On the morning of October 19, 2024, the National Economics University held its 2024 Opening and Doctoral Degree Conferment Ceremony, celebrating 91 doctoral graduates who have reached the culmination of their advanced academic journey, while simultaneously welcoming 124 new doctoral students beginning their research programs.
Distinguished international guests attending the ceremony included: Dr. Atsaphangthong Siphandone – Mayor of Vientiane Capital and Central Committee Member of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (First cohort doctoral graduate, Vietnam-Laos Training Project); Dr. Bounkham Vorachit – Minister of Natural Resources and Environment and Central Committee Member of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (38th cohort doctoral graduate, Vietnam-Laos Training Project); and Dr. Khamton Samvong – Education and Culture Counselor at the Lao Embassy in Vietnam.
External delegates included Comrade Hoang Van Tra – Deputy Chairman of the Central Inspection Committee, and Comrade Bui Quang Huy – Alternate Member of the Party Central Committee and First Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union Central Committee. University Council member representatives included Mr. Nguyen Thai Dung – Director of Retail Division, BRG Group.
Representing the National Economics University were Prof. Dr. Pham Hong Chuong – Rector; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho – Party Secretary and Chairman of the University Council; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Huy Nhuong – Vice Rector; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu – Vice Rector; Dr. Nguyen Huu Dong – Deputy Party Secretary and Chairman of the University Trade Union; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vu Thanh Huong – Deputy Director in charge of the Graduate Training Institute; along with former university leaders, representatives from university departments, faculty members involved in teaching, supervising, and evaluating doctoral dissertations at all levels, new doctoral students, new doctoral graduates, and their families and relatives.
Speaking at the ceremony, Prof. Dr. Pham Hong Chuong – Rector of National Economics University – noted that with nearly 70 years of growth and development, the National Economics University proudly serves as a leading center for training managers, experts, and scientists in economics, management, and business administration. Furthermore, it stands as one of Vietnam's first educational institutions to implement postgraduate training programs.
The University's postgraduate training programs have a history spanning nearly 50 years, providing successive generations with opportunities for advanced learning and research. These generations of doctoral students have been an integral part of establishing the university's prestigious reputation.
Addressing the 91 new doctoral graduates receiving their degrees today, Prof. Dr. Pham Hong Chuong shared that lifelong learning provides the best foundation for building a bright future for oneself, one's family, and one's country. The new doctoral graduates can take complete pride in the journey they have traveled and what they have accomplished.
"You have proven yourselves by overcoming difficulties and challenges. The doctoral degree represents an important milestone in each person's life, opening a new phase full of promise but also full of responsibility. Your success will always be a source of pride for your families, teachers, and the National Economics University. We will always follow your progress and trust that you will serve as bright examples for future generations," Prof. Dr. Pham Hong Chuong emphasized.
The Rector also highlighted that this cohort is particularly special, with numerous research papers published in ISI/Scopus journals and dozens of new doctoral graduates serving as principal authors of prestigious academic works.
Welcoming the 124 doctoral students of the 45th cohort, Prof. Dr. Pham Hong Chuong extended his greetings to those joining the National Economics University family. Prof. Pham Hong Chuong shared, "The doctoral journey ahead will include moments when you experience anxiety, stress, fatigue, and even deadlock. However, these are part of life and part of being a doctoral student. I am confident that you will overcome everything and step onto the podium of honor to receive your doctoral degrees," Prof. Dr. Pham Hong Chuong emphasized.
Among the 91 new doctoral graduates receiving degrees today, the E-PhD Program is delighted to have 6 doctoral graduates receiving their degrees. Additionally, recognizing their outstanding achievements in study and research, 5 out of 6 graduates including: Dr. Hoang Le An, Dr. Nguyen Van Anh, Dr. Nguyen Van Dai, Dr. Le Thuy Duong, and Dr. Pham Thi Kim Thanh received Certificates of Merit from the Rector of National Economics University.
Speaking on behalf of the new doctoral graduates, Dr. Nguyen Nhat Linh – Deputy Head of the Central Youth Union Propaganda Department and Deputy Secretary of Tuyen Quang Provincial Youth Union – shared that the doctoral degree from National Economics University represents an aspiration that he and his fellow graduates are very happy and proud to have achieved.
"An aspiration, because beyond its significance as an academic degree – the highest degree in the national education system – it also represents a life diploma of teacher-student relationships, friendships, and above all, love for science, derived from heartfelt lessons with life philosophies that teachers have imparted, always illuminating and transmitting within each doctoral student the energy to overcome difficulties and challenges," Dr. Nguyen Nhat Linh expressed.
"Under the roof of National Economics University, our teachers have given us fresh perspectives on the path of research and experience. We have been trained in critical thinking and the ability to proactively solve problems. Now, the new doctoral graduates of National Economics University have the responsibility to connect the knowledge gained from this degree into life at each position and each stage of work ahead, so that the efforts our teachers have imparted will have greater meaning in the 'new era of the Vietnamese nation,'" Dr. Nguyen Nhat Linh affirmed.
Speaking at the ceremony, new doctoral student Vu Song Hoa shared that he believes each new doctoral student present at today's opening ceremony feels truly honored and proud to become a doctoral student at National Economics University, a school rich in research tradition and leading academic reputation. Each of us surely has our own reasons for choosing the highest level of education here, but there is a common thread that binds us all: passion for knowledge, a heart full of enthusiasm for science, and determination to prove ourselves.
"I know that the doctoral journey ahead is very long, very difficult, and full of challenges, but it is also an opportunity for us to demonstrate our creativity and learning ability, develop independent scientific thinking, cultivate knowledge, and perfect our personal skills."
New doctoral student Vu Song Hoa affirmed, "We promise to always give our best effort, continuously learn, create, and persistently overcome all challenges, contributing valuable contributions to science and society. We commit to taking advantage of every opportunity given to us to improve ourselves and achieve proud accomplishments, not only for ourselves but also for the university and the research community."
Some images from the ceremony:
Article and Photos: ISD and Communications Office
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