We will always be proud to have this school.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Kim. (Photo: Hoang Anh sent to USSH)

- Sir, in your capacity as Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Deputy Principal of the school, directly responsible for directing the Youth Union's activities within the Party Committee, what are your observations on the Youth Union's activities and youth movement at the school in the past period, especially the volunteer activities?

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Kim:The Party Committee and the Board of Directors highly appreciate the activities of the Youth Union and the movements implemented by its members and young people in the past period. It can be said that these activities are very diverse, demonstrating the dynamism, creativity, and high sense of responsibility of the youth of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, towards society and the country. The Youth Union of the University has successfully fulfilled its functions and duties with the responsibility of a political organization of young people at a university with a long tradition and prestige like ours.

We always think that with diverse and rich activities such as:Youth volunteers;Towards the soldiers on the border and islands.;Supporting students during exam seasonorBlood donation;Warm clothes for children in remote areas.And many other activities... the youth of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities have demonstrated their pioneering position and leading role, as well as that of young intellectuals, in carrying out political tasks associated with social activities. Furthermore, these activities also express the youth's affection for the country, especially for those facing difficulties and for the soldiers who are tirelessly protecting the nation's borders and islands. The activities of the university's youth have yielded many practical results. The Party Committee and the Board of Directors always pay attention to directing, creating favorable conditions, and encouraging the activities of the Youth Union and the Student Association of the University.

Recently, a delegation from the University visited Yen Bai, and the Party Secretary of a remote commune came to visit us and expressed his gratitude to the University and thanked the Youth Union of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities for organizing the volunteer activities for its members in Yen Bai. Following that meeting and collaborative activity, according to the Party Secretary of the commune, the local youth union movement has been better organized. Youth union members have also become more closely connected and more deeply aware of their roles and responsibilities towards the locality and towards the development of culture, education, and socio-economic progress. Although the time spent interacting and participating in social activities with the youth union members in Yen Bai was relatively short, it left a deep impression. I believe the University's Youth Union should replicate such high-achieving and meaningful activities.

In addition, during admission seasons, activities such asSupporting students during exam seasonThis is also an effective and socially meaningful activity. Students (and their parents) who came to Hanoi to participate in the entrance exams received much assistance and dedicated guidance from the school's volunteer youth members. Students from remote areas, unfamiliar with the roads, lifestyles, living conditions, and even facing certain economic difficulties, all received timely assistance and guidance. Another typical example is the activity...Blood donationI understand that many members of the Youth Union and students of the University have participated in numerous blood donation drives to save lives. These activities are always imbued with compassion and have profound social and humanitarian significance.

It should also be added and affirmed that, in the past, the movements and activities organized by the University's Youth Union have been implemented systematically, attracting a large number of members and young people to participate. The Youth Union members of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities have been and continue to uphold the tradition, constantly striving in their studies and actively participating in social activities. The Party Committee, the Board of Directors, and the entire University acknowledge and highly appreciate the achievements of the Youth Union and hope that the leaders of the Youth Union, from the Secretary, the Standing Committee, the Executive Committee of the Youth Union to the branches, members, and students, will continue to strive in their studies and training to maintain the prestige of a reputable training and research center, while keeping alive the glorious tradition of the Youth Union of the former University of General Sciences and the current Youth Union movement of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities.

- Could you tell us what similarities and differences there are between the activities of the Youth Union today and the activities and youth movements when you were a student at Hanoi University?

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van KimIt's difficult to make a direct comparison between the two periods. Despite certain differences, generations of youth union members and young people share many commonalities. We all experienced a vibrant, enthusiastic, and action-oriented youth, ready to dedicate ourselves and make sacrifices for the cause of building and defending the Fatherland. These are truly valuable qualities, a source of pride for generations of youth union members and students.

As the vanguard force and reliable support of the Party, within the university environment, each student and youth union member should correctly identify their core political tasks in their studies, self-cultivation, and striving to become useful citizens and intellectuals in the future. I believe that, under any circumstances, no matter how difficult, the youth union members of the University will always be worthy of the trust of the Party and the country. Another common point between the two generations is that students (and more broadly, both graduate students and doctoral candidates of the University) are always passionate about the core tasks of studying and research, and have maintained and promoted the academic tradition of a leading university of basic sciences. Many activities and movements of the Youth Union have focused on this core task. These are the common points between the generations.

Along with the overall development of the country, in each historical period, youth union members have their own tasks and missions. Many activities and methods of organizing the work of the Youth Union and Youth Association have also been adjusted to suit the new situation. The credit-based training method also requires us to have a new mindset in the activities of the Youth Union and Youth Association. We always think about and recognize the youthful energy, creativity, and enthusiasm of the Youth Union members and young people of the University, who are ready to shoulder responsibility. This is a strength and a valuable asset that our University's Youth Union collective possesses.

Most notably, our generation lived through a period when the country had just gone through major wars. We faced many difficulties in terms of material living conditions, learning, and daily life. Furthermore, in our studies and research, we sometimes lacked open-minded perspectives on certain scientific issues. Fortunately, from 1986 onwards, the country implemented the Doi Moi (Renovation) policy, and the social sciences also underwent many changes and developments. International exchange provided many favorable conditions for the exchange of information, materials, and research perspectives. Frankly, if we hadn't grasped the trends and developments in the regional and international educational environment, and hadn't gradually kept pace with the general developments in academia and the new, pioneering scientific achievements of the world, we would have fallen behind very quickly.

Many times, our generation still wishes we had the youthful energy, dynamism, and creativity that you possess. You have many valuable assets. Recognize them correctly, appreciate them properly, and utilize them effectively. You are living in an information age, with easier access to scientific research and more opportunities to learn and hone your professional and life skills.

We are living in modern society. Urban life and independent living away from family require each student and youth union member to have a high level of initiative in organizing their study plans, scientific research, and participation in social activities. The challenges of urban life and material needs demand a proactive spirit and strong character from each student and youth union member.

- Sir, the youth of our school have been and are currently carrying out and implementing various projects. Conducting high-quality, rigorous scientific research with the goal of contributing to development.TThe University of Social Sciences and Humanities is to be transformed into a research university. Could you please tell me the main purpose of this? What is the Party Committee's and the Board of Directors' policy and direction regarding this activity?

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van KimBuilding a research university and upholding the traditions of a research university is a major direction and of paramount importance to the development of our university both now and in the future. From the former Faculty of Literature and General University to the current University of Social Sciences and Humanities, the research tradition has been maintained and continued by successive generations. Throughout nearly 70 years of development, despite numerous challenges and difficulties, the faculty and scientists at the university have always prioritized research and achieved many accomplishments in scientific research. In the 1960s and 1970s, during wartime, under simple shelters and roofs in evacuation areas, on bamboo and wooden tables, many major research projects and basic textbooks were compiled and completed. Many in-depth studies on Literature, Linguistics, History, Philosophy, etc., have become a source of pride for the university. Many textbooks have been widely used in education and in international centers for Vietnamese studies, Southeast Asian studies, Asian studies, etc. This will forever be a source of pride for all of us. There is a guiding principle or a fundamental tenet passed down through generations:Without research, it's impossible to give a good and in-depth lecture."The abundant capacity and high-quality scientific research products are the pride and, moreover, the honor of a university. University members and students should strive to familiarize themselves with research work. Research work and the research environment will truly immerse each member and student in their passion, and through it, we will also understand how arduous and difficult research work is. To obtain a new, innovative research product... always requires a lot of time, effort, and even sacrifice."

It can be affirmed that the students of Hanoi University (formerly) and the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (USSH) today are enthusiastic and focused on scientific research activities. Scientific research has given young people the opportunity to cultivate personal qualities and abilities, become familiar with group organization methods, and develop a spirit of community work. Thanks to these qualities and abilities, many scientific institutions and research institutes highly appreciate the capabilities of graduates from USSH. It is noteworthy that many scientific reports from students in their first and second years have already identified long-term research directions that can be linked to their scientific careers for years to come. Many student scientific reports have been developed into graduation theses, and from these theses, into master's and doctoral dissertations. This demonstrates the correct research orientation and long-term vision of the professors in training and professional guidance.

Over the years, our university has achieved many successes in scientific research. We are making many innovations in the way we organize and think about scientific activities. Many strong research groups and several excellent research centers have been formed and are developing their strengths. The organization of research groups consisting of three or four generations and multiple layers of cohesion has gradually become quite common in our university. During the implementation of research projects, many project leaders, heads of departments, and reputable scientists have created opportunities for students to participate, familiarize themselves with research work, modern research methods, and how to process scientific information.

Furthermore, the university also promotes the training of students in essential knowledge, experience, and skills, including foreign language proficiency. These skills will help students integrate well into the social environment, adapt to the requirements of employers after graduation, or seek international scholarships. The university always hopes that its high-quality graduates will contribute to the industrialization and modernization process and facilitate their participation in the international education environment and the division of labor at the regional and international levels.

- The 8th Congress of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union of the School, for the term 2014-2017, is about to take place. On the eve of the Congress, what are your hopes and wishes regarding the activities of the Youth Union and the youth movement in the coming period?

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van KimThe Youth Union of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities has always been a strong collective, and we should continue to build upon its achievements, multiplying the precious traditions and pride of the young generation of the University. Over the years, the Youth Union's activities have been very vibrant and of high quality. Most members and students are very enthusiastic and responsible in their participation in common activities, demonstrating a strong sense of discipline; they are sincere and honest in their lives and constantly strive for higher academic achievements. Recently, under the guidance of the Party Committee, the Executive Committee of the University's Youth Union has been actively preparing for the 8th Youth Union Congress with many vibrant activities. The Youth Union is organizing the "Humanities in Me" competition and many political, cultural, and sports activities... The "High-Quality Scientific Research Season" campaign has been widely embraced by Youth Union members and students. This is one of the vivid examples of the University's youth's activities leading up to the Congress.

The Party Committee and the School Board hope that, along with general activities, the Youth Union will organize more specialized political activities, scientific, social, cultural, and sports activities that are truly vibrant and attract a large number of union members and students to participate. Through these activities, along with political and ideological training, each union member and student will gain a deeper and more complete understanding of their role and responsibilities. Let us innovate our thinking and actions so that union activities are more closely linked to the political tasks of the country and of Hanoi. As union members and students of a university, let us strive to achieve high academic and training achievements while closely integrating the activities of the Youth Union and Student Association with the key tasks of the University.

We need to be more creative in the working methods of the Youth Union and Student Association. In the past, many Youth Union activities, including those of the University's clubs, have strongly attracted a large number of members and young people. Through these activities, participating members have had more favorable conditions to share, build a sense of university community, and showcase their abilities, interests, and passions. The Party Committee, the Board of Directors, and the Faculties and Departments of the University always pay attention to and encourage the activities of the clubs and will strive to arrange suitable spaces for students to relax and practice after stressful study hours. In our thinking and organization of work, we also need to connect the activities of the University's Youth Union with the activities of the Youth Union of Hanoi National University, the Hanoi City Youth Union, and even the Central Youth Union to create harmony and a combined strength. If we can achieve this, each member and student will certainly have more opportunities to train, strive, and enhance their understanding, while also experiencing more joy in living and working within larger communities.

Wishing all members and students of the University good studies, good health, and many practical actions to achieve high accomplishments in chào mừng the 88th Congress of the Youth Union of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNU Hanoi.

Thank you, Professor, for your comments.