Vietnam National University, Hanoi - Opportunities before a new phase

The world is developing and changing rapidly in the new industrial revolution, while also facing complex and unpredictable changes. These changes, whether direct or indirect, are profoundly affecting almost all aspects of social life, including higher education. This context presents both challenges and opportunities for universities. Depending on how they are perceived and responded to, these challenges and opportunities can transform into one another. The new industrial revolution is opening up opportunities for many universities to develop and reach new heights without necessarily following established development processes or adhering to traditional practices. Instead of sequential quantitative accumulation, universities can leap forward with rapid qualitative transformation. As the leading institution in the national higher education system, and with its pioneering spirit and proactive approach to opportunities and challenges, Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU-Hanoi) is facing many opportunities for breakthroughs and development in a new phase.

Over the past year, Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU) has continued to maintain stability, successfully achieving its goals in all areas of work, affirming its role as a leading university in the country, and simultaneously increasing its ranking internationally. According to the 2021 World University Rankings by THE magazine, VNU is in the group of 801-1000 universities worldwide. Notably, several fields within VNU rank among the top in Vietnam, including Engineering and Technology, which is in the group of 401-500 universities worldwide.

Faced with the severe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU) proactively responded and adapted promptly by establishing a steering committee, issuing guiding policies and mechanisms, and implementing guidelines to ensure the entire system operated smoothly and effectively in the new situation. There were periods when management, administration, research, teaching, and learning were conducted entirely online. While the progress and methods of implementing activities in various areas may have changed and been adjusted, they fundamentally ensured that the set goals and plans were met. VNU had a successful enrollment year. Talented and high-quality students continued to bring proud results to the country with nearly 10 international Olympic medals. Innovative teaching methods had practical opportunities to be promoted in the context of units being required to implement online work, teaching, and learning. The government continues to trust and entrust the Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU) with carrying out many large, difficult, and nationally significant tasks such as the National Chronicle, the Center for Vietnamese Studies Documentation, the translation and promotion of the value of the finest works of Eastern classics, etc. Most of the key national-level science and technology tasks and projects are led or directly or indirectly participated in by VNU scientists.

Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU) continues to be a destination chosen by high-ranking international politicians for visits and messages. In October 2020, during his first overseas trip since taking office, Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide and a delegation of high-ranking Japanese officials chose the Vietnam-Japan University, VNU, as the venue to deliver speeches and announce important Japanese foreign policy statements to the region and the world. The Prime Minister also engaged in meaningful exchanges and talks with students.

The establishment of the eighth member university of Vietnam National University, Hanoi - the University of Medicine and Pharmacy - was one of the notable highlights of the past year, marking the continuous development and improvement of a multidisciplinary research university. The University of Medicine and Pharmacy both leverages the existing research advantages of basic science disciplines and develops clinical practice.

2020 marked a year of positive developments for the Vietnam National University construction project in Hoa Lac. The National Assembly and the Government prioritized budget allocation for land clearance, resettlement, basic infrastructure construction, and other important construction items. Simultaneously, the Government approved the procedures for obtaining loans from the World Bank and Japanese ODA to finance the construction of many large and important projects.

These achievements, and many others over the past year, are the result of the tireless efforts, dedication, and continuous training in teaching, research, work, and study of individuals, groups, and the entire Vietnam National University, Hanoi. I would like to respectfully acknowledge, commend, and thank the teachers, scientists, staff, employees, students, and pupils.

The 6th Congress of the Party Committee of Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU) for the 2020-2025 term concluded a successful period, while simultaneously opening a new phase of development with new opportunities, promising a period of flourishing and breakthrough development, meeting the expectations of society and the nation. The motto "Innovation - National Responsibility - Sustainable Development" reflects VNU's overarching perspective in its future development. VNU will focus on implementing major orientations such as: Conducting a comprehensive digital transformation throughout VNU; persistently expanding the development of high-quality talent training, upholding the banner of talent development, continuing to promote basic science training alongside new training disciplines, strengthening international student exchange and seeking international support resources; and conducting research activities aimed at producing scientific products worthy of VNU's status and reputation, making significant contributions to the development of the country. Reforming policies and operations in various areas of work based on the upcoming Decree on Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU), which emphasizes innovation and increased autonomy in areas such as personnel organization, financial resource utilization, and the issuance of training regulations; focusing resources on building infrastructure to strive for a fundamental transformation of VNU's appearance at Hoa Lac by 2025, with key projects such as the Interdisciplinary Laboratory System elevating VNU's academic and research standards to a new level.

2021 is a pivotal year for the next five-year development phase, aiming to make Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU) one of the top 100 universities in Asia and the top 500 universities in the world. This is a very large, difficult, and even overwhelming goal if VNU does not demonstrate genuine determination and implement decisive solutions and concrete actions to achieve breakthroughs in institutional reform, innovation, and infrastructure. VNU is a unified entity created by consensus and an organically structured connection among its internal units. Therefore, VNU's major goals can only be achieved when all member and affiliated units—including scientists, teachers, staff, students, and pupils—share empathy, trust, responsibility, and determination to work together.

On behalf of the Standing Committee of the Party Committee and the Board of Directors of Vietnam National University, Hanoi, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the leaders of the Party, State, and Government for their attention and support in creating favorable conditions for the development of Vietnam National University, Hanoi; I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the relevant ministries and agencies for their active cooperation and support; and I would like to express my sincere gratitude to domestic and international partners, especially key and close partners, for their effective cooperation with Vietnam National University, Hanoi over the past year.

Wishing you all a New Year filled with health, happiness, and success!

Best regards.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Kim Son
Member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Chairman of the Council, Director of Vietnam National University, Hanoi.