Seminar and Memorial Activities of Emulation Block 2 of Vietnam Education Union

23 Apr, 2025

Within the framework of the 2024-2025 academic year activities of Emulation Block 2 under of Vietnam Education Union, two core events were organized at the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) and Can Gio District, Ho Chi Minh City, on April 18 and 19, 2025, respectively. With the goal of sharing experiences and good models in supporting union members, perfecting mechanisms and policies to promote scientific research activities in school in Emulation Block 2, while spreading the spirit of sharing and the morality of "remembering the source of water", the two activities left deep impressions in both professional and humanistic values, contributing to nurturing the spirit of solidarity and inspiring innovation and creativity in each union member.

Seminar on "The role of Union in promoting scientific research activities of union members at higher education institutions"

On the afternoon of April 18, 2025, at Campus 279 Nguyen Tri Phuong, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City, UEH was the host unit to organize the discussion "The role of the Union in promoting scientific research activities of union members at higher education institutions". The event gathered representatives of the Vietnam Education Union, leaders of universities, union presidents and union officials of units under Emulation Block 2.

Overview of the seminar

On behalf of leaders from Vietnam Education Union, the discussion involved Dr. Nguyen Ngoc An - Member of the Presidium of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor, Chairman of the Vietnam Education Union; Mr. Tran Manh Thang - Member of the Standing Committee, Chairman of the Inspection Committee of the Vietnam Education Union, Head of the Organization and Inspection Committee of the Vietnam Education Union; Dr. Nguyen Huu Dong - Member of the Standing Committee of the Vietnam Education Union, Chairman of the National Economics University Union; Ms. Ho Nhu Duyen - Member of the Executive Committee of the Vietnam Education Union, Deputy Representative of the Ministry's Office, Deputy Director of the Southern Center for Education and Training Development, Ministry of Education and Training; Assoc.Prof.Dr. Nguyen Viet Ha - Member of the Executive Committee of the Vietnam Education Union, Chairman of the Union of the University of Mining and Geology.

On behalf of UEH leaders and delegates, there was the presence of Prof. Dr. Su Dinh Thanh - President of UEH; Dr. Nguyen Thien Duy - Chairman of UEH Union, Deputy Head of Emulation Block 2; and members of the Executive Committee of UEH Union.

On behalf of leaders and delegates from the union units of Emulation Block 2, there was the presence of Assoc.Prof.Dr. Nguyen Manh Tuyen - Vice President, Chairman of the Union of Hanoi University of Pharmacy; Dr. Phung Manh Hung - Chairman of the Union of Foreign Trade University, Head of Emulation Block 2; Assoc.Prof.Dr. Nguyen Cong Vinh - Chairman of the Union of Vietnam Maritime University, Deputy Head of Emulation Block 2; and delegates and guests in the Executive Board of the unions of 20 units of Emulation Block 2.

In his welcoming speech, Prof. Dr. Su Dinh Thanh, President of UEH, emphasized: “In the context of higher education strongly transforming toward autonomy and integration, scientific research becomes an indispensable strategic pillar. The union plays a crucial role in accompanying, supporting, and stimulating the research potential of the faculty. Connecting innovative research models and promoting inter-college cooperation will contribute to spreading academic values and increasing the practical impact of science in the community.”

Prof. Dr. Su Dinh Thanh - President of UEH - ndelivering a welcome speech

Dr. Nguyen Ngoc An - Member of the Presidium of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor, Chairman of the Vietnam Education Union - delivering the opening speech at the seminar

Continuing the program, the presentations demonstrated the proactive and creative role of unions in promoting scientific research:

+ Assoc.Prof.Dr. Nguyen Thi Khanh Chi - Deputy Head of the Communications Department - Women's Union of Foreign Trade University - presented experiences for organizing unions to support training, to rewards, and to create a research environment contributing to a substantial increase in the number of international publications.

+ Dr. Phan Thi Bao Quyen - Vice President of UEH Union - affirmed the strategic role of the union in building a research ecosystem, connecting academia and spreading research culture to the community of lecturers and researchers.

+ Dr. Dao Nguyet Suong Huyen - Member of the Executive Committee, Head of the Women's Union of Hanoi University of Pharmacy - shared solutions for funding projects, rewarding international publications, and orientations for developing the research - training academy model.

+ Assoc.Prof.Dr. Pham Thi Huyen - Vice President of the National Economics University Union - emphasized that the communication, reward, and international publication support mechanisms would help the university create outstanding academic values.

Assoc.Prof.Dr. Nguyen Thi Khanh Chi - Deputy Head of the Communications Department - Women's Union of Foreign Trade University - presenting the paper " Union of Foreign Trade University in scientific research activities"

Dr. Phan Thi Bao Quyen - Vice President of UEH Union - presenting a research paper on "The strategic role of UEH Union in cooperation and development of the scientific research ecosystem"

Dr. Dao Nguyet Suong Huyen - Member of the Executive Committee, Head of the Women's Union of Hanoi University of Pharmacy - presenting a research paper on "The role of Union in promoting scientific research at Hanoi University of Medicine and Pharmacy"

Assoc.Prof.Dr. Pham Thi Huyen - Vice President of the National Economics University Union - presenting a research paper on "The role of the National Economics University Union in scientific research"

In addition to the main presentations, contributions from Vietnam Maritime University, Ho Chi Minh City University of Law and Ho Chi Minh City University of Agriculture and Forestry added practical perspectives on the role of unions in promoting scientific research. Vietnam Maritime University shared their experiences in effectively implementing creative labor emulation movements and scientific research associated with the practical development of the marine economy. Ho Chi Minh City University of Law focused on building transparent policies, organizing in-depth seminars and increasing scholarly publications. Ho Chi Minh City University of Agriculture and Forestry presented a model to support lecturers through reducing lecture hours, rewarding high-quality publications, and developing a business incubation model. The presentations and the comments at the seminar contributed to creating a comprehensive picture, demonstrating the proactive and creative role of unions in building an academic environment and contributing to perfecting the policy mechanism on scientific research and technology transfer at higher education institutions.

Discussion among the delegates

Concluding the discussion session, Dr. Nguyen Ngoc An - Chairman of Vietnam Education Union - summarized four strategic orientations for union units in Block 2 as follows:

1. Participating in developing internal scientific research regulations, proposing appropriate policies to protect the rights and encourage members to participate in research.

2. Establishing legal financial resources, utilizing the university budget for training and funds to support research.

3. Motivating through recognition and rewards, enhance academic standing, and inspire the faculty community.

4. Acting in a practical and professional manner towards building a team of union officials with a deep understanding of policy, research, and effective academic connections.

The seminar ended in an open and cooperative atmosphere, promising the sustainable development of the inter-college research network throughout the Block.

Dr. Nguyen Ngoc An delivering a closing speech at the seminar

Donating Solar Lighting System Program at the Temple of Heroes of Rung Sac War Zone - Can Gio District

On the morning of April 19, 2025, Emulation Block 2 continued implementing the program "Donating solar lighting systems to the Temple of Heroes of Rung Sac War Zone - Can Gio District". The program aims to respond to activities celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2025) and support energy saving and green transformation for coastal border areas.

Within the framework of the program, the delegation respectfully held a ceremony to pay their respects and offer incense at the Rung Sac Heroes Cemetery and Temple. This activity expressed profound gratitude to the soldiers who sacrificed for the independence and freedom of the country. In a solemn atmosphere, the delegates observed a moment of silence. They offered incense in memory, arousing the spirit of patriotism and community responsibility in each official, lecturer, and union member.

The delegation visiting and offering incense at the Rung Sac Heroes Cemetery

The delegation visiting and offering incense at the Temple of Heroes in the Rung Sac war zone

Afterwards, the delegation attended the ceremony to present the solar lighting system at the Rung Sac Heroes Temple in Can Gio District. The project contributes to improving lighting conditions, serving the management and conservation of the relic as well as demonstrates the spirit of sharing and contributing to the community of the union members in the Emulation Block 2.

On behalf of leaders and union officials from units in Emulation Block 2, the program had the participation of Dr. Nguyen Huu Dong - Member of the Standing Committee of Vietnam Education Union, Chairman of the National Economics University Union; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Manh Tuyen - Vice President, Chairman of the Hanoi University of Pharmacy Union; Dr. Phung Manh Hung - Chairman of the Foreign Trade University Union, Head of Block; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Cong Vinh - Chairman of the Vietnam Maritime University Union, Deputy Head of Block; Dr. Nguyen Thien Duy - Chairman of the UEH Union, Deputy Head of Block; and officials in the Executive Committee of the unions of units in Emulation Block 2.

On behalf of Can Gio district leaders, there was Mr. Le Vinh Hien - Deputy Director of Can Gio District Culture - Sports and Communication Center togethẻ with other representatives of Departments, Devisions, and Services of Can Gio District.

Overview of the ceremony

Dr. Phung Manh Hung, representative of Emulation Block 2

Mr. Le Vinh Hien speaking at the ceremony

At the ceremony, Dr. Phung Manh Hung, Assoc.Prof.Dr. Nguyen Cong Vinh and Dr. Nguyen Thien Duy presented a symbolic plaque of sponsorship of the solar lighting project worth 50 million VND by union members of 20 colleges in Emulation Block 2.

Representing Can Gio district leader, Mr. Le Vinh Hien expressed his appreciation: “We acknowledge the meaningful support from educational units. The lighting system serves the management and the protection of the temple more effectively and saves electricity, serves the green transition, and contributes to sustainable development in the locality.”

The program ended with the ceremony of presenting an appreciation letter from the leaders of Can Gio District, affirming the humane message: "Science and education are not only knowledge, but also sharing and responsibility with the community."

Dr. Phung Manh Hung, Assoc.Prof.Dr. Nguyen Cong Vinh, Dr. Nguyen Thien Duy presenting the symbolic sponsorship board to the locality

Mr. Le Vinh Hien presenting the appreciation letter to the team of Emulation Block 2

The two outstanding activities of Emulation Block 2 in April 2025 demonstrated the pioneering role of the union in promoting academic research and spreading the humanistic values and social responsibility of Vietnamese intellectuals in the new era. In the next stage, the connection between colleges in the Block promises to create new initiatives and to make practical contributions to the community.

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