Van Lang University’s 2023 Valedictorian: A Pioneer Generation

On the afternoon of August 18, 2023, Van Lang University held a Commencement for the new bachelors and engineers majoring in Law, Economic Law, Biotechnology, Environmental Engineering, Automotive Engineering Technology, Information Technology, Software Engineering, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Traffic Construction Engineering, and Thermal Engineering.

The year 2019 is closely associated with many significant milestones of Van Lang University. This was the first year that the university recruited students for majors such as Automotive Engineering Technology, Transportation Construction Engineering, Construction Management, and Law. It also marked the inauguration of the Honors Program’s English Language at Van Lang University. In that context, a pioneer generation was formed, preserving the core values of Van Lang and spreading positive values to the community.

Graduating with an Excellent degree and achieving a score of 3.59, new engineer Le Vinh Thien is among the pioneering individuals of the first course in the Automotive Engineering Technology field. Although lacking the support and mentorship of predecessors might appear disadvantageous, it simultaneously serves as motivation for Vinh Thien and his peers to be proactive and dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to academics and various extracurricular activities within the university and the class. Through his own experiences, new engineer Le Vinh Thien represents his generation, sharing their journey as pioneers, receiving and passing on spiritual values to future generations.

"I am Vinh Thien  – the Valedictorian of Course 25 in Automotive Engineering Technology. Today, the first course of students from our field has matured. 

Perhaps people often think that students in Engineering and Technology are introverted, dry, and reserved in speech. The truth is… that's partly true!

It’s partly true because I have witnessed many individuals from the Faculties of Engineering and Technology who possess remarkable speaking skills, and the source of inspiration for me is Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Thi My Dieu - President of Van Lang University. Not only her earlier Commencement Speech, but also her various other presentations I have heard and learned from during events at Van Lang University over the past four years. 

The President serves as a role model, leading me to believe that excelling in Engineering doesn't preclude excelling in both linguistic competence and communication. This matter greatly interests me as my childhood dream was to work in the field of Automotive with a focus on professional sales. 

Learning that Van Lang initiated the Automotive Engineering Technology program in 2019, I was ecstatic and happy. I chose Van Lang University also to realize this aspiration. 

Today, I stand here on behalf of my new engineers in Automotive Engineering Technology of the first course to share the pride of the inaugural course and also the "pioneers" who have built a strong and growing Automotive Engineering Technology family of the present. The mindset of being the eldest senior class always instills in me the awareness that I must study and dedicate myself with even greater responsibility, ready to do more than what is required to nurture new values for the Faculty and the generations that follow.

Confidently expressing these sentiments, for me, represents a journey of dedicated training and change. When I was a student, I was quite quiet and had poor communication skills.  I believed that I couldn't develop myself and my future career if I maintained that personality. Therefore, I was determined to change, to challenge myself with pioneering choices, and to always seize opportunities, like selecting the Automotive Engineering Technology major at Van Lang University right in the first year of admission.

Another significant milestone at the beginning of my university years was attending the Faculty Executive Committee meeting. I gathered all my courage to raise my hand for candidacy - something I hadn't dared to do in the 12 years of schooling before that. Luckily, I gained the trust of lecturers and peers. I became the first Secretary of the Automotive Engineering Technology Faculty.

With this new responsibility, my actions were no longer just for myself but also affected those around me. I had the opportunity to work with many talented, active, and enthusiastic individuals from various faculties at Van Lang University. This environment was the most conducive for learning and personal development, and if not for the pioneering spirit at the beginning, I might have missed the opportunity. 

I had the honor of working alongside the lecturers in the Faculty to organize the first major events of the Faculty of Automotive Engineering Technology.  When I learned that every department in the university has its own distinctive program, I also aspired for our faculty to have a signature event. Though we encountered numerous difficulties as it was our first attempt, through collective effort, we successfully executed the SPEED #F1 event on the occasion of Vietnamese Teachers' Day, November 20th.

SPEED#F1 drew inspiration from the first-ever F1 race track in Hanoi. The inaugural generation of Automotive Engineering Technology students aimed to collaborate with the department and the university to accelerate the development of the Automotive Engineering Technology field, positioning it as a spearhead major at Van Lang University. Simultaneously, it motivates Van Lang University Automotive Engineering Technology students to strive tirelessly in every race on their future path.

Following SPEED, a series of inaugural programs were established as the foundation for the Faculty’s activities, such as the Automobile Knowledge Contest, Mini Football Tournament, and community programs involving free vehicle inspections, consultations, and maintenance for both lecturers and students at Van Lang University.

In conjunction with the Youth Union activities, my friends in the Faculty and I embarked on pioneering endeavors such as scientific research projects and graduation assignments, which serve as a reference for subsequent courses. Guided by the enthusiasm of the lecturers in the Faculty, we completed our first models and were proud of them. It brings me joy that juniors of future courses can build upon our existing models for further improvement and enhancement.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Huu Son – the Dean of the Automotive Engineering Technology Faculty – told us from our freshman year that the F1 generation of the faculty would be a pioneer generation, leading the next courses to robust growth. Today, Course 25 has graduated and fulfilled the faculty's expectations for us. Armed with a pioneering spirit, we will strive to seize opportunities, as the field of Automotive Engineering Technology is currently one of Vietnam's focal areas for development.

Dear students of Van Lang University,

Four years of university have passed so quickly. Reflecting upon this journey, there are moments I regret not having performed better. Yet, I personally believe: daring to act and try is a form of success. The moment I dared to challenge myself and take on responsibilities for the team awakened a positive change for me. I hope my modest sharing today will further motivate all of you to overcome self-doubt to actively seek opportunities, and be responsible in every organization you learn and work with.

The spirit of pioneering and creating new values, honed during university days, will serve as a foundation for the model leaders and guides of the future in their professional journeys. I wish you all success with your “exemplary speed.”

Dear lecturers,

On behalf of the new engineers and bachelors, I express my gratitude for your unwavering guidance, in steering our paths.

Van Lang University was my sole university choice four years ago, and up until this very moment, it remains the perfect choice. I have discovered the best version of myself here.

I wish you all abundant health, enthusiasm for your work, and love for the generations of Van Lang University students.

In closing, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our parents, family, for always believing in and supporting us. To my parents, you are the ones I wish to express my deepest gratitude to on Commencement Day, the ones I hope to see in the moment of receiving the Graduation Certificate. Thank you, Mom and Dad, for all the love."

Le Vinh Thien
The Valedictorian of Course 25 in Automotive Engineering Technology.

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A PIONEER is both an honor and pressure placed on the youth’s shoulders. As pioneers, we received meticulous care and attention from the university and lecturers; as pioneers, we experienced the latest and most up-to-date knowledge and opportunities; but being pioneers also exposes us to moments of confusion and uncertainty. Gratitude is extended to the pioneer generation of Van Lang University for courageously completing your journey of becoming trailblazers: consistently self-assured, willing to test boundaries, pursuing passions, and dedicating themselves to paving the way for future generations.

Valedictorian Tran Van Ngan – Course 25 in Law Major

• Cumulative GPA: 3.48
• Classification Degree: Very Good
• Achieved scholarships for many consecutive semesters
• Outstanding Student at the Faculty level for the year 2020 - 2021, year 2021 - 2022
• Student with 5 Good Merits at the Faculty level in the school year 2020 - 2021
• Currently a Legal Executive at TA LAW & PARTNERS Law Co., Ltd.

“I learned about the Law major at Van Lang University through endorsements from my seniors. Even though it was the first year that the university recruited and trained students in this field, through the sharing of seniors and my own practical experiences, I realized that Van Lang University was the most suitable choice for me to invest my four youthful years without regrets. The aspect that fills me with pride and utmost appreciation upon becoming part of the Law Department at Van Lang University is the conducive learning environment and the team of dedicated and professional lecturers. It is the environment and the people here that have helped me go through university years with enthusiasm, confidence, and readiness to turn dreams into reality."

Valedictorian Do Thuy Mai Anh – Course 25 in Public Relations of Honors Program

• Cumulative GPA: 3.39
• Classification Degree: Very Good
• Achieved scholarships for many consecutive semesters.
• Winner of “Ra khoi 2022” organized by Van Lang University.
• Runner-up in the Student Entrepreneurship in Financial Technology - Finnovation 2022 competition organized by the Ministry of Science and Technology.
• Third Prize for scientific research projects at the Ministry level in 2022.
• Top 30 in the Kawai 2023 Entrepreneurship Competition.
• Organizer of the Miss Charm Swimsuit Competition 2023.
• Media Team of the World Blockchain Summit MARVELS HCMC 2022 with the theme "The Beginning of the Web 3.0 Era".
• The organizer of the Hult Prize on Campus at Van Lang University in 2019 and 2020.

“At the time I enrolled, it was also the first year Van Lang University opened the Public Relations major of Honors Program. Reflecting on the journey thus far, I believe that my decision was correct, and I am proud of the complete journey of my youth. I think that each of us is indeed the greatest source of inspiration for our own development journey. Throughout university life, while family, lecturers, and friends have consistently offered their support, it is we who must undertake and progress along this path. Through every challenging phase, I have come to understand myself better and have learned numerous life lessons. Gratitude is extended to the journey of effort, to never giving up, even if just for a day, in order to accomplish necessary tasks, dedicating time alongside loved ones, and becoming a Mai Anh that my family, lecturers, friends, and myself are proud of.”

Valedictorian Le Tran Hieu Ngan – Course 25 in Commerce of Honors Program

• Cumulative GPA: 3.37
• Classification Degree: Very Good
• Achieved scholarships for many consecutive semesters.
• Participated in the research project "Impact of institutional environment on the profitability of foreign direct investment enterprises in the hospitality and food & beverage sector," with a completion score of 8.5.

"Departing from my family and moving from Da Nang City to Ho Chi Minh City was a significant and worthwhile decision for me. What makes me most proud as a student of Van Lang University is the sense of responsibility, dedication, and effort displayed by both lecturers and students here. I vividly recall days spent working on projects and essays, even at 2 a.m. or 3 a.m; whenever we needed assistance, lecturers were always readily available, responding to messages and resolving queries with great enthusiasm. Gratitude is extended to the lecturers of the Commerce Faculty at Van Lang University for helping me get where I am today."