"In a world where artificial intelligence is glorified, compassion has to be all the more revered"

Today, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities organizes the opening Ceremony for the academic year 2019-2020 on an exquisite autumn day in Hanoi. I believe that in your hearts, especially those of the students of QH-2019-X class, the eternal literary words composed by writer Thanh Tinh still resound: “Every year, whenever autumn comes, plenty of leaves fall on the streets and silver clouds appear in the sky, exciting my heart with the touching memories of the opening day of the school year.”

Firstly, on behalf of the lecturers, staff and students of upper classes I would like to send my earnest congratulations to 2,200 new students of QH-2019-X class. Now you have officially become students of USSH, a member of VNU Hanoi, which was recently ranked by Times Higher Education among 800 top universities in the world. I also express my appreciations to you for the love you devote to the University.

Dear distinguished guests, teachers and beloved students! The year 2018-2019 has passed with extremely memorable impressions. For the first time, the University welcomed students enrolling in four new programs: Japanese studies, advanced Journalism, advanced Management science and advanced Information management. The teachers of the University had over 80 academic works published in international journals, including 22 in journals of high impact factor. For the first time, all the classrooms of the University had air-conditioners installed. For the first time, a new canteen has been in operation – a more beautiful, convenient and friendly space with delicious cuisine. Especially, the Tradition room of the University has officially been established as a cultural space where the past intertwines with the present and the future, which is truly a location worth visiting at least once for any member of the University.

Dear distinguished guests, teachers and beloved students! Among the 2.200 new students attending today’s ceremony, the University is grateful for having helped Ms. Tran Thi Hong Ngoc from Nghe An realize her dream of becoming a student of Journalism. Despite extremely harsh conditions that seem almost unbearable, Ngoc has nevertheless persevered with her study to enroll in one the best majors of the University. Her exemplary patience and academic passion have inspired many other benevolent actions by other people, from the reporters of Dan Tri newspaper to the Director of the International Cooperation Office of VNU Hanoi, from the Nghe An Oncology Hospital to the members of the Himalaya Club. In this journey of compassion Ngoc is not lonely at all with all of her companions. In a world where artificial intelligence is glorified, compassion has to be all the more revered. Superior brains may be created but even small hearts cannot be. AI is able to solve complicated math problems but cannot replace the soul. In the world of 4.0 industrial revolution, it is true that IQ (Intelligence Quotient) and EQ (Emotional Quotient) are deemed especially important, but above all we need LQ (Love Quotient) – the compassion quotient, the ability to put oneself in others’ shoes, which machines can never achieve. LQ is a new concept highly rated by Jack Ma, the Dalai Lama and Jeff Weiner.

Finally, on the occasion of the new academic year I would like to thank the VNU leaders, VNU member universities, your excellency Ambassadors and the representatives of Diplomatic corps, our partners – the representatives of BIDV, Shinhan Bank, Korea Foundation, Danko Group, Phuong Dong Group, My Son Groups, AEON Mall, Dao Minh Quang Foundation, Toto Company, Bao Ninh Company and many others for your effective support and cooperation. My thanks also go to all international volunteer teachers and visiting professors, and Vietnamese lecturers for their steady endeavors. I would like to wish all of you good health, happiness and success. I hope all the new students of QH-2019-X class possess not only IQ, EQ, but also LQ. I hope you keep your confidence on the new road, as Sheryl Sandberg, Managing Director of Facebook, put it in her well-known book “Option B” (Alfred A. Knopf NY, 2017), despite her extreme pain for having lost her beloved husband: that life is not always perfect, that every one of us has to live with a certain Plan B, and that we all have to be facing adversity and building resilience to find joy. If so, you actually contribute to Ho Chi Minh’s will that “Vietnam shall stand abreast with big powers.” Our USSH commits to be by your side. Thank you for your attention.

Prof.Dr Pham Quang Minh receives the scholarships from the enterprises for USSH's students