[UEH Through the Lenses of Time #07] From Paper Blueprints to a Living Space That Connects Communities and Spreads Knowledge

29 Aug, 2026

As UEH approaches its 50th anniversary of establishment and development (1976–2026), UEH Through the Lenses of Time is a content series inspired by the contest “UEH 50 Years – Through the Lenses of Knowledge – People – Future”, continuing to share stories, photographs, memories, and remarkable milestones that have shaped UEH. Each “frame” captures a moment in time, preserving emotions, journeys of growth, and values nurtured across generations of UEHers, collectively portraying the University's 50-year journey of establishment, development, and continuous innovation.

From the first sketches on paper to a vibrant space filled with knowledge, technology, and meaningful encounters, Ms. Nguyen Tran Minh Chau’s story of the UEH Smart Library offers a snapshot of how an idea gradually takes shape and becomes reality – and how a space can grow alongside its community.

FROM PAPER BLUEPRINTS TO A LIVING SPACE THAT CONNECTS COMMUNITIES AND SPREADS KNOWLEDGE

Author: Ms. Nguyen Tran Minh Chau – Library

Category: UEH Stories and Memories

Featured Entry from the Contest:

UEH 50 Years – Through the Lenses of Knowledge – People – Future

In October 2019, I left the international working environment at RMIT University Vietnam to join UEH, carrying with me a strong aspiration to contribute to building a technology-driven, pioneering library in Vietnam. On my first day at the Nguyen Tri Phuong campus, Building B1 was still surrounded by construction materials and debris as it was nearing completion. At that time, the “Smart Library” existed only as black-and-white lines on the architect’s blueprints, while the vision of a “university’s heart” was gradually taking shape amid the noise and bustle of the construction site.

My first assignment was to design the structure and develop all-English content for the library’s website and mobile application. I can still vividly recall the days spent scratching my head in the office and the sleepless nights poring over drafts. I sent my work back and forth many times, seeking detailed feedback from international friends to ensure that the language and presentation met professional standards and aligned with international conventions. These were the first building blocks – quiet yet solid – laying the foundation for the digital platforms that would later facilitate interaction and attract users to the library.

My journey at UEH has been a series of challenging “firsts.” Each year, I have been entrusted with a new assignment that I had never imagined taking on before. From the initial anxiety and pressure of receiving a new responsibility to the determination to learn independently, seek support, and gradually turn ideas into reality alongside my trusted teammates, each experience has been a valuable learning journey.

In 2021, amid the challenges of the post-pandemic period, we organized a concert and a recording session for VTV1 right in the library’s Mini-auditorium, bringing together music and knowledge in a fresh and innovative way. In 2022, we held our first hybrid training session, combining in-person and online participation and breaking down barriers of physical distance.

With each milestone, our events continued to grow in scale and impact. In 2023, B1-302 Hall was filled with the laughter of more than 100 students attending a community event co-organized with the U.S. Consulate General. In 2024, a hybrid book introduction and discussion session, “AI Empowerment: Shaping Academic Minds,” brought together book lovers and those interested in artificial intelligence (AI) tools. Most recently, in 2025, we successfully organized a book festival that welcomed more than 600 visitors at Campus B, brought Campus N to life with the “Family Connect” event, and implemented the use of electronic textbooks, with 24,700 user accounts registered for access during the 2025–2026 academic year.

(Community event co-organized with the U.S. Consulate General (2023), Photo source: DCP)

(“AI Empowerment: Shaping Academic Minds” discussion session (2024), Photo source: DCP)

Looking back on the past seven years, the UEH Smart Library is no longer just an idea on a blueprint. It has become a vibrant space – a beating heart of knowledge that evolves in step with technological advancements and community connections. To me, every “completed version” of an event represents more than just a professional achievement; it is also a testament to my willingness to embrace change and continuously learn under the shared roof of UEH.

*The original content of this entry has been retained to preserve the author's perspective, emotions, and intended message.

💌 Send your wishes at https://wish.ueh.edu.vn/ and join UEH in setting a Vietnam Record for “The University with the Most Check-ins and Wishes Sent on a World Map,” while spreading pride in the 50-year journey of the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City.

UEH 50 Years: Through the Lenses of Time

Preserving the memories of UEH generations and shaping a 50-year legacy

As UEH approaches its 50th anniversary (October 27, 1976 – October 27, 2026), “UEH 50 Years – Through the Lenses of Knowledge – People – Future” serves as a platform for retelling the University's half-century journey through the memories of its very own community. Through stories, photographs, keepsakes, and personal reflections that have accompanied generations of UEHers, each contribution becomes a piece of the University's shared legacy.

Running alongside a series of 22 key activities aimed at repositioning and assigning new roles to UEH's eight heritage values throughout its 50-year journey – “Solidarity – Gratitude – Dedication – Community – Pioneering – Innovation – Sustainability – Internationalization” – “Through the Lenses of Time” helps spread these values and connect the past, present, and future through the experiences of the UEH community throughout the University's 50-year development journey.

Join us in looking forward to this special milestone:
UEH Grand Anniversary – "Embracing Future Together"
October 27, 2026 | Hall A.116 & Multi-platform Livestream

Discover more at: https://ueh50.ueh.edu.vn/ or explore the UEH 50th Anniversary Booklet at LINK.

News, photos: UEH Trade Union, Communications and Partnership Development Department

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