On October 6, 2023, University of Science and Technology of Hanoi (USTH) held the Opening Ceremony for the academic year 2023-2024, welcoming nearly 900 new bachelor, master and doctoral students.
The event was honored to welcome distinguished guests including Prof. Chu Hoang Ha, Vice President of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Chairman of the USTH University Council; Mr. Olivier Brochet, Ambassador of France to Vietnam; representatives from the Consortium of French universities and research institutions for USTH (USTH Consortium); along with esteemed guests, strategic partners, staff, lecturers, and all new students of the 14th intake.
During his opening speech, Prof. Jean-Marc Lavest extended a warm welcome to the new students of the 2023-2024 academic year. He expressed his hope that they would continue to excel in their studies and assured them that they would have ample support from professors, colleagues, friends, and administrative staff to help them overcome difficulties during their time at USTH.
Prof. Jean-Marc Lavest emphasized that USTH not only granted degrees but also equipped students with specialized skills in science and technology, as well as essential soft skills like analytical and problem-solving abilities. He stressed that these skills would be crucial for their future careers.
Prof. Jean-Marc Lavest also announced that this year’s 14th intake would be named “Hoang Thi Nga,” in honor of the distinguished scientist and the first Vietnamese woman to receive a doctorate from the University of Paris in 1935. This tradition aimed to pay tribute to notable scientists and foster the unique cultural identity of the school.
Proudly, Prof. Jean-Marc Lavest stated that USTH was the most successful project among the 37 university cooperation projects between France and other countries. It was endorsed by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Higher Education. He expressed confidence that, with joint efforts from both the Vietnamese and French sides, USTH would continue to achieve new milestones, leaving a significant mark on the diplomatic relations between Vietnam and France.
During the ceremony, Prof. Chu Hoang Ha, Vice President of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, and Chairman of the USTH University Council commended USTH’s achievements in the past academic year. He expressed his expectation that the Rector Board would continue to lead USTH to become a shining example for training in the fields of science and technology in Vietnam.
Prof. Chu Hoang Ha conveyed his gratitude to the French Embassy and the French government for their unwavering support of the university. He believed that, as USTH entered a critically important phase of development, the French government would continue to support USTH in training and research, enabling it to achieve its goal of becoming a prominent research-oriented university in Vietnam and the region, thereby contributing to the cooperation between Vietnam and France.
The Opening Ceremony for the academic year 2023-2024 also marked the first visit of Mr. Olivier Brochet, the newly appointed French Ambassador to Vietnam, since taking office in September 2023. Ambassador Olivier Brochet emphasized that USTH has become a compelling hub for collaboration in the field of science and technology between French universities and research institutes in Vietnam. He expressed hope that USTH students would actively contribute to addressing global challenges and promoting sustainable development in both Vietnam and the world.
In the 2023-2024 academic year, USTH allocated the highest scholarship budget to date, totaling over 11 billion VND, benefiting nearly 450 bachelor, master, and doctoral students with various types of scholarships. During the Opening Ceremony, USTH awarded scholarships to new students with outstanding achievements in the university admission process. Additionally, the Vietnam Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Foreign Trade (Vietcombank) granted 17 scholarships to 17 students with the highest entrance marks.
Representing the 14th intake, Nguyen Dang Nhat Minh, a new student in the Information Technology – Communication program, expressed pride and excitement about becoming a USTH student. For Minh, USTH was not just a place for his three years of bachelor’s training, but also a place for personal growth and self-improvement. Minh shared a message with Gen 14: “Be resilient. I believe that together we can overcome difficulties and enjoy the beautiful days of youth. Let’s work together to turn dreams and passions into reality.”
