Celebrating the 43rd Vietnamese Teachers' Day: Gratitude – Appreciation - Connection across UEHer Generations on the Journey to the 50-year Milestone

19 Nov, 2025

Vietnamese Teachers' Day, November 20th, is always a special occasion for the leadership, faculty, and staff of the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) to reflect on moments of heartfelt gratitude. It is also a time to honor the invaluable contributions of generations of educators, especially the retired teachers who have been the pillars of UEH's development for nearly half a century. In the spirit of looking ahead to its 50th anniversary, the tradition of "Gratitude – Appreciation - Connection" continues to be celebrated, embodying a sustainable cultural value of UEH.

On the morning of November 19, 2025, a gathering to celebrate the 43rd Vietnamese Teachers' Day was solemnly held at the A.116 Traditional Hall with the message: "Gratitude – Appreciation - Connection." The ceremony was particularly meaningful as UEH approaches its 50-year anniversary milestone—a moment not only for reflection but also for paying tribute to the generations who have shaped the University's identity and values.

An overview of the 43rd Vietnamese Teachers' Day celebration at UEH

The ceremony was honored by the presence of the Ho Chi Minh City Leadership: Comrade Dang Minh Thong – Deputy Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee.

From UEH's former leadership, attendees included: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Van Nang – Former Secretary of the Party Committee, Former Rector of UEH (2002-2011); Prof. Dr. Nguyen Dong Phong – Former Secretary of the Party Committee, Former Chairman of the UEH Council (2020-2025), Former Rector of UEH (2011-2020); Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Dinh – Former Chairman of the UEH Council (2015-2017), Former Vice Rector (2008-2015); Prof. Dr. Su Dinh Thanh – Former President of UEH (2020-2025); Prof. Dr. Dao Van Tai - Former Vice Rector of UEH (1988-1992); Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Xuong - Former Vice Rector of UEH (1986-1998); Prof. Dr. Duong Thi Binh Minh - Former Vice Rector (2002-2008); and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Thi Bich Nguyet - Former Vice Rector (2011-2019).

From UEH's current leadership, the event was attended by: Prof. Dr. Nguyen Khac Quoc Bao – Secretary of the Party Committee, Chairman of the UEH Council; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Quang Hung – Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee, UEH Interim President; Dr. Dinh Cong Khai – Vice President of UEH; Dr. Nguyen Thien Duy – Chairman of the UEH Trade Union; along with leaders of member colleges, campuses, departments, schools, and institutes. Also present were over 250 retired teachers who have made significant contributions to education, as well as current professors, associate professors, People's Teachers, Elite Teachers, and all faculty and staff of UEH.

A flow of gratitude: As today's generation follows in the footsteps of the trailblazers

The ceremony began with a film capturing the heartfelt memories and dedication of the retired teachers—the pioneering generation who laid the foundation for UEH's half-century journey.

Emotional scenes from the tribute film featuring retired teachers

Continuing this flow of gratitude, on behalf of today's UEHer generation, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Quang Hung – UEH Interim President, extended his warmest congratulations and deepest appreciation to all the teachers: "Gratitude - one of the University's core values - is also the central message of our Teachers' Day gathering as we look toward UEH's 50th anniversary. Gratitude is the bond that connects generations, from our challenging early days to our current era of integration and transformation into a modern, multidisciplinary, and sustainable university. It is the pride that every teacher, whether currently working or retired, continues to follow the university's growth. It is about the trust, unanimity, and collective effort that forge the humane, innovative, and community-serving spirit of ONE UEH.

Gratitude extends beyond UEH, connecting us in the close relationship with the National Economics University and our partners, together aiming for the betterment of society. Every UEHer is an ambassador, carrying a message of love, responsibility, service, and kindness, contributing to a sustainable future."

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Quang Hung affirmed the spirit of inheritance and the responsibility of the current UEHer generation in guiding UEH into a new stage of development

With a spirit of inheritance, responsibility, and a desire to contribute, the journey to lead UEH into a new era is guided by the next generation of leaders, who are committed to preserving core values, promoting the UEH identity, and creating new milestones on the path to the meaningful 50-year anniversary.

A tribute to the pillars who began UEH's nearly half-century journey

The tradition of "honoring teachers and respecting morals" is not just a principle but a profound bond that has connected generations of UEHers for nearly 50 years. As a token of gratitude, the university's leadership, on behalf of all staff, performed a tribute ceremony, extending their deepest thanks and congratulations to the retired teachers who laid the foundation and nurtured the values that define UEH today.

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Khac Quoc Bao, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Quang Hung, and Dr. Dinh Cong Khai performed the tribute ceremony for retired teachers

Honoring collectives and individuals receiving ministerial-level awards in 2024

In 2024, through persistent and tireless efforts, UEH achieved many outstanding milestones in the national education landscape. The ceremony was also an occasion to recognize the contributions of collectives, lecturers, and staff to the University's development.

Notably, Prof. Dr. Su Dinh Thanh – President of UEH (2020-2025 term) and Chairman of the Science and Training Council (2025-2030 term), was honored with the Second-Class Labor Order by the Party and State. This prestigious title recognizes his outstanding contributions to managing and leading UEH through a period of strong innovation, particularly as the University solidified its vision as a Multidisciplinary and Sustainable institution, affirming its pioneering position in the Vietnamese higher education system.

Prof. Dr. Su Dinh Thanh was honored to be awarded the Second-Class Labor Order by the Party and State

The University also celebrated another significant achievement as the Department of Finance and Investment Planning and the Institute of Smart City and Management were awarded the Emulation Flag by the Minister of Education and Training for "Innovation in Management, Teaching, and Learning," leading their respective emulation blocs in 2024. Dr. Do Thi Hai Ninh was recognized as a "Ministerial-level Emulation Fighter" for her outstanding achievements from 2021-2024. This is a worthy recognition of the teacher's efforts and contributions to the development of UEH and the education sector.

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Dong Phong awarded the 2024 Emulation Flag from the Minister of Education and Training to the leadership of the Department of Finance and Investment Planning and the Institute of Smart City and Management

Prof. Dr. Su Dinh Thanh presented the "Ministerial-level Emulation Fighter" title to Dr. Do Thi Hai Ninh

Continuing UEH's proud achievements, the Minister of Education and Training signed Decision No. 1057/QĐ-BGDĐT on April 18, 2025, awarding the Minister's Certificate of Merit to 46 faculty members for their excellent performance in 2023 and 2024.

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Khac Quoc Bao and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Quang Hung presented the Minister's Certificate of Merit to Dr. Dinh Cong Khai and other leaders of departments, member colleges, and schools

Dr. Dinh Cong Khai and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Thi Bich Nguyet presented the Minister's Certificate of Merit to faculty and staff from various Schools and Institutes

The 43rd Vietnamese Teachers' Day celebration concluded, resonating with the profound meaning of "Gratitude"—the bond that has united UEH for nearly half a century, from its founding pillars to the generations that follow today.

“There are those who quietly sow sweet fruit seasons,

there are hands that light up a whole human life”

Life has imprints that never fade, the images of teachers who sow the seeds of knowledge and soul for so many generations. Those silent but great contributions are the motivation in the University's journey towards the 50-year milestone. The retired and incumbent teachers - those who ignite, transmit, and keep the flame - will forever nurture and preserve the sustainable values of UEH, inspiring many succeeding generations.

With the deepest respect, the Party Committee, University Council, and Board of Management wish all teachers abundant health and joy, and continued companionship, spreading the spirit of humanity - innovation - sentiment on UEH's upcoming development path.

Memorable moments from the 43rd Vietnamese Teachers' Day celebration: