Inaugural Speech of the Rector

Distinguished delegates, esteemed teachers, colleagues, and dear students!

Today marks a historic day for Hanoi Metropolitan University, for myself, and for Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Anh Tuấn. The announcement and presentation of the decisions on our appointments as Rector and Chairman of the University Council is a great honor, reflecting the trust and expectations placed in us by the Hanoi Party Committee, the Hanoi People’s Committee, as well as the entire faculty, staff, and students of Hanoi Metropolitan University. At this solemn moment, we are fully aware of our responsibility to inherit and promote the 65-year tradition of the University, and of the enormous duty entrusted to us for both the present and the future of the only metropolitan university in the Capital.

I would like to express my profound gratitude to the Hanoi Party Committee, the Hanoi People’s Committee, the Standing Party Committees of universities and colleges across Hanoi, the leaders of agencies, departments, and partner institutions who are present at this solemn ceremony. Your presence is a valuable encouragement for me and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Anh Tuấn as we embark on our new responsibilities.

I would also like to sincerely thank the teachers and students of Hanoi Metropolitan University – my second home, where I have dedicated myself for 25 years since my graduation.

My deepest gratitude goes to the former generations of leaders: Mr. Hoàng Việt Anh, Mr. Nguyễn Mạnh Dũng, Mr. Nguyễn Văn Tuấn, Mr. Vũ Ngọc Phương, the teachers and former Rectors who have built and safeguarded the University’s tradition; especially to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bùi Văn Quân and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Vũ Bích Hiền – pioneers who laid the foundation for the University’s management in the past decade.

Distinguished delegates and comrades,

Being appointed as Rector is not only a great honor but also a tremendous responsibility. I am fully aware of the challenges the University will face in the near future and I look forward to the cooperation and solidarity of all staff, lecturers, and employees, so that together, in unity, we may fulfill our mission.

On this solemn occasion, allow me to share a few thoughts and aspirations – as a pledge – to the leadership and to the entire University community.

First, I will continue to build upon the achievements of previous terms, inherit the good practices and valuable experiences of former leaders, and maintain stability for development, based on internal unity and the creativity of each individual within the University.

On December 31, 2023, the University’s Development Plan was approved by the Hanoi People’s Committee. This serves as the guiding framework for all our activities. To achieve the set goals, I hope that together – the University leadership, faculty, staff, and students – we will focus our wisdom and efforts to implement the following key tasks:

• Build an educational environment rich in the cultural identity and elegance of Hanoians, grounded in the core values: Humanity – Creativity – Motivation – Identity.

• Improve planning, training, and professional development of staff to raise the quality of lecturers and education managers, meeting the standards of higher education institutions in the new context.

• Continuously enhance the quality and expand the scale of training, thereby developing and promoting the University’s brand.

• Strengthen scientific research among faculty and students, orienting research towards practical applications to gradually affirm the University’s reputation within the community of Vietnamese universities.

• Expand international cooperation, meeting the demand for exchanges and partnerships with global institutions in the era of integration.

• Actively implement development projects approved by the Hanoi People’s Committee; upgrade facilities, invest in libraries and IT infrastructure; and promote digital transformation across all University activities.

• Care for both the material and spiritual well-being of staff, ensuring efficiency, anti-waste practices, and effective management of resources to improve income and working conditions.

• Be proactive and innovative in fulfilling tasks to contribute to the development of the Capital, affirming our unique role as the only metropolitan university in Hanoi, while striving to meet the new standards for higher education institutions issued in February 2024, aiming to improve the University’s ranking nationally and internationally.

I am deeply committed to nurturing the core values of a university that embodies the spirit of Hanoi; envisioning a faculty that is professional, exemplary, and cultured; students who are intelligent, creative, and dedicated; and a university that is worthy of being a major institution – a hub of culture, education, science, and international cooperation for Hanoi, the Capital Region, and the nation.

I pledge to work with the leadership to shape Hanoi Metropolitan University with a broad vision, a clear strategy, and a modern management approach beyond traditional frameworks.

I am committed to creating equal opportunities for all faculty and staff to maximize their creativity, with the ultimate priority being to provide the best possible learning environment for our students.

I also recognize that there is always a gap between aspirations and reality. My mission, together with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Anh Tuấn and the University leadership, is to narrow that gap.

Distinguished delegates and colleagues,

For more than 50 years, Hanoi Metropolitan University has successfully fulfilled its mission as a pedagogical college training teachers for the Capital. Over the past decade, it has been making relentless efforts to grow into Hanoi’s only public university. Yet, facing many challenges ahead, I fully understand that we cannot realize our ambitious plans without the support and cooperation of the entire faculty, staff, and employees. Building and developing the University is a collective mission spanning many people and generations.

With that understanding, I sincerely hope that all teachers, staff, and colleagues will remain united with the leadership in pursuit of a single goal: to make Hanoi Metropolitan University stronger, more reputable, and higher in quality in both education and research.

Therefore, let us work together to create a professional and supportive working environment where everyone’s talents and dedication are valued and where every contribution, no matter how small, is recognized.

As I assume the role of Rector, I earnestly seek the continued attention and guidance of the Hanoi Party Committee, the Hanoi People’s Committee, the Party Committees of Hanoi’s universities and colleges, as well as the effective support of departments, agencies, and local authorities, especially those in the areas where our campuses are located.

I especially look forward to the strong cooperation and sense of responsibility of the Party Committee, the University Council, political and social organizations, the Vice-Rectors, key officials, and the entire faculty, staff, and students of the University in carrying out our mission.

Once again, in this solemn ceremony, I sincerely thank the leaders of the Hanoi Party Committee, the Hanoi People’s Committee, and the entire University community for entrusting me with the responsibility of Rector. I pledge to dedicate myself wholeheartedly and responsibly to be worthy of this trust.

I wish all delegates, teachers, colleagues, and students good health, great joy, and the readiness to act for the continued development of Hanoi Metropolitan University.

Thank you very much!