New Year's greetings letter for the Year of the Snake 2013 from the Principal

Dear teachers, staff, students, and trainees!Despite numerous challenges and difficulties, 2012 marked a successful year for the University of Social Sciences and Humanities. The university not only maintained its position and stability in all aspects of its operations but also continued to innovate and progress steadily in many areas. Training activities increasingly leveraged the advantages of the credit-based system, significantly improving the quality of education. The university also completed the adjustment of 22 undergraduate and 52 postgraduate programs according to output standards; and developed many new training programs (Public Relations; Anthropology; Theory, History and Criticism of Film and Television; Science and Technology Management) to meet societal needs. Teaching, testing, and evaluation activities saw many improvements aimed at enhancing the active participation and initiative of both teachers and students. Scientific research activities not only continue to leverage strengths in basic science but also focus on developing and implementing applied research projects to contribute to the socio-economic development of the country and localities. The university has been actively participating in planning and advising Party and State agencies on policies for the development of science, education, society, and human resources; affirming its scientific prestige through the successful implementation of 9 independent national-level projects, 10 projects under the National Science and Technology Fund, and dozens of other research projects at various levels. The university's staff has published over 600 scientific articles, including 32 international articles; and successfully organized over 20 national and international-level scientific conferences, which have been highly appreciated by the public. In particular, in 2012, five faculty members of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities were awarded the Ho Chi Minh Prize and the State Prize for Science and Technology, bringing the total number of faculty members of the University receiving these prestigious awards to 24. This is a rare achievement for universities in Vietnam and a great source of pride for generations of staff, faculty, and students throughout the university. Also during the past academic year, the University completed the development and implementation of four major work programs for the period 2011-2015, aiming to develop the University's activities in depth, better meeting the requirements of promoting industrialization and modernization of the country, and bringing the University to the top ranks of advanced universities in Asia and the world. These results were achieved thanks to the dedication and high sense of responsibility of the scientists; The outstanding efforts and dedication of each staff member, teacher, student, and trainee in teaching, work, and study; the close guidance, attention, and timely encouragement of the Party, State, and Government leaders towards a leading university and a national pillar of social sciences and humanities. Rejoicing in this trust and expectation, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities is determined to leverage its collective strength, creativity, and proactive spirit to successfully fulfill the tasks entrusted by the Party, State, and society, deserving to be a leading institution for high-quality training and scientific research in the country, contributing even more to the socio-economic development of the nation, and accelerating the process of integration into higher education in the region and the world. Entering the new year 2013, with many new opportunities and challenges awaiting, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, with its core motto of Innovation - Quality - Discipline, will focus on rapidly developing a faculty and staff that meets the required qualifications; continue to expand and improve the quality of training in disciplines/specializations to international standards, high-quality training programs, and international collaborative programs with prestigious universities worldwide to quickly internationalize and enhance the quality of the University's training; conduct research and create high-quality scientific products to serve the University's training mission and meet the socio-economic development requirements of the country and the capital city. Comprehensive reform of university management and administration, with a focus on reforming administrative management according to ISO standards… I believe that, with a high sense of responsibility towards the field and a deep attachment to the University, the entire staff, faculty, students, and trainees of the University will work together, proactively overcome challenges, and successfully fulfill the tasks of 2013, leading the University of Social Sciences and Humanities to continue its rapid and sustainable development. On the occasion of the New Year, I would like to extend my warmest regards and best wishes for good health, peace, happiness, and success to all teachers, staff, scientists, and all students and trainees of the University.