Opening Ceremony of the 2026–2027 Academic Year

Amid the excitement of the new academic year across the country, on the morning of September 5, the University of Transport and Communications (UTC) solemnly held the Opening Ceremony for the 2026–2027 academic year.

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung delivers remarks at the Opening Ceremony of the 2026–2027 academic year

The University also joined the live broadcast of the Opening Ceremony of the new academic year and the inauguration ceremony of multi-level boarding schools for general education, organized by the Ministry of Education and Training.

Delegates attending the Opening Ceremony

The Opening Ceremony was attended by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Chuong, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Vice President of the University; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Hoai Duc, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Vice President of the University; along with faculty members and many newly enrolled cohort 67 students.

The ceremony was also attended by representatives of companies and corporations that are partners of the University. The program was connected via live link with the University's Ho Chi Minh City Campus.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Chuong – Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Vice President of the University, delivers remarks at the Opening Ceremony of the 2026–2027 academic year

Speaking at the Opening Ceremony of the new academic year, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Chuong, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Vice President of the University, outlined the key achievements of the 2025–2026 academic year and the University's key tasks for the 2026–2027 academic year.

During the 2025–2026 academic year, the University of Transport and Communications overcame challenges and successfully fulfilled its plans through a strong spirit of solidarity and close leadership. The University undertook comprehensive reforms in governance, practice-oriented education and training, scientific research, and the expansion of international and industry partnerships. The University's strategic position continued to be affirmed through several important milestones:

• Under Decision No. 1612/QĐ-TTg of the Prime Minister, the University was designated as one of 12 higher education institutions playing a leading role in the project on developing and improving the quality of higher education institutions in the capital city;
• Under Decision No. 452/QĐ-TTg of the Prime Minister approving the relevant master plan, the University was designated as one of five key higher education institutions in engineering and technology, and the only key higher education institution specializing in transport;
• The University was also assigned by the Ministry of Education and Training a leading role in the Center of Excellence and Talent in Industry 4.0 Technology, focusing on transport technology and advanced, smart infrastructure. It is also one of 18 higher education institutions prioritized by the Government for consideration of investment in institutional-level semiconductor laboratories to support the training of human resources for the semiconductor industry;
• The University was assigned by the Ministry of Education and Training a leading role in education and research in modern railway engineering. It was also entrusted by the Ministry of Construction with key tasks in developing strategic technologies and was selected by Hanoi as a priority institution for the development of its educational, science and technology, and innovation infrastructure.

These achievements provide a solid foundation for all University staff, faculty members, and students to enter the 2026–2027 academic year with greater confidence, determination, and aspiration.

In the 2026–2027 academic year, the education sector is implementing the theme “Innovative Thinking – Strong Transformation – Substantive Results,” focusing on implementation, addressing bottlenecks, and measuring progress through learner development, teachers' working conditions, institutional effectiveness, and the quality of human resources.

Amid the opportunities created by breakthroughs in science and technology, digital transformation, and transport infrastructure development, the University of Transport and Communications aims to become a multidisciplinary, research-oriented university, maintain its leading position in Vietnam, take the lead in high-tech fields, and build a strong reputation in Asia. To achieve this goal, the University will focus on six key solutions:

• Governance reform: Build a streamlined, efficient, and professional organizational structure while creating an environment that encourages creativity among individuals and units;
• Education and training reform: Put learners at the center, link education and training with practical experience and internationalization, and concentrate resources on leading core fields, including high-speed rail, artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, and intelligent transport;
• Science and technology development: Establish strong research groups, promote international publications, link education and training with research, and address major challenges facing the transport sector;
• Digital transformation and AI: Move toward a smart university model and apply AI in teaching, research, and governance while ensuring academic responsibility and digital competencies;
• Partnerships and staff development: Expand international cooperation; strengthen industry engagement from education and training to technology transfer; and attract and enhance the capacity of the University's faculty and staff;
• Expanding the educational environment: Develop the Hoa Lac Campus into a center for science and technology and innovation, while investing in the University's Ho Chi Minh City Campus to contribute to the development of transport infrastructure nationwide.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Chuong emphasized the particularly important role of teachers: “Throughout the development of education, teachers have always played a special role. Technology can help students access knowledge more quickly. Artificial intelligence can answer an increasing number of questions. However, technology cannot replace teachers in inspiring a passion for learning, developing independent thinking, nurturing character, and inspiring learners to create positive values for society.”

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Chuong also expressed his expectation that “every teacher of the University will continue to serve as a role model in knowledge and character; focus on innovating teaching methods, updating knowledge and technology; strengthen scientific research; contribute to policy development; and, most importantly, always maintain a passion for the profession and a strong sense of responsibility toward learners.”

Traditional Flag Handover Ceremony at the Opening Ceremony

Addressing the cohort 67 freshmen, he shared the following message:

“You are now studying at a university with a tradition spanning more than 80 years of development and growth. Generations of engineers, scientists, and managers who graduated from this University have left their mark on major transport infrastructure projects across the country. I hope that today’s students will carry forward the traditions of previous generations and join hands in contributing to the continued growth and development of the University of Transport and Communications. You are an integral part of the University, and you are its future. Make the most of your university years to learn as much as possible, gain as many experiences as possible, and grow every day. I hope you will always maintain discipline in your studies, nurture a passion for discovery, and cultivate the determination and ambition to move forward; learn to care for and support others, and live responsibly toward yourselves, your families, and society. The University, together with your teachers, will always accompany you and create the best possible conditions for you to realize your full potential. Your success is one of the most important measures of the University's success.”

Cohort 67 freshman Tran Quang Huy, a student majoring in Control Engineering and Automation, delivers remarks

Representing nearly 7,000 cohort 67 freshmen, Tran Quang Huy, a freshman majoring in Control Engineering and Automation, expressed his deep emotion, honor, and pride at officially becoming a student of the University of Transport and Communications. This marks a special milestone for the new students as they enter a new learning environment and begin a journey of self-discovery, acquiring new knowledge and experiences, developing resilience, and growing into mature and confident individuals.

“As cohort 67 students, we are the first generation to enter the University at a pivotal moment in its transformation, with significant changes in its operational model and a strong emphasis on innovation, opening new directions for development. We not only inherit the University's traditional values but also have the opportunity to accompany and witness this important stage of its development. I believe that the changes taking place today will create a dynamic and open environment that encourages students to learn, innovate, think boldly, take action, and proactively prepare for the future. Choosing a field of study and a university that we love is only the beginning. There is still so much for us to learn and experience ahead. There will be difficult lessons and challenges, but we will remain confident and determined, and persevere in pursuing the goals we have set for ourselves. We understand that youth is not only the most beautiful period of our lives, but also a time to learn, contribute, dare to dream, and turn those dreams into action.” 

Cohort 67 freshman Tran Quang Huy also expressed, on behalf of the cohort 67 students, his sincere gratitude to their parents, teachers, and the University at all levels of education for the trust, care, and support they have given them, as well as for always wishing the best for their students.

Student Tran Quang Huy, on behalf of the cohort 67 freshmen, presents flowers to the University leadership

At the Opening Ceremony, the University also honored and presented awards to the valedictorians and salutatorians of the 2026 admissions cohort, as well as awarded the Vietnamese Transport and Communications Students Tradition Scholarship to students who achieved outstanding academic results during the 2025–2026 academic year.

Honoring the 2026 Valedictorians and Salutatorians

Awarding Scholarships from the Vietnamese Transport and Communications Students Tradition Scholarship Fund

In support of the University's education and training activities, OVM Group and Minh Duc Group awarded 10 scholarships, with a total value of VND 200 million, to students of the University of Transport and Communications.

OVM Group and Minh Duc Group Sponsor Scholarships for the University of Transport and Communications

Delegates attending the Opening Ceremony pose for a commemorative photo