On the morning of 15th September, the University of Science, Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City, hosted the Opening Ceremony for the 2024-2025 academic year at the Thu Duc – Di An campus (VNUHCM Urban Area). This occasion provided the University with an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and to outline new objectives and ambitions for the forthcoming phase of development.

On behalf of the Party Committee, the administration, and all staff, lecturers, and learners of the University, Associate Professor Trần Lê Quan, the President, expressed his delight in welcoming 4,165 new students from 48 provinces and cities across the country who had enrolled at the University. Among them, 51 students were admitted directly due to their outstanding achievements during their secondary education.

Notable mentions included:

– Nguyễn Lê Quốc Bảo, the second prize winner at the 2024 International Science and Engineering Fair (Regeneron ISEF 2024), a former student of Le Hong Phong High School in Ho Chi Minh City, who secured a place in the Computer Science (Advanced Programme) using the direct admission method from the Ministry of Education and Training.
– Students who gained admission to the Computer Science (Advanced Programme) through the same direct admission method included Trần Trung Khang, the first prize winner at the National Excellent Student Selection Exam in Mathematics in 2024, and Bùi Nguyễn Đức Trọng, the first prize winner at the National Excellent Student Selection Exam in Informatics in 2024.
– Huỳnh Nguyên Phát, the first prize winner at the National Excellent Student Selection Exam in Mathematics in 2024, was accepted into the Computer Science and Information Technology group using the direct admission method.
– Nguyễn Hồng Tấn Tài, a former student of Le Khiet High School in Quang Ngai Province, excelled in securing a place in the Computer Science (Advanced Programme), while Nguyễn Minh Tân, a former student of Cho Gao High School in Tien Giang Province, distinguished himself by gaining admission to the Information Technology Programme (Enhanced English) of the University through the Priority Admission process. Both students achieved an impressive average score of 9.9 out of 10 across three subjects according to their high school transcripts (excluding priority points).

The VNUHCM-University of Science also proudly announced its top-performing students: Lương Gia Bảo, who scored 29.4 points in the high school graduation examination (the highest in Binh Đinh Province in the A01 group and second nationwide in the A01 group), and Trần Phạm Long Nghĩa, who achieved a score of 1,116 points in the University Entrance Assessment (the highest score nationwide in VNUHCM’s entrance examination).

In her speech at the ceremony, Professor Nguyễn Thị Thanh Mai, the Vice Chancellor of VNUHCM, expressed hope that the University would continue to play a pioneering role in research and training in essential sciences and cutting-edge technologies. “In the context of climate change, natural disasters, and increasing disease outbreaks—particularly the recent impact of Storm No. 3—we have come to a profound recognition of the role of science and technology in forecasting and mitigating risks. The University aims to attract talent, introduce new fields of study, and focus on breakthrough research to meet the country’s scientific and technological development needs,” the Vice Chancellor emphasised.

During the Opening Ceremony, the University received sponsorship from the Agricultural and Rural Development Bank – Binh Thanh Branch, which had consistently supported the University in assisting high-achieving students from disadvantaged backgrounds and other initiatives.

This year’s Opening Ceremony was particularly special as it occurred at a time when many provinces in the north had been severely affected by Storm No. 3. Therefore, prior to the event, the University issued a notice requesting that no congratulatory flowers be received from agencies, units, or partners. Instead, the University encouraged these organisations to redirect their floral budgets to the Viet Nam Fatherland Front Fund in Ho Chi Minh City to support those affected by the floods. Additionally, during the ceremony, the University called upon representatives, faculty members, and all students to contribute and support those in Northern Viet Nam.

On the occasion of the new academic year’s opening, best wishes were extended to all staff, employees, and students of the University for a year filled with enthusiasm and success.