Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Thi Minh Hoa - Perseverance is the key to success

From a young age, she always studied and trained with a serious and positive attitude, excelling in natural sciences and taking the lead in group activities. In 1983, she applied to the National Economics University and, with a high passing score, was sent abroad by the State to study. Faced with many choices of majors, she was advised to study Tourism Economics in Bulgaria. At that time, the country was still under a centrally planned economy, facing numerous difficulties and shortages, and the frustrations in socio-economic life highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive and progressive reforms. Her chosen major in Tourism Economics and Organization promised a bright future. The country she went to was completely different from the socio-economic context of her homeland at that time. A new horizon of scientific knowledge, learning conditions, and living environment fueled her thirst for knowledge, proactive work skills, serious and independent lifestyle, and she achieved excellent academic results. Selected to continue her studies as a transfer student, she pursued a major in International Tourism, specializing in finance and monetary economics. Her feelings about her chosen field were overwhelmingly demanding and arduous, yet not dry; the more she studied, the more she realized how little she understood. Having studied and researched extensively and in-depth in Bulgaria (1984-1995), witnessing significant economic, political, and social changes in a country transitioning from socialism to capitalism, she considered it a stroke of luck to have access to many schools of economic research, valuable resources, and knowledge. Determined not to waste time and the favorable conditions she was fortunate to have, she devoted herself wholeheartedly to her studies and research with the mindset of "rain after a drought." Economics is not a fundamental science; it requires meticulousness, carefulness, keen insight, and foresight. In 1996, she returned to her homeland with a PhD and many plans and aspirations to contribute more to the country. While there was a shortage of PhDs in tourism economics in Vietnam at that time, and career opportunities were abundant and attractive, she chose to become a lecturer. Partly due to a childhood interest, but more importantly, after experiencing life and gaining insights, perhaps the desire to share knowledge, inspire the younger generation, and contribute to sustainable development was greater than anything else.

Associate Professor, Dr. Tran Thi Minh Hoa/Photo: Bui Tuan

Beginning her teaching career at the National Economics University in 1996, she has been passionate about and focused on researching macroeconomics, models, methods, and strategies in economic management and development, especially in the field of tourism economics. Her main research and teaching areas include: Tourism Economics and Business, International Payments in Tourism, and Marketing. She previously held the position of Head of the Department of Tourism Economics and Business, Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality, National Economics University. In researching Vietnamese tourism, she is concerned that the industry, despite its great potential, lacks a sound development strategy, focusing only on quantity without investing in quality improvement, resulting in inefficient operations and low revenue. Furthermore, in the context of regional and international competition, Vietnamese tourism in particular, and the Vietnamese economy in general, face many disadvantages in situations where understanding of laws, principles, and conduct in economic relations is limited. This necessitates continuous learning, research, the acquisition of new knowledge, and its application to the Vietnamese context in a more appropriate, flexible, decisive, and dedicated manner. For over 10 years since returning to Vietnam, she has focused on researching, publishing, and disseminating numerous textbooks, reference books, research papers, and scientific articles of high professional quality, imbued with passion and insightful arguments. In 2007, she was awarded the title of Associate Professor. During her teaching and collaboration with research institutions in the field of tourism, Associate Professor Dr. Tran Thi Minh Hoa received many job offers. Among the paths opening up before her, she chose to pursue the development of the Department of Tourism Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi.

Associate Professor Tran Thi Minh Hoa joined the Faculty of Tourism Studies, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, with admiration for the prestige and character of her distinguished professors and dedicated colleagues, and with faith in a multidisciplinary and multi-field training and research environment in social sciences and humanities rich in tradition and potential for development. Here, she saw strengths and unique characteristics that allowed her to continue her research with new perspectives and approaches, while also contributing to the overall development of the Faculty. Always proactive and diligent in all circumstances, she self-studied and quickly absorbed knowledge in social sciences and humanities from the exemplary works of her erudite professors and colleagues within the Faculty and the University. She also earned a Bachelor's degree in English from the University of Foreign Languages, Vietnam National University, Hanoi. She possesses excellent foreign language skills in both research and communication in Bulgarian and English. For her, learning is never enough; knowledge belongs to humanity, and continuously acquiring knowledge is a noble responsibility of a lecturer and a scientific researcher. Associate Professor Dr. Tran Thi Minh Hoa actively edited and co-authored many lectures with colleagues in the Faculty of Tourism Studies; wrote numerous scientific articles in international conference proceedings and specialized journals both domestically and internationally; and led and participated in many research projects at various levels. In her research, Associate Professor Dr. Tran Thi Minh Hoa demonstrates interdisciplinary perspectives and clearly and convincingly argued interpretations and proposals. Her dedication to research is concretized by goals and plans, and once set, she is determined to strive and implement them.

When transitioning to a management role at the university level, overseeing finance, administration, facilities management, and quality assurance, Associate Professor Dr. Tran Thi Minh Hoa faced numerous difficulties and challenges. The biggest challenge was the conflict between the mindset of a centrally planned economy and the spirit of self-reliance, autonomy, and accountability. Administrative reform encompasses reforms of institutions, systems, people, and material conditions, with the human factor – the issue of awareness – being the most complex and long-term. With her dedication and capabilities, she, along with the University's Board of Directors, formulated appropriate and timely guidelines and policies, which received the unanimous support of the university's staff. She believes that, from an individual's perspective to that of the collective, it is essential to transform potential into conditions, creating advantages for development. She shared that the field of social sciences and humanities in Vietnam will receive increasing investment, and is fully capable of enhancing the intellectual and material value from research and policy consulting activities in line with the general development trends of the country and all of humanity.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Thi Minh Hoa was the Head of the Faculty of Tourism Studies (2010-2012) and Vice Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (2012 to present)/Photo: Bui Tuan

In the eyes of the faculty and staff of the Faculty of Tourism Studies, Associate Professor Dr. Tran Thi Minh Hoa is a role model of scientific work, professional competence, and management skills. Always attentive to her work, meticulous, and demanding of efficiency, she believes that everything requires continuous effort. For younger staff members, her care and guidance extend beyond that of a manager; she acts like a family member, a solid support system. Sometimes subtly, sometimes directly, she reminds them to strive to overcome difficulties and everyday distractions to excel in their work and improve their lives. Nothing is achieved easily, and what is gained through luck cannot be sustainable. For students, each of her classes is truly interesting and engaging. Her logical teaching methods, rigorous arguments, vivid examples, and even a touch of humor make her lectures and research discussions beneficial and effective. There's a funny anecdote from the Tourism Department: when the department summoned students for extracurricular activities, students whispered to the staff, "Excuse me, Professor, please don't summon me for Professor Hoa's class, because she lectures so well...!" That's the greatest joy and motivation for Associate Professor Tran Thi Minh Hoa. For her, despite having held many positions, she is always proud and moved to be remembered primarily as a lecturer.

Having built a family in Bulgaria, Associate Professor Dr. Tran Thi Minh Hoa's life partner has shared many ups and downs with her, building a career with the hands of an intellectual who returned to Vietnam after studying abroad to establish and contribute to the country. Few know that she once suffered a terrible traffic accident, almost leaving her paralyzed and her career on the verge of collapse. Learning to walk again step by step, recovering her health, and reintegrating into daily life and work required immense strength to continue her journey steadily. Despite her busy work schedule, she continues to care for her family daily. She is very fond of her family's educational approach: Each member must take responsibility for themselves and their family, even in the smallest things; children need to be trained in independence, self-reliance, and a sense of responsibility, based on love and sharing. Something lingered behind her serious gaze, dignified demeanor, and rigorous arguments at work... She smiled, a very gentle smile, and shared: "I am truly at peace, because I always desire and strive tirelessly for the best things."