On 20 March 2024, the Thammasat University Library welcomed a group from Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics and Finance (UEF), Vietnam, for a library visit.

As TU students know, Ho Chi Minh City, commonly known as Saigon, is the most populous city in Vietnam, with a population of around 9.3 million in 2023.

The city’s geography is defined by rivers and canals, the largest of which is the Saigon River.

The TU Library collection includes several books about different aspects of life in Ho Chi Minh City.

As its website explains, UEF was established in 2007:

• UEF aims to become Vietnam’s leading university and achieve international academic standards, based on philosophy: Quality – Efficiency – Integration.
• UEF’s consistently aims at achieving high standards in higher education by adapting the world’s best expertise to the local context of change and economic integration, focusing on providing specialized training in Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics and Finance in order to meet the country’s increasing needs for high quality human resources.
• To ensure good learning outcomes, UEF teaching staff are carefully selected according to the following criteria: commitment, expertise, experience, pedagogy, and student rapport. The dynamic and humane working environment at UEF is an important impetus for dedicated lecturers to help students to mature.
• UEF Headquarters, 276 Dien Bien Phu Street, Ward 17, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City, is located in the city centre, with modern learning and teaching systems and internationally standardized facilities.
• In addition, UEF is implementing a Saigon South Campus project in an area of 5.5 hectares and sets out a strategy to build the most modern academic complex in HCM City by 2020. It is UEF’s next development phase.
• UEF’s strategic direction coupled with the achievements gained over a period of nearly a decade has helped create a strong UEF brand within the segment of high-class human resources training in Vietnam, creating an absolute trust for students and parents throughout Vietnam. […]

UEF’s mission is to cultivate high-quality human resources to meet the needs of society and global integration; to nurture an environment of academic and research freedom that fosters the holistic, dynamic, and creative development of learners; to develop practical working capacity, professionalism and social responsibility through close and strong collaborations with businesses and communities.

VISION

UEF will become one of the leading universities in Vietnam, prestigious in the region, and a cradle for training successful global citizens who are ready to contribute significantly to society.

CORE VALUES

Excellence – Innovation – Integration – Development

– Excellence: Provide excellent training programs and services.

– Innovation: Encourage innovation in teaching, research, community services, and development of startup ideas.

– Integration: Promote comprehensive international cooperation and integration.

– Development: Constantly develop and enhance the quality of all activities of the university.

EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY

Comprehensive Education – Lifelong Learning

– Comprehensive Education:

The university educates learners to fully develop their qualities and competencies, to maintain a spirit of community and social responsibility, to engage in creative thinking and international integration, and to be prepared to adapt to the changing world.

– Lifelong Learning:

The university applies modern and advanced teaching methods and educational technologies, and constructs a diverse learning and research environment in order to shape, cultivate and promote self-study and lifelong learning capacity for learners.

In January 2024, UEF representatives were in Thailand on an international exchange program to learn about Sustainable Development Goals. (SDGs):

From January 7 to 12, UEFers had the opportunity to participate in the international exchange program DCU Youth Global Camp: “Youth Voices in Digital Era” held at Mahidol University, Thailand. At this event, Pham Thuy Tuyet Nhu, a student majoring in Chinese language, acquired more meaningful lessons about Sustainable Development Goals as well as experienced fascinating cultural features.

The international exchange program DCU Youth Global Camp: “Youth Voices in Digital Era” gathered more than 100 students from around the world. This activity was organized by Mahidol University, Thailand; the National University of Singapore, Singapore; and the University of Southern Queensland, Australia.

The University President of UEF is Dr. Nguyen Thanh Giang.

The university website posted his New Year letter earlier this year:

New Year letter from UEF President to the Year of Dragon

02/03/2024

       Dear UEF faculty, staff and students,

       Dear our distinguished partners.

       Across the nation, the celebration of the Year of the Dragon is being embraced with joy and warmth amidst family and loved ones. In the spirit of this meaningful atmosphere, on behalf of the University’s Board of Management, I extend heartfelt New Year wishes to esteemed teachers, students, partners, friends, and families for peace and happiness.

       In 2023, despite facing numerous challenges, with unity and cohesion among the collective, and the collaboration of esteemed partners, UEF has maintained its internal strength, adapting to the changes in the environment and achieving breakthroughs in various aspects of its activities. Our academic programs have been upgraded and continually improved according to the standards of advanced countries; the second-cycle quality assessment for educational institutions has been completed; dozens of international partnerships have been strengthened and expanded; the number of students participating in internships abroad in countries such as Japan, Singapore, Thailand, and Cambodia has increased; the network of domestic and international business partnerships has expanded; the position of university students has been elevated through awards and participation in academic, sports, and cultural events both domestically and internationally. The main goal is to create a safe teaching and learning environment, ensuring university education standards within the University, and allowing students to develop comprehensively and excel in their careers.

UEF’s proud and memorable achievements in 2023

       In addition to the university’s general professional activities, the collective of teachers and students always places high value on the tradition of mutual assistance and contributes more to socially oriented services.

Community service activities are highly appreciated at UEF

       Building on the foundations established in the past year, as we enter the new year, the UEF community will continue its efforts to sustain the achievements gained and remain steadfast in pursuing the goals set for the new academic year. Specifically, UEF aims to strongly implement major goals such as internationalization and digitization of university education; constructing modern, impressive facilities; providing the best learning environment for students, from support services, cultural, artistic, sports, and academic activities to internships and employment; strengthening community engagement. UEF will continue to make its mark on society as an integrated, innovative university that has been continually developing over the years.

The image of dynamic, self-assured UEF students is positively radiated

       In this moment of the new year, I wish all faculty, staff, students, esteemed partners, and friends, along with their families, a spring filled with “Prosperity – Safety – Wealth”, and I wish UEF continued strength and affirmation of its position, bringing many valuable educational values to the community and society.

UEF President

Nguyen Thanh Giang

(All images courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)