The national scientific conference "From Indochina University to Hanoi National University: A 120-Year Tradition of Elite Education" was an opportunity to systematically review the 120-year legacy of modern higher education. Starting from the origins of Indochina University, delegates frankly discussed how to define the model of an elite university and find breakthrough solutions in the new era.
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On the afternoon of May 16, 2026, at 19 Le Thanh Tong Street (Hanoi), Vietnam National University, Hanoi, in collaboration with the host institution, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, organized the national scientific conference "From Indochina University to Vietnam National University, Hanoi: A 120-Year Tradition of Elite Education." The event brought together approximately 300 delegates, including scientists and administrators from Vietnam and abroad, to systematically review the legacy of modern higher education in Vietnam.
Speaking at the forum, Professor Hoang Anh Tuan, Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (Vietnam National University, Hanoi), emphasized that this meeting was not simply about celebrating past historical milestones. The greatest significance of the conference lies in its strong and decisive approach to defining the direction of development for Vietnamese higher education in general, and clarifying the mission and position of Vietnam National University, Hanoi in particular, within that overall strategy.
As a major university entrusted by the Party and State with the mission of training elites, the very concept of "Elite University" encompasses all the major aspects of future orientation. Therefore, the presentations by managers from the Government and ministries to veteran and young scientists at the conference should not only look at history but also closely integrate with specific action plans of the Government, the Ministry of Education and Training, and the Ministry of Science and Technology to draw out practical lessons learned.
Originating from the University of Indochina, founded in 1906, fundamental values such as the spirit of enlightenment, high academic excellence, and the mission of serving the nation must continue to be nurtured and transformed into concrete actions in the new era.
Sharing his profound insights on this continuing journey, Professor Phung Huu Phu, former Deputy Head of the Standing Committee of the Central Propaganda Department and former Rector of Hanoi University, pointed out that the period of Hanoi University and Vietnam National University, Hanoi, was the culmination of tradition with new creative values. He recalled the democratic academic environment and freedom of thought of the former Hanoi University – a gathering place for elite intellectuals ready to dedicate themselves to the Fatherland. Inheriting that identity completely, Vietnam National University, Hanoi today is striving to become an innovative research university, while also urgently accelerating the construction of a green, smart, and modern "5-in-1" university city model in Hoa Lac.
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Besides the pride in its historical heritage, the conference also frankly raised serious self-reflections on the demands of the new era. Facing a historical turning point, the President of Hanoi National University, Associate Professor Bui The Duy, raised significant questions about the actual capacity of training. He questioned whether all current training programs at the university have truly reached a level equivalent to and recognized by leading universities worldwide, as was the case during the Indochina University era. Alongside this, the Director of Hanoi National University emphasized the need for a serious reassessment of the output capabilities of its students, ensuring that graduates possess the leadership skills and are worthy of being the nation's leading elite workforce.
From an international perspective, Professor Xiao Jianzhuang, President of Guangxi University (China), expressed his appreciation for the 120-year journey of Hanoi National University, considering it a brilliant chapter in the development of higher education in Asia. Facing global technological trends, he expressed his hope that both sides will continue to strengthen substantive cooperation in cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductor technology, jointly creating joint laboratories and sharing online educational resources to build a high-quality education model. In particular, co-organizing the 2026 China International Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition (CICSIC) - Vietnam Station this May will be a concrete step towards creating a new model to promote the high-quality development of higher education.
The frank discussions at this conference provide a foundation for Hanoi National University to take more concrete action. With a clear direction and readily available resources, this is a necessary step for the university not only to uphold its tradition of training talented individuals but also to proactively address the major challenges facing the education sector in this new phase of development.
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