“UEF in my heart”: A benevolent environment

On January 2016, I received a retirement notice from the Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics. To grow up, study, contribute and then retire is a common sense; It is sad to think about, but it also means peace at the old age.

Then, like a destiny, a friend of mine asked me to work in the Tourism and Hospitality Management faculty of the Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics and Finance. I was so thrilled, but at the same time worried. I was thrilled because of the new opportunity to work, to earn income; worried because the university is not suitable, the environment may be challenging or I may not have the strength and intelligence to handle the new job?

After a while, I am determined to meet with the board of directors to apply for employment. The sincere and open encounter with prof. Ngo Cao Cuong and Tran Anh Dung then has brought me to the official decision. The sentiment doubled upon the meeting with the Chairman of the Board. With the open exchange, I received a decision to enter the university as a Dean of the Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management. I reckon to be so fortunate.

Mr. Tran Van Thong, Ph.D, Dean of the Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management - Author of the article during a visit to UEF Volunteer Soldiers and handing over meaningful works to compatriots and children in Loc Ninh district, Binh Phuoc province.

Although I had 37 years of working experience at the Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics HCMC, I can’t help but feeling nervous, hesitated to get to know new members.

However, after a short time working here, I started to feel the friendliness as well as the warm welcome, lovely smile of teachers and lecturers who gave me the comfort and determination to work.

Time goes by as a year has passed since I first came to UEF. Up till now, I am sure to have worked in the right place, chosen the right university – a benevolent one.

First of all, the University is dedicated to caring for students – the future of our country – with excellent learning environment.

Second, humanity is reflected in the attention and direction of the Board of Directors, the University Board with the aim of building an international standard university. The determination spread across all teams, from the head of the school to the department, the whole staff of lecturers and employees.

The University’s leader always take a good care to physical and spiritual life of staffs – lecturers - employees

Third, it eradicate the thought of private university as the relationship between the employer and the employee. In this environment, I feel that everyone is their owner, working for themselves, for the students and the society.

Fourth, in other universities, each department has its own room, but in the UEF all are planned in an open area. At first it was inconvenient, but gradually it was found that creating a close working environment and rapport between units. Encouragement through handshake, eye contact, greetings motivate a new excited working day.

Fifthly, the Board of Directors and the Board of Management pay close attention to the building of political organizations such as the Party, the Trade Union and the Communist Youth League to create a favorable environment for individuals to deliver best performance.

Sixth, it is the great attention to the material and spiritual life of the staff - trainers - employees through organizing summer vacation, creating emulation between units, celebrating individual birthday... in order to create solidarity among members.

UEF turns 10 years old. 10 years is the beginning and opens the way for new growth and maturity.

Celebrating 10 years of UEF with a humane university environment will take a step further, higher; thus UEF brand will spread not only in the country but also in the international arena!

Mr. Trần Văn Thông

Dean of Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management

To celebrate 10-years anniversary of the Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics and Finance (UEF) (Sept 24,2007 - Sept 24,2017), the editorial team for the publication of this special milestone publication will publish essays on the thoughts and feelings of teachers, alumni, students who have been associated with the UEF. Memories of the school, teachers, .... Please send to the editorial board to celebrate this meaningful great anniversary.

The editorial team will continue to receive new feedback, then we will post the selected ones on the university website. We look forward to receiving enthusiastic feedback from teachers and students.
Please email to: hattt@uef.edu.vn
With respect!

The Editorial team.