UEH Assumes Management of the Campus at No. 3 Cong Truong Quoc Te, Plans a Knowledge Square to Serve the Community and Foster International Connections

13 Nov, 2026

Preserving Historical Value, Continuing the Mission of Serving the Education Sector

Located beside Turtle Lake (Ho Con Rua), one of the iconic landmarks of Ho Chi Minh City, the campus at No. 3 Cong Truong Quoc Te holds a distinctive location and architecture in the heart of the city. The site is closely tied to many stages in the development of the education and training sector, particularly the renewal and international integration of higher education in the southern region.

Before being transferred to UEH, the building and land were managed and used by the Southern Center for Education and Training Development under the Office of the Ministry of Education and Training. Under its assigned mandate, UEH is responsible for managing, renovating, preserving and promoting the value of the building in a manner consistent with its historical significance, architectural character and the development orientation of the Ministry of Education and Training.

Following the handover, the campus at No. 3 Cong Truong Quoc Te will continue to serve the shared activities of the Ministry of Education and Training. On this basis, UEH will renovate and develop the site into an International Knowledge Square, adding spaces for scientific research, international cooperation, innovation and community engagement. The facility is expected to comprise four functional areas: the Urban Think Lab, the Art and Sustainability Studio, the Global Dialogue Hub, and a community knowledge, exhibition and green living area.

Design and construction will be studied in line with the principle of preserving the architectural value of the existing building and harmonizing with the Turtle Lake landscape, prioritizing green spaces, environmentally friendly materials and sustainable operating solutions, consistent with the Green and Sustainable University strategy that UEH has been pursuing.

Sharing this direction, Assoc. Prof. Bui Quang Hung, President of UEH, said: “UEH recognizes that its first responsibility is to preserve the historical and architectural value of the building and to continue ensuring that it serves the shared activities of the Ministry of Education and Training. Building on that foundation, we aim to develop the site into an International Knowledge Square, an open space for knowledge that connects internationally and serves the wider community. From science experiences for pupils in the surrounding area to forums for international scholars, knowledge will be shared more widely and make a practical contribution to the development of the education sector and the City.”

Knowledge Square: An Open Space for Knowledge in the Heart of the City

Rendering of the space connecting Turtle Lake to the Knowledge Square and the cluster of old and new buildings, a cultural landmark in the heart of the city

Under the project’s orientation, UEH plans to develop the campus at No. 3 Cong Truong Quoc Te around the concept of a Knowledge Square (Learning Agora, Urban Gateway), inspired by the Agora of ancient Greece, a place for gathering, exchanging knowledge and community dialogue.

Located right next to Turtle Lake, the Knowledge Square at No. 3 Cong Truong Quoc Te is envisioned as an open space connected to the green landscape and the cultural and architectural landmarks of the city center. It can host academic forums, art exhibitions, open classes, experiential programs and knowledge-sharing activities for local residents.

In particular, UEH plans to develop a STEAM Zone for pupils from nearby primary schools, giving them the opportunity to explore science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics through hands-on practice, discovery and creativity. Activities such as science experiments, model building, technology experiences and environmental learning will help spark a love of learning and foster creative thinking from an early age.

A Hub for International Knowledge, Connecting the City with the World

Beyond serving the activities of the Ministry of Education and Training and the community, the Knowledge Square is also expected to become a meeting point for international scientists, scholars, and education partners.

With a network of 121 international scholars, 125 global education partners, and a system of 14 campuses in Ho Chi Minh City, Vinh Long and Nha Trang, UEH is well positioned to develop the site into a venue for conferences, scientific forums, policy dialogues, and international cooperation programs linked to local development. At the same time, through academic exchanges and cultural experiences, UEH hopes to introduce international friends to a dynamic Ho Chi Minh City, rich in identity and developing along a path of innovation and sustainability.

The presence of the Knowledge Square beside Turtle Lake is also expected to help connect cultural and architectural destinations and public spaces in the city center, adding a venue for learning, experiences, and international exchange.

The development of this campus further puts into practice UEH’s strategic orientation as a co-creating, multidisciplinary and sustainable university and an innovation nucleus at the heart of the city (UEH UniverCity Innovation Hub) for the 2025-2030 period, with a vision to 2045, under which the University strengthens its ties with government, businesses, international organizations and the community to jointly conduct research, share knowledge and solve real-world problems.

In the coming period, UEH will continue to finalize the renovation and development plan for the campus in accordance with its assigned mandate and current regulations, ensuring a balance between preserving historical value, serving the activities of the Ministry of Education and Training and expanding educational functions that serve society.

From a building tied to the history of Vietnamese higher education, the campus at No. 3 Cong Truong Quoc Te is expected to become a space that connects knowledge, where pupils can explore science, residents can take part in educational activities, and international scholars can meet, collaborate and together bring new value to the education sector and Ho Chi Minh City.

News & Photos: Department of Communications and Partnerships