VLU 30 years: Melodies that stand the test of time
Music has always been an integral part of the spiritual and cultural life of the Van Lang University (VLU) community. These are songs composed, performed, and shared by generations of lecturers, students, and alumni of the University. From “Van Lang Dai hoc duong” — a proud musical symbol that has accompanied countless generations — to youthful and contemporary compositions, music has become both a shared memory and a powerful thread connecting the VLU community across different stages of our development.
“Van Lang Dai hoc duong” - An inspiration and pride for Van Lang University
Written by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Truong Ngoc Thang, Meritorious Artist and Vice Dean, Faculty of Music, Theater and Film
Over the course of our 30-year journey, one sacred spiritual symbol has continuously united generations of lecturers and students at Van Lang University: the song “Van Lang Dai hoc duong”, composed by the late musician Cuu Phuc.
Written in E minor and set in a 2/4 march rhythm, the piece opens at a slow and solemn tempo before gradually building in intensity and momentum. The climactic lines, “Dep thay hai tieng Van Lang…” (How beautiful the two words Van Lang…), embody a powerful sense of pride, finishing with a grand and resolute finale characteristic of a ceremonial march. More than a musical work, “Van Lang Dai hoc duong” has become an emblem of the University, reflecting solidarity, aspiration, and national pride. Whenever its heroic melody resonates, from lecture halls and campus grounds to formal ceremonies, it evokes a shared sense of reverence and pride among leaders, lecturers, staff, and students alike.
From its opening lyrics, the song evokes a heroic panorama of national history: “Tu xa xua co nguoi anh hung, lap bao chien cong lay lung dung nuoc Van Lang” (From ancient times arose heroic figures, achieving great feats to found Van Lang). These words remind listeners of Vietnam’s origins, awakening a sense of responsibility within each member of the Van Lang University community to inherit and uphold the noble traditions of our ancestors. The symbolic connection from the era of the Hung Kings to the present underscores Van Lang University’s mission as an institution bearing the name of the nation’s first state to continue building the country through knowledge and innovation.
What sets “Van Lang Dai hoc duong” apart is its harmonious fusion of epic spirit and modern sensibility, music and message. Its powerful and uplifting melody, steady yet decisive rhythm, resonates like a call to action. Within each note, listeners can sense the image of a dynamic, forward-looking university reaching beyond its horizons. Many students share that every time they hear the song, they feel renewed strength and a reminder of why they chose Van Lang, not only to pursue education, but to grow as individuals. For three decades, the song has accompanied generations of students from their first days on campus to graduation, encouraging them to discover inner strength, overcome challenges, and succeed in their academic and personal journeys.
Within its lyrics, students see reflections of themselves — “descendants of Lac Hong” — spreading their wings, carrying knowledge and aspirations across the world.
As Van Lang University continues to expand, enhance quality, and deepen international integration, “Van Lang Dai hoc duong” will continue to resonate as a symphony of faith and hope. It not only recalls the proud history of the nation and the University, but also inspires leaders, lecturers, staff, and students to move forward with confidence, together writing new chapters of knowledge, innovation, and excellence.
Melodies of love for Van Lang University
There are many ways to express affection for beloved Van Lang University, and numerous lecturers, alumni, and talented students have chosen to do so through music. These youthful melodies have infused the VLU community with vibrant energy, echoing through campus events, spreading widely across media platforms, and standing as heartfelt expressions of deep-rooted love for Van Lang University.
MY VAN LANG (2020) Composer: NGUYEN DUC THANG – Alumnus, Class 24, Faculty of Tourism Business Development Director, BIWASE Environment - Technology - Science Complex One Member Limited Company (Con Voi Renewable Products Division)  In the summer of 2020, I was invited to compose a rap song dedicated to the Van Lang student community. Collaborating with Nguyen Dang Khoa (alumnus, Class 24, Faculty of Architecture) and two friends from other universities, we embarked on an inspiring creative journey. Each of us brought our own ideas, rhythms, and energy, gradually shaping every note and lyric into a complete work. I pondered deeply on how to encapsulate the values of "Morality – Will – Creativity" within the modern rap rhythms of young people. The whole group simply hoped to write a song that was youthful and relatable, so that students could sing it together at events, and so that the spirit of Van Lang University could spread powerfully and enthusiastically. The first time “My Van Lang” was performed during the welcoming events for Class 26, I felt both nervous and deeply moved. Especially when students filmed a flashmob music video at the main campus, I knew the song had touched the collective heart, becoming a shared memory and a shared rhythm of the Van Lang community. “OUR HOME - OUR PRIDE - OUR LIFE - OUR STYLE THIS IS MY VAN LANG!” |
VĂN LANG XIN CHÀO (2023) (HELLO VAN LANG) Composer: Mr. Le Quang Lam – Lecturer, Sports Centers “Hello Van Lang” is both a message to students and a reminder to myself. Through this song, I hope students embrace the wonderful experiences Van Lang University offers, while reminding myself to live in a way worthy of what previous generations have preserved and nurtured for this beloved place. When Van Lang University set the vision to rank among the world’s leading universities, I, too, sometimes shared the doubts circulating around me. Yet through events, encounters, and the trust passed down by the University’s leadership, I chose to hold on only to aspiration and the desire to surpass limits. That inspiration led me to write this song, a call to contribute wholeheartedly, live joyfully, and embrace a life without regret, in a place we are proud to call home: Van Lang University. |
VLU – DREAMS COME TRUE (2024) Composer: Nguyen Thien An – Alumnus, Class 25, Vocal Performance program Champion, Van Lang’s Got Talent 2021 Van Lang University planted in me the seeds of knowledge, nurtured perseverance, and created opportunities for creative growth through numerous projects where I contributed as a singer, songwriter, and arranger. “VLU – Dreams Come True” marks an important milestone in my artistic journey, embodying the emotions of youth, the resonance of love, and the culmination of my years of learning, experience, and affection for Van Lang University. As a welcome song for Class 30, it also carries a message to the Van Lang family: “Do everything in your own way, and shine in your own way.” Each individual is unique, and your existence is proof of life’s wonder. I hope Van Lang University graduates will always remain confident, resilient, and steadfast on the paths they choose. May this song be a gentle breeze that ignites passion, courage, and belief among Van Lang’s young generation. |
VĂN LANG – HÀNH TRÌNH XỨNG ĐÁNG (2025) (VAN LANG – WHERE PASSION FINDS ITS VOICE) Composer: Quan Doan – Alumnus, Class 26, Public Relations program Top 100, Show It All Vietnam 2025 Encouragement Prize – Music Category, Van Lang’s Got Talent 2022 Every song carries a distinct memory shaped by the circumstances, emotions, and stories present during its creation. I wrote this piece as an older brother reflecting on a long journey, revisiting cherished memories from my first steps into university life. Much of the song draws inspiration from my own experience at Van Lang University — a journey that offered me invaluable growth opportunities. I am deeply grateful for the people, the opportunities, and the path I found here. “Hạnh phúc khi nghĩ về, và giữ mãi nụ cười tươi. Đưa bàn tay, Văn Lang dẫn lối em trên hành trình của ước mơ.” (Be happy thinking about it, and keep that bright smile on your face. With a helping hand, Van Lang University will guide you on your journey of dreams.) I hope my experience can encourage new students. Through “Where Passion Finds Its Voice,” I have a message to those who may be standing hesitantly at the threshold of university life: After sincere reflection and the conviction that this choice is right — for yourself and for others — move forward bravely, guided by love. In that moment, doubts and challenges will become nothing more than small pebbles beneath the feet of the VLU’s “wise elephants”. |
Music is how the Van Lang community tells its story — through melody, emotion, and pride.
Songs written by members of Van Lang University in the past, present, and future will continue to resonate, connecting generations of lecturers and students and commemorating a 30-year journey defined by resilience, creativity, and humanistic values of Van Lang University.
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