On the morning of Friday, September 15, 2023, at the Grand Auditorium of the 56 Hoang Dieu 2 Campus in Thu Duc City, the Ho Chi Minh University of Banking (HUB) solemnly organized the opening ceremony for the academic year 2023 - 2024.

In attendance at the opening ceremony were representatives from the State Bank of Vietnam and its affiliated agencies: Dr. Dao Minh Tu - Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee - Deputy Standing Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam - Chairman of the Trade Union of Vietnamese Banks; Dr. Bui Huu Toan - Secretary of the Party Committee - Chairman of the Council of the Banking Academy; Mr. Nguyen Anh Tuan, Deputy Director General of the State Bank of Vietnam; Mr. Le Anh Xuan, Deputy Head of the Finance and Accounting Department of the Personnel Department of the State Bank of Vietnam, and a member of the university council of the Ho Chi Minh City University of Banking; Mr. Vo Dinh Phong - Director of the State Bank of Vietnam - Binh Duong Branch; Ms. Nguyen Thi Dam - Director of the State Bank of Vietnam - Tien Giang Branch; Mr. Nguyen Duc Lenh - Deputy Director - State Bank of Vietnam - Ho Chi Minh City Branch; Mr. Pham Trong An - Head of the Administration Division - State Bank of Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City.

From the local authorities, diplomatic agencies, and security agencies, there were the following attendees: Mr. Tran Anh Tuan - Head of the Business Renewal Management Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, Congressman , and Member of the University Council of the University of Banking in Ho Chi Minh City; Mr. Nguyen Quang Khoi - Director of Education - Australian Government Department of Trade and Investment - Australian Embassy; Lieutenant Colonel Pham Quoc Thoi - Team Leader PA03 - Ho Chi Minh City Police.

Representatives from commercial banks, enterprises, partners, and scholarship sponsors also attended, including: Mr. Ha Trong Khiem - Deputy General Director - Military Commercial Joint Stock Bank; Mr. Vo Hoang Hai - Deputy General Director – Nam A Commercial Joint Stock Bank; Mr. Chatchawan Ngamjarasvanij - Vice Chairman, KASIKORNBANK; Mr. Tiet Van Thanh - Former General Director - Agriculture and Rural Development Bank of Vietnam, a member of the university council of the Ho Chi Minh City University of Banking; Ms. Nguyen Thi Thiem - Vice Chairman of the Business Association of Thu Duc City; Mr. Vu Van Thuc - Director - Agriculture and Rural Development Bank of Vietnam - Branch 7; Mr. Truong Anh Tuan - Director - Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Foreign Trade of Vietnam - Ky Dong Branch; Ms. Nguyen Thi Ai Tho - Director - Agriculture and Rural Development Bank of Vietnam - Tan Binh Branch; Mr. Vu Duc Khoan - Director - Agriculture and Rural Development Bank of Vietnam - Nam Dong Nai Branch; Mr. Nguyen Kim Thai - Director - Agriculture and Rural Development Bank of Vietnam - Long An Branch; Mr. Kuo Yung Cheng - Operations Director - E.SUN Commercial Bank Limited, Dong Nai Branch; Mr. Ho Ngoc Tan - Director – Nam A Commercial Joint Stock Bank - Ham Nghi Branch; Mr. Hoang Ngoc Hanh - Deputy Director - Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Industry and Trade of Vietnam - Ho Chi Minh City Branch; Ms. Le Thi Minh Ngoc - Deputy General Director of the Science and Technology Development Department - Export-Import Bank of Vietnam; Mr. Vo Thanh Tu - Director of Talent Recruitment & Deployment - Human Resources Management Block - ACB Bank; Mr. Do Tien Thuan – Head of Human Resources Department - Beta Securities Joint Stock Company; Mr. Pham Ngoc Hung - Recruitment Team Leader - KPMG Vietnam - Cambodia Limited Liability Company; Mr. Dan Ngoc Anh - Regional Director - Individual Customer Segment - VPBank; Ms. Phan Thi Quynh Trang - Head of Woori Bank Ho Chi Minh City Branch.

Representatives from universities, educational organizations, and professional partner organizations were also present, including: Mr. David Ratcliffe - Director of Undergraduate Programs in Vietnam - University of Bolton, United Kingdom; Mr. Pham Van Giao - Institute Director of Applied Psychology - Education; Ms. Pham Nguyen Thi Ngoc Chau - Head of the External Relations Department of the Education and Training Block - Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) UK; Ms. Pham Tra My - Business Development Director in Vietnam - Macquarie University, Australia; Ms. Pham Thi Thanh Thao - Business Development Director for the ASEAN Region - University of Adelaide, Australia; Ms. Phan Thi Cam Minh - Business Director in Vietnam - Griffith University, Australia.

The Ho Chi Minh University of Banking was attended by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Doan Thanh Ha - Secretary of the Party Committee - Chairman of the University Council; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Duc Trung - Rector - Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee - Vice Chairman of the University Council; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ha Thi Thieu Dao - Deputy Rector; Mr. Nguyen Tran Phuc - Deputy Rector.

The opening ceremony was also attended by members of the Party Committee Executive Board, the University Council, the Executive Committee of the Trade Union, the Youth Union, as well as falcuty members, staff, and students from various core hard and levels of education studying and researching at the Ho Chi Minh City University of Banking.

In his speech at the opening ceremony for the academic year 2023-2024, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Duc Trung, on behalf of the university's leadership, expressed his gratitude and best wishes to the leaders, distinguished guests, professors, lecturers, students, master's degree candidates, and doctoral researchers. He extended a warm welcome to more than 4,150 new undergraduate students in the 39th cohort of standard program, 11th cohort of high-quality undergraduate program (English partial), international standard undergraduate program in the 5th cohort, internationally accredited standard programs in the 22nd cohort, master's degree candidates in the 25th cohort, and Ph. D candidates in the 27th cohort.

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Duc Trung congratulated the new students, learners, and researchers for choosing to be a part of an institution with nearly 50 years of history and development, marked by numerous achievements to be proud of.

He expressed pride in the high-quality human resources, particularly the academic with the qualifications of Ph. D and associate professors at the university. As of the current time, there are 165 Associate Professor Ph.D., accounting for 50.61% of the total teaching staff, which is significantly higher than the average of Vietnamese universities (approximately 32%) according to the statistics of the Ministry of Education and Training. Notably, the number of high-level lecturers and scientists in the team has increased significantly over the past five years, rising by 270% compared to 2018. These experts have received systematic training both domestically and internationally, with many of them holding leadership positions in the State Bank of Vietnam, Commercial Banks, and Corporations.

The university takes pride in its quality of education and research as demonstrated by accreditation results, advanced training programs, facilities, and the quantity and quality of scientific publications. By December 2023, the Ho Chi Minh University of Banking will be one of the very few universities nationwide to have completed 100% accreditation of its training programs by independent accreditation organizations, including six programs with high ratings from the international AUN-QA organization. Furthermore, HUB has achieved a second reaccreditation of its educational institution in accordance with the standards of the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET), with a high score of 95.5 compared to the initial evaluation score of 85 in 2017. The university is committed to achieving international AUN-QA accreditation for its educational institution by 2025, making it one of the 10 out of 224 universities in Vietnam to attain this recognition. The university offers cutting-edge digital transformation training programs, including Fintech, Data Science in Business, Digital Marketing, Digital Accounting, E-commerce, Information Systems and Decision Support, Economics and Digital Business. With the support of the State Bank of Vietnam, the Ho Chi Minh University of Banking stands as one of the few universities in the southern region with a spacious and modern campus, particularly its state-of-the-art digital transformation laboratory facilities, physical and digital libraries, classrooms, dormitories, and sports facilities. HUB also ranks among the top two economic universities with the best international publications according to the Scopus scientific database. The Economic and Banking Journal (AJEB) is ranked 23rd out of the top 83 prestigious journals in Vietnam in terms of impact factors.

Upon joining HUB, new students, learners, and researchers become part of a vast and sustainable ecosystem. They are not only part of a community with over 14,000 undergraduate students, nearly 1,000 master's degree candidates and doctoral researchers, and 50,000 alumni, but they also have access to a network of 52 international partners, including universities and diplomatic organizations such as the British Council, ACCA, the British Consulate, the French Consulate, the Luxembourg Consulate, and participation in numerous international projects to enhance capabilities, such as Erasmus Plus, as well as various professional associations, including the Banking Association, Blockchain Association, Logistics Association, and Internet Association, along with a vast network of banks and corporations.

For the academic year 2023-2024, all the staff, lecturers, employees, and students at the university are looking forward to a year focused on Program Development, Quality Boost, and Enhanced Research, marking the 50th anniversary of the institution's history. The Ho Chi Minh University of Banking aims to be a place where the finest minds converge and where talents shine, in line with the acronym HUB, which stands for Heighten Unique Brilliance: a place where individuals can shine and fulfill their dreams.

On behalf of the Party Committee and the Board of Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam,  Dr. Dao Minh Tu, the Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and the Deputy Governor in charge of the State Bank of Vietnam, warmly praised the achievements that the leadership team, teachers, students, learners, and researchers of the University of Banking - Ho Chi Minh City have achieved during the past period as well as in the academic year 2023 - 2024 in all aspects of activities such as:

• Developing a high-level human resource team with more than 50% of lecturers holding PhD degrees, and Associate Professorship exceeding the national standard of 25% for universities.
• Building, developing, and innovating training programs in the direction of digital transformation, enhancing creative capacity, practical skills, professional ethics, and social understanding of students.
• Promoting scientific research activities, significantly increasing the number of international articles, international and national conferences, research projects, and scientific dialogues.
• Improving the infrastructure, facilities, and teaching environment.

Thanks to these achievements, despite the increasing competition among higher education institutions, the University of Banking - Ho Chi Minh City has successfully met its enrollment targets. Graduates from the university are highly regarded by employers for their work capabilities.

Deputy Governor Dao Minh Tu emphasized seven key tasks that The University should focus on to enhance its education, training, and scientific research activities to meet the common needs and trends of the banking industry and the country:

• Continuing to innovate goals and training strategies to meet the labor market's needs and enhance the quality of human resources for the banking sector and society.
• Emphasizing the improvement of the quality of the university's human resources, especially faculty members.
• Effectively implementing the "Enhancing Information Technology Application and Digital Transformation in Education and Training for the Period 2022-2025, Orientation to 2030" project approved by the Prime Minister in Decision No. 131/QD-TTg dated January 25, 2022.
• Enhancing the quality of scientific research and technology transfer to support teaching activities, enhance the university's reputation, and serve as a policy advisor to the State Bank.
• Paying attention to international integration, especially applying international standards to university management and operation to improve competitiveness and rankings both nationally and internationally.
• Strengthening cooperation in training, research, faculty, and student exchange with domestic and international partners.
• Comprehensively reviewing and restructuring the university's organizational structure to ensure compliance with legal regulations and practical activities while implementing financial autonomy under Group 2, as approved by the Governor of the State Bank.
• Implementing solutions to increase reasonable and legal revenue step by step, with financial matters. Alongside this, there will be a focus on strict management responsibility, transparent reporting, and effective financial performance.

Deputy Governor Dao Minh Tu also had a special message for the students on the opening day. He emphasized that the Fourth Industrial Revolution is rapidly and significantly impacting various aspects of socio-economic life, and the banking sector is at the forefront of these changes. In this context, the level of human resources is crucial and a key factor for breakthroughs. Young people can take control and lead positive changes if they are equipped with the necessary knowledge. With a long journey ahead, within the learning environment and teaching methods, exploring new realms of knowledge, students should understand the role, mission, and strategic development goals of the banking industry. They should also be aware of the key tasks that the industry needs to fulfill in the nation's industrialization and modernization process. Through this understanding, students can cultivate a strong determination and mindset, be enthusiastic about learning and research, continuously improve their thinking and advanced learning methods, and develop their behavior, attitudes, and a cultured, dynamic demeanor. This will help them overcome all challenges and difficulties to achieve success in their studies, laying a solid foundation for success in their future careers.

Representing the University's Leader, Associate Professor Dr. Đoàn Thanh Hà, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the University Council, expressed his commitment to absorbing the guidance and direction provided by the leadership of the State Bank of Vietnam, especially the 7 key tasks for the 2023-2024 academic year. These are crucial orientations that will help the university successfully accomplish its mission for the academic year 2023-2024 and ensure sustainable development in the new phase. The university's council and Board Rector, Faculty, Department will promptly to implement these key tasks through specific plans and programs. Associate Professor Dr. Đoàn Thanh Hà also expressed profound gratitude to the leadership of the State Bank of Vietnam, the Ministry of Education and Training, the departments of the State Bank of Vietnam, the local authorities of Ho Chi Minh City, and the branches of the State Bank of Vietnam in provinces and cities. He thanked them for their constant attention, encouragement, support, and for creating favorable conditions for the Ho Chi Minh University of Banking to successfully fulfill its mission in education and scientific research. He also extended his appreciation to corporations, commercial banks, associations, enterprises, and generations of alumni who have stood by, cared for, and supported the development of the Ho Chi Minh University of Banking.

At the Opening Ceremony, the State Bank of Vietnam's Personnel Organization Department, in collaboration with the University, announced and awarded 104 scholarships and commendations from the banking industry to students of the University of Banking in Ho Chi Minh City, with a total value of 957 million Vietnamese Dong. Among these, there were 8 special scholarships from the banking industry (Governor's Scholarships) worth 20 million Vietnamese Dong each, 72 scholarships from the banking industry valued at 10 million Vietnamese Dong each, along with commendations and rewards from the State Bank of Vietnam for the top graduates of 2023, top performers in the 2023 admissions, and students who achieved high results in scientific research activities. These awards and scholarships not only carry material value but also represent significant spiritual values, reflecting the care and encouragement from the leadership of the State Bank of Vietnam and the entire banking industry, serving as motivation for students to continue their efforts in learning and self-improvement.

Accompanying our students on their journey to pursue their dreams and aspirations, sponsor units such as Nam A Commercial Joint Stock Bank, Military Commercial Joint Stock Bank, Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Foreign Trade of Vietnam, KASIKORNBANK - Ho Chi Minh Branch, Vietnam Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Agribank) - Tan Binh Branch, Vietnam Technological and Commercial Joint Stock Bank (Techcombank), Asia Commercial Joint Stock Bank (ACB), Vietnam Export Import Commercial Joint Stock Bank (Eximbank), Vietnam Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Industry and Trade (Vietinbank) - Ho Chi Minh City Branch also awarded scholarships to outstanding students and those facing difficult circumstances who have achieved high academic achievements.

Mr. Võ Hoàng Hải, Deputy CEO of Nam A Commercial Joint Stock Bank, representing the scholarship sponsoring organizations, expressed gratitude and highly appreciated the position and role of the University of Banking - Ho Chi Minh City in the journey of training and providing high-quality human resources to the banking sector in general and Nam A Commercial Joint Stock Bank in particular. Many generations of employees, managers, and high-level leaders of Nam A Bank have been trained and developed at HUB. Nam A Bank is ready to accompany the University in training, research, community engagement, and supporting future generations, including the scholarship program presented today.

Our new student Võ Anh Thư, representing the new students, expressed their emotions and pride in becoming a part of the university they had dreamed of and set goals for during their years in high school. They are proud to be part of a university with nearly 50 years of history, known for producing successful alumni, and recognized for the quality of education both nationally and internationally. The new students are determined to excel in their studies and personal growth, continuing the history of the university and contributing to its traditions. The representatively fresh student also expressed gratitude to the businesses, commercial banks, organizations, and institutions that have supported them with valuable scholarships, both in spiritual and material support, on their journey to pursue their dreams and aspirations.

The opening ceremony marks the beginning of the new academic year 2023 - 2024, a year focused on: Program Development, Quality Boost, and Enhanced Research. The teachers and students of HUB will work together, strive, unite, and endeavor to make HUB a center of convergence - Heighten Unique Brilliance: A place where people shine and soar with their dreams.

Some images from the ceremony: