On June 3, 2025, the Faculty of Architecture and the Faculty of Civil Engineering of Van Lang University held a commemorative gathering to celebrate the 30th anniversary under the theme “Kien Xay of VLU - A Visionary Journey Toward the Future”. This was a significant milestone, marking three decades of formation and growth for both faculties alongside the development of Van Lang University. The program warmly welcomed the return of a large number of alumni, those who matured under the roof of Van Lang University, to look back on their vibrant youthful journey.

Reflecting on 30 Years - Growing Side by Side

Three decades ago, in its nascent stage, “Kien Xay” began with slow but steady steps under limited physical conditions and a modest staff. However, with a pioneering spirit and relentless effort, Kien Xay overcame challenges to lay a strong foundation for academic training and professional research. Looking back on its 30-year journey, the two faculties have trained thousands of highly qualified architects and engineers, making substantial contributions to Vietnam’s labor market and the fields of architecture and construction. Generations of students and lecturers have earned remarkable achievements in professional competitions, scientific research, and enterprise collaboration activities. The faculties have continuously innovated their curricula, applied advanced technology, and enhanced international cooperation to improve training quality.

Speaking at the event, Prof. Dr. Vo Nguyen Quoc Bao, Vice President of Van Lang University and Rector of VLTech, emphasized the achievements Kien Xay has reached over the past 30 years. He highlighted the importance of the fields of architecture and construction in national development: “These sectors account for 7% of the national GDP and require 5,000 architects and 50,000 civil engineers each year. Therefore, those who are trained at Van Lang University are directly shaping the infrastructure of Vietnam”. He also expressed his joy in seeing the two faculties, born from the same origin, reunited in such a meaningful event. At the same time, he expressed high hopes for today’s students to continue the proud legacy of their predecessors with determination and passion for their profession. 

Appreciating the significance of this collaboration, Dr. Nguyen Hoang Tung (Vice Dean of the Faculty of Civil Engineering) and Dr. Do Phu Hung (Dean of the Faculty of Architecture) stressed the spirit of “professional connection - career companionship”. In any construction project, architecture and engineering always go hand in hand like two sides of a unified whole: architecture proposes aesthetic and spatial solutions, while engineering ensures feasibility and structural safety. The relationship between the two faculties is not merely collaboration in teaching, but a shared mindset. They officially signed a cooperation agreement, marking a new phase of joint academic projects, parallel training programs, and long-term mutual support between architects and engineers.

Connecting the Generations of the Kien Xay Community

Over 30 years, it is impossible not to mention the talented and ethically grounded student generations that have built a strong community and spread Van Lang University’s spirit to businesses and organizations in the field. To mark this 30-year journey, the two faculties launched the Kien Xay Alumni Association. Representing the association, Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Son (K6X) emotionally shared: “I lived, studied, and devoted myself when I was at Van Lang University. During that journey, I received much love and valuable experiences, which became my ‘precious baggage’ when entering the workforce. I hope the Alumni Association will serve as a bridge connecting current students and alumni, passing the torch of passion and traditional values across generations”.  

As part of the program, Kien Xay alumni held exchanges with current students from both faculties, sharing insights from their learning and career experiences on mastering AI applications in architecture. Through each story, students gained a deeper understanding and inspiration for their future careers. 

The program concluded, but the emotions and pride continue to resonate with every member of the Kien Xay community. There, Van Lang University proudly celebrated 30 generations of architects and engineers who have taken flight from. The Faculty of Architecture and the Faculty of Civil Engineering place their trust in the next generation to continue writing the story of Kien Xay, with boundless creativity, discipline, and a passionate desire to contribute to a sustainable, humane, and inspiring future for the community and the nation. 

News: Trung Truc
Photo: Dien Khanh