On 28 March 2026, VNUHCM–University of Science (HCMUS) held a solemn ceremony to commemorate 85 years of tradition and 30 years since the official establishment of the University (30/03/1996 – 30/03/2026).

Present at the ceremony were Mr Nguyễn Minh Triết, former President of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam; Mr Lê Quốc Phong, Standing Deputy Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee; Assoc. Prof. Vũ Hải Quân, Standing Vice Minister of Science and Technology; Prof. Nguyễn Thị Thanh Mai, Chancellor of VNUHCM; along with representatives from various ministries, sectors, VNUHCM leadership, senior academics, corporate partners, and generations of HCMUS staff and students.

HCMUS traces its origins back to the College of Science (1941 – 1953), continuing through the Faculty of Science (1953 – 1957), the Science University of Sai Gon (1957 – 1977), and the University of Ho Chi Minh City (1977 – 1996). On 30 March 1996, the University of Science was formally established following a restructuring of the University of Ho Chi Minh City, becoming a core member of the Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City system.

Throughout 85 years of development, HCMUS has consistently solidified a position as a premier national institution for education and scientific research, providing high-quality human resources in fundamental sciences and technology. Numerous alumni have ascended to pivotal roles within government agencies, research institutes, higher education institutions, and enterprises, contributing significantly to socio-economic progress.

Currently, HCMUS employs over 1,000 staff members, with the proportion of lecturers holding doctoral degrees exceeding 60%. The student body surpasses 20,000, encompassing 31 undergraduate programmes, 37 Master’s programmes, and 31 Doctoral programmes across eight key fields.

Scientific and technological activities continue to flourish, achieving remarkable results. Over the past five years alone, the University has published nearly 4,000 articles in the SCOPUS database and conducted 1,200 research projects at various levels, with a total budget exceeding 200 billion VND.

 

In a warm and moving atmosphere, the University expressed profound gratitude to former leaders, past Presidents, and senior academics for dedicated service to the growth of HCMUS.

On this occasion, HCMUS was honoured to receive the Traditional Flag from the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City and a Certificate of Merit from VNUHCM, recognising outstanding achievements in education, education, and the advancement of science and technology.

 

Speaking at the Ceremony, Prof. Nguyễn Thị Thanh Mai, Chancellor of VNUHCM, shared: “As a scientist who matured within this very environment, I understand the value of every research hour, every lecture, and every project—the successes and the many failures alike. There are quiet values formed only through patience, and an invisible sense of belonging whenever one returns. I deeply empathise with the challenges generations of staff have faced, from limited infrastructure to insufficient investment and the growing pressure of international integration.”

The Chancellor further expressed the expectation that HCMUS will not only remain an outstanding unit within the system but also serve as a pioneer, leading in scientific standards, research depth, and the ambition to achieve global prominence.

In response, Assoc. Prof. Trần Lê Quan, President of HCMUS, emphasised that thirty years represents a significant journey for reflection, whilst providing the perspective necessary to embrace responsibilities for the next developmental phase. Moving forward, the University will continue to implement strategic orientations, focusing on enhancing educational quality, promoting scientific research, and expanding international collaborations.

The milestones of 85 years of tradition and 30 years since establishment do not merely mark a retrospective; these anniversaries demand continued innovation amidst a rapidly transforming higher education landscape. With a vision to become a leading Asian research university in fundamental sciences and the foundational technologies of the knowledge and digital economies, HCMUS remains committed to preserving inherited values whilst proactively adapting to the demands of a globalised era.

 

Delegates, guests, and the University collective at the programme.