partners’ representatives.

UEF had the presence of members from UEF Board of Trustees, UEF Board of Management, and UEF leaders of departments, institutes, centers. 

Dr. Do Huu Nguyen Loc – Vice President & Director, UEF International Institute delivered a welcome speech

To start the ceremony, Dr. Do Huu Nguyen Loc – Vice President & Director, UEF International Institute affirmed: “UEF has been working on our internationalization strategy and directing our students to become global citizens. We aspire to offer high-quality international academic programs for students to study British or American programs without leaving Vietnam. Such programs are always a top choice of many Vietnamese students and Vietnam is also in the top 10 with the largest number of international students studying in these two countries. However, not all Vietnamese students are lucky enough to get a ticket to the U.S. or the UK. Understanding that problem, UEF has been in partnership with many universities from those two nations to launch collaborative Bachelor’s programmes in which students can get a U.S. or UK degree right in Vietnam. Today, UEF greatly welcomes freshman students of the International Bachelor’s programmes, and hopes you have a valuable time at UEF.”

Mr. Sam Wood – Deputy Consul General, British Consulate General HCMC gave a speech at the ceremony

On behalf of the British Consulate General HCMC, Mr. Sam Wood – Deputy Consul General & Head of Trade and Investment claimed: “Today, I am glad to visit UEF, a university offering the UK transnational program. The last time I came to Vietnam was 3 years ago. Although it was a challenging time due to the pandemic, Vietnamese education and collaborative programmes between UEF and the UK have flourished, contributing to keeping our relationship sustainable, strong, and developing. Next year is a significant milestone that marks the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic relationship between Vietnam and the UK. This is a key factor for the two countries to maintain the cooperation on education and international joint programs. As for UEF, the University and its partners will continue to run the UK Bachelor's programmes and provide high-quality education for students.”

Mr. Ho Nhu Duyen – Deputy Director of Southern Center for Education and Training Development gave a remark

Mr. Ho Nhu Duyen – Deputy Director of Southern Center for Education and Training Development said: “During the past 15 years, the Vietnam Ministry of Education and Training has always recognized and appreciated the achievements that UEF has attained in terms of the number of academic programs, the number of students, international academic and exchange activities, international education accreditation, etc. UEF’s international partner universities are centuries-old institutions and its international Bachelor’s programs have gained the trust from parents and students. In addition, the programs are integrated with hands-on training activities matched with businesses and professional associations across all majors. I hope that in the future, with a joint effort, UEF and its partner universities will strengthen their cooperation, not only in academic programs but also in other international collaborative programs such as student mobility, faculty exchange, cultural exchange, and scientific research programs for years to come. On behalf of the MoET, I wish the New Academic Year Opening Ceremony success.”

Awarding prizes to the new students who are valedictorians

Freshmen with excellent English achievements were awarded

3 students winning merit scholarships were honored

The ceremony honored many outstanding students with GPA above 3.9, freshmen with good English achievements in the IELTS exam, from 6.0 overall or higher, and students obtaining 25%-50% admission scholarships. Of such students, there were prominent ones from the Gloucestershire Bachelor’s program, namely Nguyen Duy Phuoc (IELTS 8.0 overall), Nguyen Minh Hoang (IELTS 7.5 overall), and Pham Ngoc Phuong Thao, an English Language & Linguistics junior who won a merit scholarship (GPA 3.97; IELTS 7.0 overall). Besides winning many high prizes at the university’s competitions, Phuong Thao joined the top 20 of the debate contest “Speak to inspire Vietnam'' organized by the U.S. Embassy and was one of five speakers of the TedxUEF 2022 program.

Mr. Stephen Marston – Vice-Chancellor, University of Gloucestershire (UK) gave a speech 

Mr. Stephen Marston – Vice-Chancellor, University of Gloucestershire stated: “Today’s Opening Ceremony is a milestone to welcome new students of the collaborative program between UEF and the University of Gloucestershire. I hope all of you will have wonderful opportunities to study, hone skills, enjoy yourself as well as attain a high level of professionalism to facilitate your future career after graduation.”

Tran Doan Ngoc My – the representative of freshmen studying the International Bachelor’s program shared her feelings

Representatives of 3 partner universities of the International Bachelor’s programmes  kicked off the Opening Ceremony 

Representing freshmen, Tran Doan Ngoc My – a new student majoring in Business & Marketing Management shared: “It is truly an honor for me to share my feelings at the Opening Ceremony. While finding a suitable university, I came across information about UEF and its collaborative program with the University of Gloucestershire. Then I did further research and found out that this program is what I have always been looking for. UEF can offer me numerous potential, benefits and opportunities when I study here. With the UK Bachelor's program, I fully believe that this is the best university for the business major that I have chosen and the international learning environment at UEF will help me develop personally and professionally. Today's solemn atmosphere made me even more certain of my decision. Our journey has just begun. This is a journey of self-discovery, stepping out of the comfort zone, making new memories with new friends, and new lecturers.”
 

A new academic year promises a lot of success for UEF International Institute’s lecturers and students
 

UEF International Bachelor’s programmes officially welcome a new generation of talented students with the determination to integrate and develop. With this positive energy, students  will attempt to study, bolster their skills, enhance  themselves with the goal of becoming a global citizen and attaining an international degree right in Vietnam.