Valedictorian of Class 27 in Environmental Engineering Technology: Daring to think big to create sustainable value

On the afternoon of August 14, 2025, in the solemn atmosphere of the Commencement, Vuong Thuy Hang, Valedictorian of the Environmental Engineering Technology major, shared her challenging journey of study and research, as well as her great aspirations to contribute meaningful professional value to society as a student from the field of Technology at Van Lang University.

Dear distinguished Lecturers, Parents, and all new Masters, new Engineers, and new Bachelors of Van Lang University.

My name is Vuong Thuy Hang – Valedictorian of Class 27 in Environmental Engineering Technology. Today is truly a special day. It not only marks the end of a long journey, but also offers us a moment to look back on the road we've traveled with pride, gratitude, and a touch of nostalgia. I would like to begin this meaningful speech with a few words to my fellow graduates in the field of TECHNOLOGY about a journey full of challenges, hardships, and growth.

Dear fellow VLTECH graduates,

As students in the field of Technology, we are all too familiar with sleepless nights spent working on projects, with code that just wouldn't run, or design models that failed repeatedly. Our field may be dry and difficult, requiring hard work, perseverance, and a strong mindset, but we take pride in the values our profession contributes to life — everything bears the mark of technical skill and intellect.

Each person has a different reason for choosing this major. For me, that decision came from a very random moment: when I saw bits of trash left on the roadside, I asked myself – “Why is this here? What will happen to it in the future?” Those seemingly simple questions led me to the Environmental Engineering Technology major.

Four years of immersion in the environmental field have shown me that I can do many meaningful things for society and solve real-world problems, not just limited to waste treatment or protecting a clean, beautiful environment.

As I matured through each project, I began to understand the power of moonshot thinking, the mindset of daring to dream what seems impossible, daring to consider solutions no one believes are feasible. That is also the spirit that the Technology field pursues: looking to the future, thinking big, thinking beyond, and creating sustainable value for the community.

One of the most memorable experiences I had at Van Lang University was participating in the international project “Nano-Assisted Bioremediation of diffused dioxins in soil and sediment”, carried out by the Faculty of Environment with funding from USAID and the National Academy of Sciences (USA). The project site was my own hometown of Dong Nai, at Bien Hoa Airbase, a place heavily affected by dioxins, so taking part in the project was even more meaningful to me.

Throughout the project, I was fortunate to work with fellow students, domestic and international experts, and especially to receive wholehearted support from the lecturers of the Faculty of Environment such as Ms. Oanh – Dean of the Faculty, Mr. Loi, Ms. Diem… Not just guiding, they practically walked us through every step. Thanks to those experiences and valuable pieces of advice, I realized that while technical knowledge is important, communication skills, teamwork, openness, and flexibility are the core values that help us stand out and go far.

Dear Lecturers, allow me, on behalf of all the new graduates, to sincerely thank our teachers, those who not only inspired us but also taught us how to think, how to live, and how to be good people. Thank you for all the dedication and passion you have passed down to us, the younger generation.

Dear Parents, the engineering and bachelor’s degrees we receive today are the fruit borne by a long and difficult journey, one that we would not have completed without the support of you, our families, who have always quietly stood behind us, trusting and loving us unconditionally.

To my fellow graduates, thank you, my companions who have turned student life into a time of complete, memorable, and emotional youth. I believe that wherever we go, what we have gained at Van Lang University, from knowledge to experiences, from kindness to courage, will always be a precious and solid foundation.

If one day you feel lost or unsure, remember: you have already overcome days you once thought were impossible — to be here, in this very moment. And believe that you can go on to achieve even greater things.

I wish all new graduates today steady steps forward, unwavering passion, and the courage to live fully by what you believe is right. Let us continue writing the proud professional mission of the VLTECH graduates from Van Lang University.

VUONG THUY HANG
Valedictorian of Class 27 
Bachelor of Engineering in Environmental Engineering Technology