Professor Pham Quang Minh: This is the time for the social sciences and humanities to prove their role and position.

Professor Pham Quang Minh, Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, delivered a speech at the opening ceremony of the 2017-2018 academic year.

Distinguished international guests and visiting professors!

Dear Mr. Ngo Van Quy, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Hanoi City!

Dear Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Kim Son, Director of Vietnam National University, Hanoi!

Dear Associate Professor Dr. Le Quan, Deputy Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, and Vice Director of Hanoi National University!

Dear esteemed senior professors, ladies and gentlemen!

Dear beloved female and male students!

First of all, on behalf of the school's leadership, allow me to extend our warmest welcome and best wishes to all distinguished guests, teachers, and students, especially the first-year students (K62), on the occasion of the Opening Ceremony of the new academic year 2017-2018!

At this moment, our hearts and thoughts are all directed towards our beloved Central Vietnam, where our compatriots are struggling with the damage caused by Typhoon No. 10. Among the ladies, gentlemen, and students sitting here, I'm sure many have families and loved ones in the typhoon-affected areas. Allow me to share in that burden.
The 2016-2017 school year has come to an end, leaving behind some remarkable memories:

Regarding trainingWe held a graduation ceremony for over 1000 bachelors, masters, and doctoral graduates, including, for the first time, a PhD in Science and Technology Management.

In scienceThe university's departments have 42 international publications, including 6 publications in high-impact ISI and SCOPUS journals.

Regarding quality assurancePhilosophy is the third program, after Linguistics and Oriental Studies, to be accredited according to the criteria of the ASEAN University Network (AUN).

Regarding student affairsA one-stop service model focused on serving students has been implemented.

Two English ClubsThe Master Tea Club and Lunch Box, designed for students and staff, have become a truly attractive and innovative platform.

Professor Phan Huy Lê, People's Teacher, was honored to receive the Ho Chi Minh Prize for his work.History and Culture of Vietnam - A Partial Approach".

Today, we are delighted to welcome and congratulate 1,677 new students of the K62 cohort joining the University of Social Sciences and Humanities. I believe that the new students are incredibly proud and moved to attend the opening ceremony of the new academic year at one of the most prestigious universities in Vietnam. For the K62 students, the new academic year is opening with many advantages, but also not a few challenges. In today's globalized and flat world, where science and technology have reached a high level, creating enormous material values, nations are seeking spiritual values, traditional cultural values, identity, and spirit. The University of Social Sciences and Humanities, which you have chosen, is the place to train, research, and disseminate the core values ​​of the nation, multiplying the spiritual strength that no weapon can defeat. These are patriotism, solidarity, compassion, and tolerance, helping us overcome all difficulties and challenges. What nations today lack is not "hard" power, but "soft" power—cultural and spiritual values. Believe that with our rich traditions and experienced faculty, today's generations of students will become outstanding scientists, managers, and entrepreneurs in the future, but above all, good citizens who are beneficial to their families, society, and communities.

Dear esteemed teachers and students!

Recently, the development of research universities, rankings, autonomy, and educational quality have become "hot" issues of concern for society as a whole. Many believe that basic sciences, especially social sciences, will face many difficulties and challenges. However, I disagree. I believe this is precisely the time when Vietnamese social sciences and humanities have the opportunity to demonstrate and prove their position and role. Social sciences, rather than natural sciences and engineering, have a greater advantage in terms of development.

After more than 30 years of reform, our beloved S-shaped land has become an attractive subject of study for social scientists from many countries around the world. From a "Vietnam War", we have become oneVietnam: Peace, Innovation, and Integration".

In terms of politicsWe are proving that "history never ends," even though the Soviet Union collapsed and the socialist bloc is in crisis.

Economically,A socialist-oriented market economy model is proving effective and demonstrating its superiority.

Regarding socio-cultural aspectsIt represents a revival of the traditional values ​​of a close-knit community, united in diversity.

Regarding foreign relationsIt is a foreign policy of multilateralism and diversification of relations, aiming to be friends and reliable partners with all countries.

These are precisely the topics that need to be taught, researched, analyzed, and explained scientifically and systematically, based on modern theories and interdisciplinary methods. I believe that you, ladies and gentlemen, are capable of doing so. I also believe that the students will be inspired to follow in your footsteps.

The Party, the government, and the city of Hanoi all hope to receive more and more high-quality research from professors and teachers on these topics.

And if you can do that, you will have contributed to the fundamental and comprehensive reform of education, making an important contribution to the academic landscape of the region and the world.

If you can do that, then high-impact scientific journals (listed in ISI and SCOPUS) will be willing to publish your work.

If this is achieved, the City of Hanoi will be willing to invest in the projects of the professors and lecturers. Businesses will also be willing to sponsor the ideas of the professors and lecturers. And the students of the professors and lecturers will not have difficulty finding jobs after graduation.

Finally, on the occasion of the new academic year, allow me to express my most sincere gratitude to our domestic and international partners, visiting professors, city leaders, and Hanoi National University for their support, assistance, and for creating favorable conditions for the School to fulfill its mission.

Wishing all delegates, teachers, and students, especially the K62 students: good health, happiness, and success.

Thank you very much!

Hanoi, September 16, 2017

View the English version here.