[UEH Alumni Reunion] The Planning Class of the 7th Cohort Reunites After Over Four Decades: Reconnecting with Youth, Reflecting on a Journey of Growing Alongside UEH

09 Jul, 2026

As part of the series of activities celebrating the 50th Anniversary of University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH), over July 1–2, 2026, more than 30 alumni of the Planning Class, 7th Cohort (1981 - 1985) gathered back at their alma mater for a deeply meaningful reunion. Being among the earliest generations connected with UEH, this homecoming was not only a cherished opportunity for former classmates to reunite after over four decades and express gratitude to their teachers, but also a moment to spread the values of Gratitude and Co-creation—honoring their roots, preserving traditions, and fostering connections within the UEH Alumni community.

The Cohort 7 Planning Class was among the first cohorts to accompany UEH through its early years of building and development. From the days when the country had just moved past the post-1975 period to the journey of renovation and international integration, the members of the class grew alongside the development of the country and of UEH itself. More than four decades after graduation, this return was not only a reunion but also a journey of looking back on a road travelled together.

Notably, this year’s reunion brought together members living in provinces and cities across Vietnam as well as those working in countries such as Australia, the United States and Germany. However much geography or time may change, love for UEH and the bond of fellowship remain the thread connecting the members of the Cohort 7 Planning Class. Among those returning were many distinguished alumni, such as Dr. Nguyễn Thành Phong - former Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, Mr. Võ Ngọc Thành - former Chairman of the Gia Lai Provincial People’s Committee; Mr. Võ Phiên - former Vice Chairman of the Quang Ngai Provincial People’s Committee; MSc. Mai Xuân Mẫn - Head of the In-Service Training Management Office, UEH; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phạm Xuân Lan - Senior Lecturer at the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City; Dr. Phạm Hữu Tài - former Lecturer at the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City; Dr. Nguyễn Văn Sơn - Lecturer at Ho Chi Minh City Open University; along with many others who are now business leaders, lecturers, managers and experts across a range of fields. Each has followed a different path, yet all carry the same pride in the university that helped lay the foundation for their careers and their lives.

Moments of reunion for the members of the Cohort 7 Planning Class on their journey back to UEH after more than four decades

The first stop of the journey was Campus A, where the alumni toured UEH’s modern learning, practice and experience spaces such as the studio, the conference centre and the UEH Wellness Space. From the rows of lecture halls with their many hardships in the 1980s to the multidisciplinary, modern and internationally integrated university of today, UEH’s transformations brought great pride to the alumni - those who have witnessed and accompanied the University through every stage of its development.

The Cohort 7 Planning Class tours the modern learning, practice and experience spaces at UEH Campus A

Leaving Campus A, the group continued on to Campus C - the place tied to the study years of the Cohort 7 Planning Class. There, the alumni were warmly received by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hồ Viết Tiến - Co-Director of the Franco-Vietnamese Centre for Management Education (CFVG). Amid the familiar lecture halls, the courtyard and the corridors of years past, countless memories of classes, exam revision sessions and a youth spent at UEH came flooding back. After more than four decades, the old stories were carried on through every glance, every smile and the emotion of the day of reunion.

Memorable moments for the members of the Cohort 7 Planning Class at Campus C - the place that holds the years of their youth at UEH

Beyond returning to rediscover their memories, the journey also allowed the members to witness UEH’s transformation over half a century of development. From the lecture halls with their many hardships in the early years to the multidisciplinary, modern and integrated university of today, every step in UEH’s transformation also calls to mind the journey of growth of the Cohort 7 Planning Class itself.

Continuing the journey, on the morning of 2 July, the alumni group visited Campus B to meet and express their gratitude to the teachers of the School of Management.

After many years apart, the words of greeting and the stories of a time of teaching and learning carried teachers and students back to their beautiful memories at UEH. On this occasion, the Cohort 7 Planning Class also presented gifts of appreciation to their teachers as a sincere thank-you to those who imparted knowledge, accompanied and gave wings to many generations of students on the first stages of their lives.

The Cohort 7 Planning Class alumni meet, express their gratitude and present gifts to the teachers of the School of Management

In the warm setting of the Gala Dinner, old friends sat together once more, reliving their memories at UEH as stories spanning more than four decades continued to be shared in a warm and intimate atmosphere, along with each person’s journey since graduation. Though each now works in a different field and holds a different position, the reunion stood as proof of the enduring bond of a group that grew up together with UEH and always turns towards their alma mater with pride and appreciation.

An overview of the Cohort 7 Planning Class Gala Dinner - where stories of youth and of each person’s journey of growth continued to be shared after more than four decades

Continuing their reunion journey at UEH, the members of the Cohort 7 Planning Class travelled together to the National Flagpole at Ca Mau Cape - the sacred southernmost point of the country. The trip not only brought the emotional days of return to a close but also became a meaningful milestone, marking the journey of a group that has grown up through many stages of the country’s development while always preserving its love for UEH.

Members of the Cohort 7 Planning Class capture a moment at the National Flagpole at Ca Mau Cape - the final stop closing a deeply meaningful reunion journey

From students of the early years following national reunification, the members of the Cohort 7 Planning Class have today become managers, lecturers, experts, entrepreneurs and citizens contributing to their homeland and to many countries around the world. Each has followed a different journey, yet all share the same starting point at UEH.

The journey of the Cohort 7 Planning Class is also part of UEH’s 50-year development journey. Beyond witnessing the University’s transformations through each period, the class continues to preserve its spirit of solidarity, spread the value of Gratitude and inspire a sense of attachment to the university among generations of alumni today and tomorrow.

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