Ambassador Olivier Brochet, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of France to Vietnam, along with numerous lecturers, staff, students, and trainees of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities.
The program includes a series of cultural activities, beginning with a photo exhibition themed "Visual Heritage: The Imperial Examination of the Late 19th Century," showcasing photographs documenting the 1897 Imperial Examination in Nam Dinh, taken by French photographer Firmin-André Salles.
Valuable documents will be displayed in the academic space of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi from April 8-18, 2026.
Opening of the exhibition on the history of Vietnamese-French education during the colonial period. Photo: Thuy Dzung
Through photographic materials, the exhibition not only allows viewers to admire photographic works but also to gain a better understanding of photography techniques, while exploring the education and examination system in Vietnam.
This is also a valuable source of information, reflecting the history and culture of Vietnam, linked to the program of investigation, collection, and research of Vietnamese cultural and historical documents abroad that the school is currently leading.
As part of the program, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities welcomed Mr. Olivier Brochet, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of France to Vietnam, who attended and delivered an academic presentation to a large audience of lecturers, staff, students, and trainees of the university.
During the exchange, the Ambassador clarified France's role and influence in the Indo-Pacific region, while emphasizing the development of a comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and France in the fields of politics, diplomacy, economics, science and technology, and culture.
The Ambassador also mentioned several directions for future cooperation, including the continued strengthening of cooperation between the two countries in areas such as nuclear energy, maritime affairs, artificial intelligence, and sustainable food safety. In addition, France encourages Vietnamese students to study and conduct research, thereby contributing to promoting friendly relations and cooperation between the two countries. Besides bilateral relations, both sides also aim to strengthen linkages between Vietnam and the European Union and the ASEAN region, expanding the scope of cooperation in the new context.
Ambassador Olivier Brochet, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of France to Vietnam, gave a presentation to lecturers, staff, and students of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities. Photo: Thuy Dzung
Also at the event, the French Embassy in Vietnam, in collaboration with the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, held a ceremony to award the Order of Academic Palms (Ordre des Palmes académiques) to two outstanding scientists of the university: Professor, Dr. Hoang Anh Tuan, Rector of the university, and Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Tuan Cuong, senior researcher of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities.
Speaking at the event, Professor, Dr. Hoang Anh Tuan, the school's principal, said that receiving the Order of Academic Palms from the French Government was a great honor in his scientific career. He shared that he was simply fortunate to represent the scientific community in receiving this honor.
According to Professor, Dr. Hoang Anh Tuan, during more than 30 years of studying and working at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, he and many generations of students have had the opportunity to study and access the scientific works of many educators and scientists associated with French science and education, including those who have been awarded prestigious honors by France.
Professor, Dr. Hoang Anh Tuan, Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (Vietnam National University, Hanoi), receives the Order of Academic Palms from the French Government. Photo: Thuy Dzung
He mentioned prominent scientists such as Professor Le Hong Sam and Professor Dang Thi Hanh, who were awarded the Order of the Academic Palms in the field of philology; Professor Phan Huy Le, who was appointed Corresponding Member of the French Academy of Inscriptions and Fine Arts, and also awarded the Order of the Academic Palms for outstanding achievements in the fields of culture and history. In addition, there were many educators who dedicated their lives to Vietnam-France scientific and educational cooperation programs, such as Professors Dinh Xuan Lam, Tran Quoc Vuong, Ha Van Tan, Do Duc Hieu, and Ton Gia Ngan…
According to Professor, Dr. Hoang Anh Tuan, throughout its more than 80-year journey of construction and development, the school has always focused on fostering cooperative relationships with the French science and education system; generations of scientists have continuously strived to create opportunities for those who follow.
He expressed that it was the persistent efforts and dedication of previous generations that laid the foundation for today's scientists to have the opportunity to grow and contribute.
Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Tuan Cuong, Senior Researcher at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, receives the Order of Academic Palms from the French Government. Photo: Thuy Dzung
On this occasion, Professor, Doctor Hoang Anh Tuan expressed his gratitude to the generations of predecessors and colleagues who have joined hands in building the academic environment and creating the reputation of "Faculty of Literature - University - Humanities".
The Order of the Academic Palms is one of the oldest and most prestigious honors in French education, established in 1808 to recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to education, science, and culture. This award acknowledges the contributions of scientists to international academic activities, particularly in developing collaborative research programs, training, and scholar exchanges with French partners.
The press reported on the event:
Government Electronic Newspaper:From ancient inscriptions to the Order of the Academic Palm Branch: A testament to Vietnam-France scientific cooperation.
Nhan Dan Newspaper:Promoting Vietnam-France scientific and educational cooperation in the new context.
Vietnam News Agency: Hanoi University of Social Sciences and Humanities promotes scientific and educational cooperation with French partners.
People's Representative:Promoting scientific and educational cooperation between the University of Social Sciences and Humanities and French partners in the new context.
Vietnam National University, Hanoi: The University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, is the "cradle" for promoting Franco-Vietnamese scientific and educational cooperation.
