In the vibrant atmosphere of a new academic year, on the morning of October 16th, 2024, Ho Chi Minh City Open University held a Opening Ceremony at the Quân khu 7 Arena, Phú Nhuận District, Ho Chi Minh City. The event warmly welcomed new Vienameses and international learners of the 2024 cohort – a generation of dynamic, creative, and globally-minded learners. Simultaneously, the ceremony marked the beginning of a promising academic year, leading up to the 35th anniversary of Ho Chi Minh City Open University (June 15th, 1990 - June 15th, 2025).

Overview of the Opening ceremony

Guests participating in the event took photos

In attendance were Mrs. Nguyễn Thị Là - Standing Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of HCMC University and College Sector; Ms. Nguyễn Trần Lan Anh - Representative of the Viet Nam Government Office; Mr. Lonphanh Phaodavanh - Consul General of the Lao People's Democratic Republic in Ho Chi Minh City; Ms. Sarah Hooper - Australian Consul-General in Ho Chi Minh City; representatives of universities and colleges in Ho Chi Minh City; representatives of banks, media agencies, and partner enterprises.

Representing Ho Chi Minh City Open University were Dr. Đỗ Sa Kỳ - Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the University Council; Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Minh Hà - President; Dr. Phan Thị Ngọc Thanh - Vice Chairman of the University Council; Dr. Lê Xuân Trường - Vice President; Dr. Lê Nguyễn Quốc Khang - Vice President, along with esteemed lecturers, staff, alumni, and learners from previous cohorts. Notably, nearly 5,200 new learners and over 100 international learners from France, Laos, Cambodia, the Philippines, Ghana, Myanmar, and the Philippines were also present.

International learners attend the Opening Ceremony

At the ceremony, Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Minh Hà - President of the University, extended his congratulations to the newly admitted Vietnamese and international learners.

"Throughout our journey of development, Ho Chi Minh City Open University has continuously grown stronger and solidified its position in the Vietnamese higher education community. The achievements of the past academic year are the result of the collective efforts, unity, and the relentless pursuit of excellence with a spirit of daring to think, dare to do, and dare to take responsibility of all staff, lecturers, and learners across generations" said Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Minh Hà.

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Minh Ha - President of HCMCOU spoke at the ceremony

Looking back at the 2023-2024 academic year, Ho Chi Minh City Open University has achieved remarkable results in many areas, laying a solid foundation for future development. Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Minh Hà said the employment rate of graduates within one year reached over 90%. The university is one of the 13 universities in Vietnam ranked in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings. In 2024, the university was ranked 1,201-1,500 in the world and 5th in Vietnam by THE, and ranked 16th among Vietnamese universities in the Webometrics and Scimago rankings. Up to now, the university has had 36 programs accredited by FIBAA (Europe), AUN-QA (ASEAN University Network), and the Ministry of Education and Training.

Representative of the new learners of the 2024 cohort, Tran Ngoc Phuong - School of Advanced studies shared: "Today, I was present at the opening ceremony of the new academic year with pride and happiness - when I and my friend has officially become new learners of Ho Chi Minh City Open University. We believe that with youth, faith and enthusiasm, along with the support of the University, we will overcome all challenges, become more mature, more complete in knowledge and achieve our ambitions. We promise to join the previous generation in trying to study, practice and develop ourselves comprehensively, become a useful citizen for society, and promote the traditions of the Ho Chi Minh City Open University's learners”.

New learners Tran Ngoc Phuong - School of Advanced studies shared at the ceremony

Honoring exemplary students in their learners
To recognize the efforts and encourage the learning spirit of new learners who achieved excellent results in the 2024 admission, Ho Chi Minh City Open University awarded 493 scholarships to top learners, international learners, and learners with outstanding English proficiency, with a total value of over 4 billion VND.

Accordingly, the valedictorian of the entire enrollment will receive a 100% full scholarship for four years, with a 200% tuition fee for the first year. The valedictorian of each major will receive a 150% tuition fee for the first year and a 100% tuition fee for the second, third, and fourth years. Additionally, the University also awarded 75 cooperative local scholarships; 50 scholarships to reward female learners with outstanding achievements in the field of Civil Engineering; and 50 scholarships to reward male learners with outstanding achievements in Accounting and Auditing.

Admissions Valedictorian Scholarship

Scholarships encourage learners with outstanding English proficiency

Prof.Dr. Nguyen Minh Ha - President of HCMCOU awarded full scholarships to international learners.

Scholarships for International learners

At the same time, Ho Chi Minh City Open University warmly commended learners for their outstanding achievements not only in studying but also in scientific research, volunteer activities, and community service of the University. The University always emphasizes comprehensive development, encouraging learners to practice both knowledge, skills and social responsibility, aiming to create high-quality human resources to meet the requirements of the times.

Encourage learners with outstanding achievements in studying, scientific research, and volunteer activities

Connecting generations, spreading passion, promoting learners traditions with a dynamic and creative spirit through many outstanding events.
At the Opening Ceremony, 12 faculties created a vibrant atmosphere with modern dances, traditional dances, and meaningful songs, bringing new learners closer to the culture and traditions of their faculties and fostering a sense of pride in being part of the HCMCOU family.

12 colors of the faculties' flags

As part of the welcome activities to help new learners quickly integrate into the new learning environment, the "Vibrant Lands" Open Day was held on the same day at the Quân khu 7 Arena, featuring a variety of exciting activities, from unique cultural and culinary spaces to a vibrant music stage with the participation of famous artists creating an explosive and full atmosphere.

In addition, a series of other exciting activities such as: Traditional camps, talent contests, exchanges with alumni, etc. will also be implemented on a scale of faculties to help new learners create good relationships and memorable memories, ready for an exciting learning journey.

 
Exciting musical performances at the Opening Ceremony

The new academic year not only opens up opportunities for learning, research, and contribution but also affirms the pioneering role of Ho Chi Minh City Open University in fulfilling the mission of open education, providing opportunities for everyone to access higher education. With a spirit of dynamism, creativity, and determination, all staff, lecturers, and learners of the University will work together to build a friendly, creative, and inspiring learning environment, contributing to sustainable development and creating positive values for the community in the next phase of development.

Some photos at the Opening Ceremony:

Learners attending at the Opening Ceremony