Full text of the Principal's speech at the opening ceremony of the 2009-2010 school year.

Full text of the speech by Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Khanh - Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities - at the opening ceremony of the 2009-2010 academic year.

Distinguished guests, delegates,

Dear teachers, staff, and officials,

Dear fellow students.

Today, in the joyful atmosphere of the first day of school, the faculty and students of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities solemnly hold the Opening Ceremony for the new academic year 2009-2010. On behalf of the Party Committee and the Board of Directors of the university, I would like to extend my warmest greetings and congratulations to the leaders, distinguished guests, teachers, staff, and all students, especially the first-year students of the 54th cohort.

Ladies and gentlemen! Dear fellow students!

Distinguished guests, teachers, and fellow students,

Inheriting and developing the traditions of the Faculty of Literature and Hanoi University, over the past 16 years since becoming an official member of the Vietnam National University, Hanoi, building on the achievements of previous years, in the 2008-2009 academic year, the faculty and students of the school continued to strive and achieved many proud accomplishments in the fields of training, scientific research and international cooperation.

In the ideological and political sphere, during the past academic year, the school continuously organized activities to further and extensively implement the campaign "Studying and following the moral example of Ho Chi Minh" the campaignTwo negatives (i.e., substandard training and training that does not meet societal needs)"The school has been actively involved in various activities among its staff and students, such as organizing study sessions on Party directives and resolutions; taking staff and students on journeys back to their roots; organizing exhibitions of revolutionary historical artifacts and meetings and exchanges with former prisoners held by the enemy at Phu Quoc prison during the anti-American war; conducting storytelling competitions about President Ho Chi Minh; holding scientific conferences commemorating the 40th anniversary of the implementation of President Ho Chi Minh's Testament; organizing arts and sports competitions; volunteer activities and blood donation drives, etc. These activities have attracted a large number of staff and students, contributing to raising political and ideological awareness, motivating and encouraging staff, faculty, and students to enthusiastically strive in training, teaching, studying, researching, and working to successfully complete their assigned tasks."

[img class="caption" src="images/stories/2009/09/18/nvkhanh.jpg" with="320" alt="Professor Nguyen Van Khanh speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2009-2010 school year. Photo: NA" title="Professor Nguyen Van Khanh speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2009-2010 school year. Photo: NA" align="left" width="320"/>

During the 2008-2009 academic year, the school's training programs were implemented according to plan and achieved good quality. Except for the fourth-year cohort, which only applied positive elements in teaching, learning, and assessment, all other regular programs were organized and taught using the credit-based system. The transition to credit-based training is being implemented relatively synchronously and comprehensively, both in breadth and depth. To date, the school has essentially completed a large amount of work according to the credit-based training process, specifically, it has compiled, reviewed, and put into use an additional 131 course syllabi; reviewed and supplemented learning materials; and, for the most part, all courses taught have textbooks/lectures. The application of teaching methods according to the credit-based system has been embraced and implemented by most lecturers in the school.

Thanks to the aforementioned efforts, the quality of education at the school improved last academic year, with nearly 16% of full-time students graduating with excellent and good grades.

To develop disciplines and expand training programs, in addition to implementing enrollment and training in Linguistics at an international level, the University is directing the development of bachelor's degree programs in Japanese Studies, Korean Studies, and Chinese Studies; implementing a dual degree program in Tourism Studies - English and an international joint training program in the "2+2" format in Vietnamese Studies and Vietnamese Linguistics; and enrolling the first cohort of the international joint training program "2+2" with Guangxi University (China) in Chinese Language, Public Administration, etc.

In postgraduate training, the scale and structure of the university have undergone significant development and innovation. Compared to the 2007-2008 academic year, master's degree training increased by 22.4%; doctoral training increased by 42.1%, raising the scale of postgraduate training to 26% of the total regular training scale, exceeding the target of Vietnam National University, Hanoi two years ahead of schedule. In addition to 29 doctoral training programs (including one training program that meets international standards.), 30 master's degree programs (These include one internationally recognized training program, three programs in collaboration with the University of Toulouse II, and one domestic collaborative program.The university is currently developing an additional Master's program in Social Work, as well as two Master's programs in Management Science and a Doctoral program in Archival Studies.

Regarding scientific research, in 2009 alone, the total budget for various research projects and conferences at the university reached over 4.5 billion VND, an increase of 59.3% compared to 2008. During the 2008-2009 academic year, units and individuals within the university implemented 5 state-level research projects and 81 projects at other levels; 97 research projects of various types were successfully completed.

During the past academic year, the school successfully organized 20 scientific seminars/workshops, including 13 international ones. In addition to the seminars/workshops regularly organized under projects funded by the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation, the Konrad Adenauer Institute, and the Asia Foundation, the school also successfully organized 3 The major international scientific conference is the Conference9th Asia-Pacific Regional Conference on Korea and Korean Studies, SeminarPromoting Japanese studies in Vietnam, SeminarResearch and training in social work in the era of integration and development.; participate in organizing the Workshop3rd Vietnam Studies ConferenceIn Hanoi, the scientific research activities of students also achieved high results. In 2008, at the Ministry of Education and Training level alone, there was 1 project that won first prize, 1 project that won second prize, 1 project that won third prize, and 3 projects that won consolation prizes; the school was awarded by the Ministry of Education and Training. Certificate of Merit Regarding outstanding achievements in the student scientific research movement.

In terms of personnel management, based on the requirements of the Ministry of Education and Training and Hanoi National University regarding the standardization of the teaching staff, the school has revised and issued several documents to implement the roadmap for training and developing lecturers to meet standards from now until 2015. To supplement the number and improve the quality of lecturers, in 2008, the school recruited 30 new staff members, including 26 lecturers; and two more educators were awarded titles.People's Teacherand 4 teachers were awarded the title.Outstanding Teacher.

[img class="caption" title="Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Khanh presents flowers to congratulate teachers who were awarded the titles of People's Teacher and Excellent Teacher by the State in 2008. University of Social Sciences and Humanities, November 19, 2008. Photo: NA" alt="Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Khanh presents flowers to congratulate teachers who were awarded the titles of People's Teacher and Excellent Teacher by the State in 2008. University of Social Sciences and Humanities, November 19, 2008. Photo: NA" src="[siteurl]/images/stories/2009/09/18/img_5881.jpg" width="580"/>

In terms of financial and physical infrastructure, the school's total revenue in 2008 increased by 15% compared to 2007, with supplementary revenue accounting for 40% of the total revenue and the additional income coefficient reaching 23%. The information infrastructure throughout the school was upgraded. To support teaching and scientific research, all more than 70 departments in the school were equipped with laptops; lecture halls, meeting rooms, and conference rooms were all equipped with modern projection equipment.

Thanks to the aforementioned efforts of the faculty and students, at the end of the 2008-2009 academic year, many emulation titles were recognized and awarded to collectives and individuals in the school. In addition to awards from the School and Hanoi National University for dozens of collectives and individuals, 4 collectives and 3 individuals received Certificates of Merit from the Prime Minister; 1 individual was awarded the Second Class Labor Medal, 2 collectives and 6 individuals were awarded the Third Class Labor Medal; the school achieved the title of Excellent Labor Collective, received a Certificate of Merit from the Minister of Education and Training, received an emulation flag and a Certificate of Merit from Hanoi National University, and was nominated to receive an emulation flag from the Government.

Distinguished delegates, esteemed teachers, staff members, and dear students,

These achievements are thanks to the spirit of solidarity and high sense of community responsibility of all staff, faculty, and students of the university, along with the great support and assistance from all levels and sectors, and from management staff and scientists inside and outside the university. On the occasion of the opening ceremony of the new academic year, on behalf of the university leadership, I would like to wholeheartedly commend and express my sincere gratitude to all staff, faculty, and students of the university for their efforts, dedication to work and study, and enthusiastic contributions of intellect and strength to successfully complete the tasks of the academic year.

I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to the Ministry of Education and Training, especially Hanoi National University, as well as agencies, organizations at the central and Hanoi levels, international organizations, retired teachers, and scientists outside the university, for their immense support and contributions that have greatly contributed to the encouraging achievements of the university in the past academic year.

Dear teachers, staff, and students,

Entering the 2009-2010 academic year, along with celebrating many important national events: the 1000th anniversary of Thang Long-Hanoi, the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the 65th anniversary of the successful August Revolution, and the 120th anniversary of the birth of President Ho Chi Minh, the school will also celebrate its 65th anniversary.

[img class="caption" src="images/stories/2009/09/18/nvkhanh-closing.jpg" with="320" align="right" width="320"/>

Building upon the achievements of the 2008-2009 academic year, and in accordance with the directive of the Minister of Education and Training on the tasks of the entire sector and the plan and tasks for the new academic year of Hanoi National University, and to continue implementing the Resolution of the 25th Congress of the University's Party Committee, in the 2009-2010 academic year, the entire university will continue to focus on innovating and improving the effectiveness of political and ideological education and ethics within the university; promoting the implementation of projects to build and develop the staff, especially young staff and leading scientists; continuing to develop joint training programs, majors and specializations to achieve international standards; improving the quality and effectiveness of scientific research and international cooperation; strengthening the application of information technology and continuing to implement administrative reforms within the university.

The main task that the entire school must focus on in the new academic year 2009-2010 is:

1. Reorganize the school's organizational structure from the Board of Directors to departments and units according to the new term of the Rector; promote and improve the quality of planning, training, and professional development of staff, especially lecturers and management staff. Develop specific plans and solutions to promote the implementation of projects on training and developing young staff and leading experts in their respective fields.

2. Continue to further expand the credit-based training method in all courses and training systems; expand the scale of high-quality training, training to international standards and international collaborations; in the immediate future, focus on directing and effectively implementing the training program for the Linguistics major and the two specializations of Vietnamese History and Ancient and Medieval Vietnamese History; diversify training types, especially short-term, distance learning, and collaborative training; dual majors and dual degrees (firstly in Tourism-English), and training to meet social needs.

3. Focus intellectual efforts on continuing to build and implement major scientific tasks, key projects and topics in social sciences and humanities. First and foremost, strive to ensure the timely and successful implementation of the 5 state-level scientific projects led by the University; proactively propose and carry out a number of practical scientific projects and conferences serving the training work and the socio-economic development tasks of the country and the Capital City in commemoration of the 1000th anniversary of Thang Long-Hanoi.

4. Continue implementing administrative reforms towards simplifying and shortening procedures; strengthen the application of information technology in management and further improve the efficiency of management work in the school; actively seek solutions to increase revenue, continue expanding the school's learning and working space, and increase in-depth investment in facilities and equipment serving teaching and learning.

5. Promote emulation movements.Teach well, learn well.to continue implementing phase 2 of the campaign"Studying and following the moral example of Ho Chi Minh"To enhance the ethics of teachers, contribute to maintaining school discipline, and create a cultural environment of community and quality to ensure the rapid development and more successful international integration of the school; to promote communication and advertising of the school's image and brand, as well as that of Vietnam National University, Hanoi, both domestically and internationally.

To accomplish the aforementioned tasks, each collective, unit, and individual staff member and student in the school needs to be more proactive and enthusiastic in developing and implementing assigned work plans, while also leveraging and maximizing the support and assistance from collectives and individuals inside and outside the school, domestically and internationally, in order to mobilize collective strength in the cause of building and developing the school.

In the vibrant and solemn atmosphere of the opening ceremony of the new academic year, on behalf of the Party Committee and the School Board, I earnestly call upon all staff, faculty, and students to unite, strive diligently, and excel in their work and studies in order to fulfill the tasks of the new academic year 2009-2010..I firmly believe that, with the attention and direct guidance of the Hanoi City Party Committee and the Ministry of Education and Training, and especially of Hanoi National University, the staff, faculty, and students of the university will certainly fulfill and excel in the requirements and tasks assigned in the new academic year.

We wish all the leaders, distinguished guests, teachers, and staff of the school good health, much joy, and great success in their work and lives.

Wishing all undergraduate and postgraduate students, especially the new students of cohort 54, to always be full of energy and determination, proactive and creative in their training and studies for a successful future career, and to live up to the title of students of a leading university in the country, a university that has been honored by the Party and State with the title of Hero of Labor during the đổi mới (renovation) period. Wishing you good health and success! Thank you very much.