Chairwoman of the Van Lang University Council: Universities of the 21st Century Must Serve as Beacons of Thought and Human Dignity
On November 22, 2025, at the Ceremony celebrating the 30th Anniversary of Van Lang University and the Awarding of the Second-Class Labor Medal, Mrs. Bui Thi Van Anh, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairwoman of the University Council, delivered a keynote address marking the beginning of a new phase in the University’s development. In her speech, the Chair emphasized the mission of 21st-century higher education: to become “a beacon of thought, of academic freedom, and of human dignity.” She also reaffirmed Van Lang University’s commitment to nurturing a humane and liberal education that empowers learners with innovative thinking.
His Excellency, Dr. Pham Ngoc Thuong, Standing Vice Minister of Education and Training,
His Excellency, Mr. Nguyen Manh Cuong, Vice Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee,
His Excellency, Professor Dr. Phung Xuan Nha, Former Member of the Party Central Executive Committee and Former Minister of Education and Training,
Distinguished delegates, honored guests, respected representatives of the press and media,
Distinguished members of the University Council, the Board of Administrators, esteemed faculty, staff, and beloved students,
Core Values “Morality – Will – Creativity”: The Foundation of Van Lang University
Today, we gather to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Van Lang University and to receive the Second-Class Labor Medal awarded by the President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. This is a proud moment to reflect on a three-decade journey that connects the past, the present, and the future of our University. Thirty years ago, the founders of Van Lang University envisioned a humane and ethical institution, where high-quality higher education would be accessible to a broad community of learners. That philosophy aligns with a progressive global belief: a university should not be measured by how many people it excludes, but by how many it includes and how successfully it supports them to thrive. Higher education should not only reflect society, but also guide its development. When a university transcends the role of knowledge transmission to become a beacon of thought, academic freedom, and human dignity, the true mission of higher education is realized. These aspirations form the core values of “Morality, Will, and Creativity” that Van Lang University has consistently cultivated over the past three decades.
Thirty years of Van Lang University’s development have been a journey marked by challenges and hardships, as well as moments of pride and glory, witnessing the growth, breakthroughs, and achievements of the entire system. Every achievement has been shaped by the dedication, perseverance, and collective effort of individuals within and beyond the University. The Second-Class Labor Medal bestowed today stands as a testament to those enduring contributions.
Over the past three decades, Van Lang University has steadily risen to new heights. From the beginning as an application-oriented university, VLU has grown into an open academic platform and one of Vietnam’s leading private universities, strongly integrated into the regional and global higher education landscape. These proud achievements are reflected in notable milestones: Van Lang University is currently ranked 251st in Asia and in the 1001–1200 tier of the world’s top universities, with an academic reputation ranking 392nd globally. Notably, the University’s Performing Arts is ranked among the Top 51–100 worldwide, while Arts & Design is ranked in the Top 101–150 globally. These accomplishments not only represent our pride, but also VLU’s responsibility to continue expanding collaboration, sharing knowledge and innovations, and together creating new values for the future.
Educational Innovation: New Mindset for 21st-Century Higher Education
Amid unprecedented transformations in knowledge and technology, higher education must reflect on its mission, not only in terms of what it teaches, but more importantly, in shaping who learners become. At Van Lang University, every student deserves a fair opportunity to grow, access knowledge, develop problem-solving skills, and adapt to new challenges. They must be equipped with resilience, determination, and lifelong learning capabilities to lead meaningful, dignified, and intellectually rich lives.
For centuries, traditional universities have operated under a one-way model: the teacher lectures, the student listens; knowledge is predefined, and a degree is granted at the end. While this model once propelled societal progress, it is no longer sufficient for human flourishing in an age of hyper-complexity. Universities must swiftly transform and respond with agility to unprecedented changes. Students today do not simply need to be filled with more knowledge; they must be liberated from fear, from stereotypes, and from rigid patterns of thinking so that they may question, explore, and shape their own values in a world of constant flux.
I have always believed that education remains the most powerful pathway toward a better life and a stronger society. Indeed, higher education stands as the greatest hope for human advancement. Learning today is no longer only about acquiring skills to work, but about developing the capacity to become individuals who can navigate uncertainty, create amid ambiguity, and act with integrity through both success and adversity. The future of higher education will extend far beyond traditional classrooms and embrace a “liberal sandbox” model—an open academic space where learners are encouraged to experiment and create, to fail, and to challenge all boundaries, freely reexamining assumptions to collectively shape a new world.
The concept of a “liberal sandbox” refers to a learning environment built on action and experience. When entrusted with the freedom to experiment, even at the risk of failure, students can cultivate confidence, courage, and creativity. Each attempt becomes a meaningful step that shapes their understanding, allowing them to grow into individuals who act with responsibility and purpose.
Ultimately, education is a conversation between what is already known and what remains undiscovered. It exists to nurture wise, compassionate people—those who contemplate human values and commit themselves to building a better society.
The VLU’s People: An Identity Shaped by Knowledge, Humanity, and Responsibility
The achievements celebrated today are the culmination of continuous improvement, strategic investment, and an unwavering commitment to quality. Above all, they are shaped and strengthened by generations of dedicated members of the VLU’s community.
To our faculty, staff, and leadership, people are the most valuable asset. I extend my deepest gratitude—your intellect, expertise, innovative spirit, and relentless dedication have driven exceptional progress and lasting value. The University remains steadfast in nurturing a humanistic spirit, upholding humility, and sustaining the courage to defend what is right—only then can we fully realize our noble mission.
To our students, we hope you step into the world not with the belief that you already know all the answers, but with the confidence that you can find solutions to any challenge ahead. We do not expect you to be the top of your class; rather, we hope you become the most positive contributors to society. Above all, always ask yourselves: “Why do I learn, and how will it serve the world? And who do I aspire to become?”
Today, Van Lang University has more than 156,000 students, alumni, and learners—a figure far exceeding the founders’ earliest hopes. A nation becomes truly strong when education moves beyond “producing human resources” to “nurturing humanity.” I expect VLU students will nurture bold ambitions, compassion, humanistic values, curiosity, and empathy, while also fostering entrepreneurial spirit, passion with conviction, and remain ever ready to contribute to building a brighter future—one they fully deserve.
Reach beyond what you have learned. Serve with all your heart and give more than you take, and life will return kindness in remarkable and unexpected ways. Understand that every choice and action may bring pride and recognition, yet there will also be moments of misunderstanding and opposition. Nevertheless, never give up—life always presents challenges that call for courage and resilience to rise above them.
Message from the Chair of the University Council: University as a Beacon of Thought and Human Dignity
Finally, allow me to share with VLU’s students and community the entire message from the University Leadership: “Every student who walks onto this campus does not come here to complete something that has already begun, but to open a meaningful journey of learning and living. Van Lang University is not merely a place where knowledge is delivered. It is a place where intellect and character are lifted to their fullest potential.”
As we look back on our 30-year journey, we honor the dedication and lifelong commitment of our founders, who tirelessly devoted themselves to a singular dream: to build a university grounded in integrity, open-mindedness, and service. It is a place where knowledge is planted like seeds and human character is cultivated with care. They were the ones who envisioned what Van Lang University could become, who kept the flame alive through every challenge, believing that education is the most sustainable path to the advancement of every individual and of society as a whole. They began with the humblest of resources, so that today we may stand on a strong foundation, united as generations of leaders, faculty, and students. Now, it is our turn. We, who carry forward the VLU’s legacy, will continue to write the next chapters with our own talent, energy, and creativity. With the unity and determination shared by the University Council, the Board of Administrators, and every lecturer, staff member, and student, I firmly believe that VLU will continue to reach new horizons, worthy of our proud and enduring heritage.
Once again, I sincerely thank all distinguished lecturers and dedicated staff of Van Lang University for your tireless efforts and remarkable contributions throughout the years. I also respectfully express my gratitude for the guidance and support from the Ministry of Education and Training, the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, local authorities, government agencies, as well as our valued partners and friends who have accompanied Van Lang University on this meaningful journey.
Today, as we gather to celebrate the 30th anniversary of our University and to proudly receive the honorable Second-Class Labor Medal, we feel an even greater sense of pride in what we have achieved and confidence in the road ahead. This prestigious recognition is not only a testament to the collective dedication of VLU’s community but also a powerful motivation for us to continue innovating, creating, and contributing to the advancement of education and the sustainable development of society.
I wish all esteemed leaders, distinguished guests, respected lecturers, colleagues, partners, and friends good health, unwavering passion, and continued success in your endeavors. United by shared belief and aspiration for the bright future of Van Lang University in particular, and our nation as a whole, I am confident that Van Lang University will continue to reach new horizons—spreading goodness and meaningful values far and wide through generations of courageous, intelligent, and compassionate students.
Thank you very much!
Mrs. Bui Thi Van Anh, Party Committee Secretary and Chairwoman of the University Council of Van Lang University
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