Happy 80th birthday to Associate Professor Nguyen Van Hong and Professor Luong Ninh!

These are the teachers who made significant contributions to the early development of the Faculty, as well as having an academic influence on subsequent generations of faculty members, students, and trainees. Their experience and influence remain valuable assets to the Faculty. In a warm and friendly atmosphere, many memories were shared, and the feelings of friends, colleagues, and students were expressed to the teachers with all due respect, admiration, and affection.

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Van Kim (Vice Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities) presents flowers to congratulate Associate Professor Nguyen Van Hong and Professor Luong Ninh.(Photo: Jackie Chan)

Associate Professor, People's Teacher Nguyen Van Hong - a talented teacher

In 1993, the Department of Chinese Studies was established. The first Head of the Department was Associate Professor Nguyen Van Hong. With many years of teaching experience and extensive international connections, he played a key role in laying the foundations for the Department's development. From building the staff, developing lecture materials and teaching resources, laying the groundwork for scientific research, to outlining the Department's major development directions, Associate Professor Nguyen Van Hong's contributions and influence are evident in all these areas.

Professor's main research focus is World History, with a particular emphasis on Chinese history and culture. With his passion for science, sharp intellect, and extensive knowledge, his research leaves a lasting impression on readers. His representative books include:Modern world history” (Hanoi University of Technology, 1973), “Modern Chinese history” (University of Ho Chi Minh City, 1979)Modern world history"Volume 1 (University and Professional Publishing House, 1986)"Modern world history"Volume 3 (University and Professional Training Publishing House, 1987)"Vietnam - ASEAN(National Political Publishing House 1996)Meiji Restoration Education (Japan)” (Education Publishing House, 1996), “Several issues concerning the history of Asia and Vietnam: a perspective(Information and Theoretical Publishing House, 2001)China's reform and opening up - lessons learned” (World Publishing House, 2003)Nguyen Truong To and the modernization of the country.” (Ho Chi Minh Academy of Social Sciences 1993)The August 1945 Revolution in Southeast Asia - Challenges and Upheaval"(Journal of Historical Studies No. 7, 8 1990)..."

Professor Phan Huy Le delivers a congratulatory speech to Associate Professor Nguyen Van Hong and Professor Luong Ninh (Photo: Thanh Long)

Associate Professor Nguyen Van Hong's tireless work ethic and seriousness in science are remembered by many of his students. Dr. Nguyen Tho Duc - Head of the Department of Chinese Studies - secretly compared his teacher to the image of a "silkworm" in Li Xiangyin's poem "Untitled." He was deeply impressed and admired Associate Professor Nguyen Van Hong's philosophy of life:The life of a scholar is like that of a silkworm in spring, toiling tirelessly until death. Research and teaching require the same dedication and sacrifice as a silkworm spinning its shimmering golden threads for the world."

Associate Professor Vu Van Quan (Head of the History Department) shared his profound impressions of Associate Professor Nguyen Van Hong:When speaking of Professor Hong, one speaks of his profound knowledge and insightful interpretations, each bearing his own distinctive personal touch.."His captivating lectures on the history of Japan, Indonesia, and Southeast Asian countries... left an unforgettable impression on us students at that time."What is special about Mr. Hong's teaching style is:The history teacher is very passionate."The teacher also loved poetry and enjoyed writing poems in classical Chinese, and it was this love of poetry that added a poetic touch to his history teaching career."

As contemporaries, Professor Phan Huy Le shared many fond memories with Associate Professor Nguyen Van Hong during their time working together at the Department of History and the Department of Oriental Studies.My deepest impression of Professor Hong is that he was a very talented sinologist. Besides his profound research on Chinese history and culture, Professor Hong was also very fond of poetry and composed many poems in classical Chinese. And even now, he remains a leading expert in sinology."—Professor Phan Huy Le said.

From a personal perspective, Professor Phan Huy Le said that what he valued most about his contemporary was his calm demeanor and immense generosity towards those around him. Even during the most heated professional debates, Professor Hong always remained gentle, never raising his voice or speaking harshly to anyone.

Overwhelmed by the words of encouragement and congratulations from colleagues and students, Associate Professor Nguyen Van Hong expressed his feelings:The teaching and research profession is arduous, even bitter.". But "tAll social positions change over time, but only the title of teacher remains unchanged throughout the ages. It is a noble profession!"Having embarked on a career in research and teaching, experiencing all the joys and sorrows of the profession, he reflected: the more he researched, the more deeply he understood that life and this world are so vast, the unknown is so great, and human understanding is limited. Therefore, "Always be inquisitive and never complacent; never let praise and applause stop you from striving."

Professor Luong Ninh - a brilliant scholar in both world history and ancient Vietnamese history.

Associate Professor Nguyen Van Hong and Professor Luong Ninh receive congratulations from their student, Associate Professor Tong Trung Tin (Institute of Archaeology) (Photo: Thanh Long)

In 2002, the Department of Indian Studies was established, with Professor Luong Ninh as its first head. Although established later than other departments in the Faculty, the Department quickly developed in research, training, and international relations. Notably, from an early stage, the Department's staff and students received numerous scholarships from the Indian government, thereby improving the quality of the faculty. This achievement is largely due to the contributions of the first Head of the Department – ​​a role model of dedication and enthusiasm.

Professor Luong Ninh wrote many textbooks, monographs, and reference books with in-depth expertise, leaving a lasting impression, such as:History of the Champa Kingdom” (Vietnam National University, Hanoi Publishing House 2004), “Funan Kingdom” (Culture and Information Publishing House, 2005), “A Concise History of Vietnam” (National Political Publishing House, 2005)History of Southeast Asia"(Education Publishing House, 2005)... He is a leading expert in ancient history with the scientific purpose of "Dismantling ancient historical events of the unique civilizations and cultures of Vietnam and the region."

As a close student, Associate Professor Dr. Do Thu Ha - Head of the Department of Indian Studies - shared about her great teacher:What we remember most about him is his simplicity, humility, and approachability. It seemed that no matter what difficulties we faced, he always had an optimistic outlook and easily resolved them. To me, he will always be an exemplary teacher, a respected and dedicated leader, and a colleague who exemplified continuous hard work and dedication. He will forever be a towering figure in Vietnamese historiography and a source of inspiration for generations of faculty, students, and trainees of the Department."

Professor Phan Huy Lê expressed his particular admiration for Professor Lương Ninh's shift in specialization, from studying the ancient and medieval history of the world to researching Vietnamese history with two very fundamental and novel areas: archaeological research on the Óc Eo culture, thereby clarifying the history and culture of the Funan kingdom; and research on the Sa Huỳnh culture to clarify the history and culture of the Champa kingdom. Using archaeology as a basic foundation, combined with various historical sources and knowledge of historical science, Professor Lương Ninh explored and created new historical understandings. It is in this specialization that Professor Lương Ninh has affirmed his unique position in the scientific community, not only as an expert in world history but also as an expert in ancient Vietnamese history.

At the age of 80, after much effort in scientific research and life experiences, Professor Luong Ninh shared:I cherish my time working at the Faculty and the University and always want to stay here. This is where I have the most beautiful memories, the strongest feelings and relationships with colleagues, friends, students, and especially with the teaching profession."

Associate Professor Nguyen Van Hong, Professor Luong Ninh, and generations of faculty and students of the Department of Oriental Studies (Photo: Thanh Long)