35 Years of Connecting People and Shaping New Journeys
For 35 years, Hoa Sen University has grown through connections nurtured by trust, companionship, and shared educational values. At the 35th Anniversary Celebration, nearly 600 delegates, from government agencies and educational institutions to businesses, organizations, associations, domestic and international partners, and generations of the Hoa Sen community, gathered to celebrate a shared journey and look toward new paths ahead.
600 Delegates, One Celebration: Hoa Sen at 35
On August 12, 2026, Hoa Sen University (HSU) marked its 35th anniversary, welcoming back generations of people who have shaped, supported, and continued to accompany Hoa Sen throughout its journey. It was a moment to reflect on the milestones of the past and look toward the journey ahead.
Nearly 600 delegates from diverse sectors and generations came together for the celebration, including: Leaders of Ho Chi Minh City and representatives of government departments and agencies; organizations and associations; leaders of universities, colleges, and high schools; experts, businesses, and domestic and international partners; press and media representatives; and generations of HSU lecturers, staff, and alumni.
Every presence at the celebration represents a different chapter in Hoa Sen’s story. Some have accompanied Hoa Sen since its early days; others have studied, taught, or grown here, while partners have joined HSU in creating academic programs, experiential learning opportunities, and spaces for students to develop. Meanwhile, new connections continue to take shape, opening Hoa Sen further to the educational, business, and international communities.
More than a solemn anniversary celebration, the gathering served as a tribute to Hoa Sen’s 35 years of dedication, perseverance, and contributions.
Bridging Education and the Community
Among the distinguished guests were representatives from the Ho Chi Minh City leadership, city departments and agencies, and numerous organizations and partners who have supported and accompanied HSU throughout its 35-year journey.
The presence of Mr. Nguyen Manh Cuong, Alternate Member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Viet Nam, Member of the Standing Committee of the City Party Committee, and Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, along with representatives from various city agencies and organizations, was a meaningful recognition and encouragement for Hoa Sen on its 35th anniversary.
The event was also attended by representatives from the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Home Affairs, Ho Chi Minh City Federation of Labor, Ho Chi Minh City Youth Union, Ho Chi Minh City Police, and Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture and Sports, along with representatives of other agencies and organizations across the city.
From education, culture, and sports to youth engagement and community development, these connections reflect the expanding role of a university in the city’s broader ecosystem. They also strengthen Hoa Sen’s pursuit of practical learning, meaningful community connections, and value creation for society.
Generations of People Who Have Accompanied Hoa Sen
One of the most meaningful moments of the 35th Anniversary Celebration was welcoming back generations of leaders who helped shape Hoa Sen throughout its development. From former HSU presidents: Prof. Dr. Mai Hong Quy, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Dien, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vo Thi Ngoc Thuy, to members of the Advisory Council, University Council, and Board of Presidents across the years, each returned with memories and stories that have become part of Hoa Sen’s shared legacy.
The celebration was also honored to welcome Mr. Hoang Quoc Viet, Chairman of the Board and General Director of Nguyen Hoang Group and Chairman of the HSU Advisory Council; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Cuong, Chairman of the HSU University Council; and Dr. Sung Nguyen, Former Member of the HSU Advisory Council
along with Council members and leaders from different periods of the University’s development.
Because a 35-year journey cannot be measured solely by milestones. It is also preserved in the memories of those who have devoted their hearts, minds, and passion to every stage of Hoa Sen’s development.
Expanding Educational Connections
The celebration also strengthened Hoa Sen’s connections across the education sector, welcoming leaders from universities, colleges, and high schools in Ho Chi Minh City and other provinces and cities.
Among them were Prof. Dr. Pham Van Linh, President of Hong Bang University; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thai Ba Can, President of Gia Dinh University; Prof. Dr. Nguyen Quoc Hung, President of Mien Dong Innovative Technology University; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Ba Hoang, President of Ba Ria–Vung Tau University; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Manh Ha, President of Ho Chi Minh City University of Foreign Languages and Information Technology; and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cao Hao Thi, President of Saigon Technology University, alongside representatives from many other educational institutions.
The celebration also welcomed school leaders from across the general education sector, including Mr. Huynh Thanh Phu, Principal of Bui Thi Xuan High School; Mr. Nguyen Hung Khuong, Principal of Ernst Thälmann High School; Mr. Phan Van Thanh, Principal of Truong Vinh Ky Primary, Secondary and High School; and Mr. Bui Thien Dao, Principal of Vo Van Kiet High School, alongside many other school leaders. Their presence helped bridge general education and higher education, strengthening connections between the two.
These relationships provide a foundation for HSU to share expertise, connect resources, expand experiential learning opportunities, and develop more diverse and relevant learning pathways for younger generations.
Business Partnerships and Applied Learning
For years, Hoa Sen has remained committed to bringing real-world experience into the classroom. At the 35th Anniversary Celebration, the University welcomed leaders from associations and businesses that have worked alongside HSU to strengthen education and training, recruitment, career experiences, and opportunities for student development.
The celebration also brought together leaders from professional associations and businesses, including Ms. Dang Thi Minh Phuong, Chairwoman of the Ho Chi Minh City Logistics and Ports Association (HLA) and Chairwoman and CEO of MP Logistics Corporation; Ms. Nguyen Thi Dieu Anh, Vice President of the Ho Chi Minh City Association for the Promotion of Education; Mr. Nguyen Tan Phong, Vice President of the Vietnam E-commerce Association (VECOM); Mr. Nguyen Viet Anh, Permanent Vice President of the Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Association; and Mr. Le Anh Tu, Vice President of the Ho Chi Minh City Young Business Association, alongside many other representatives from businesses and organizations.
From businesses sharing expertise and contributing to training to offering internships, career opportunities, and real-world projects, each connection brings students closer to the realities of the workplace. This approach reflects HSU’s University of Applied Sciences model, where learning is grounded in practice, and students have opportunities to explore, gain experience, and challenge themselves before entering the workforce.
International Engagement
Hoa Sen’s 35-year journey has also been expanded through international connections. The celebration also welcomed distinguished international representatives, including Ms. Thongloune Khaosaat, Consul General for Education and Culture, Consulate General of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic in Ho Chi Minh City; Mr. Gilles Guillot, Director of the French Institute in Viet Nam and Attaché for Cultural Cooperation and Activities; and Dr. Ho Minh Quang, Standing Committee Member, Viet Nam – China Friendship Association.
These international connections expand Hoa Sen’s opportunities to exchange knowledge, culture, and educational experiences, while providing students with greater access to international learning, career, and professional networks. In an increasingly interconnected world, integration goes beyond international exposure. It is about cultivating relationships built on mutual trust, shared growth, and the creation of lasting value.
Looking back on 35 years, HSU finds its journey reflected in the many faces gathered at the celebration. Each represents a part of the story: education leaders and educators, generations of students and alumni, experts, businesses, and partners who have helped shape programs, projects, and opportunities for generations of learners.
Thirty-five years mark a moment to reflect on the journey behind us. However, the connections nurtured along the way are what will carry Hoa Sen forward into the future. Moreover, HSU will continue to expand domestic and international partnerships, innovate in education, strengthen connections with businesses and the community, and create more opportunities for students to learn, experience, and grow.
Guided by its spirit of “Courage to Create”, HSU continues to transform knowledge, collaboration, and human potential into new value within an open, modern, and practice-oriented educational ecosystem.
Translated: Tai Do
