'Teachers are shining examples.'

President Vo Van Thuong shared this during a working session at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities this morning.

This was shared by President Vo Van Thuong during his working visit to the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City) this morning, November 13th.

"I am very happy to be studying with the teachers."

Speaking at the meeting, President Vo Van Thuong expressed his joy and emotion at visiting the school during these days when the whole country is looking forward to a very important and meaningful event. On the occasion of the Vietnamese Teachers' Day on November 20th, the President said: "On behalf of the Party and State leaders and with the affection of a former student, I would like to send my respectful greetings, sincere regards, and best wishes to all the teachers and students."

According to the President, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities in Ho Chi Minh City is home to many renowned scientists and teachers famous for their teaching and scientific research. "More than 30 years ago, under the roof of this university, we studied with passionate teachers who always cared about the progress of their students. The profound knowledge and exemplary character of our teachers served as shining examples, motivating us to enter life with many aspirations in our journey of serving society and contributing to the building and protection of the country. The successes achieved by the students of that era, including myself, are partly due to the guidance and teaching of our teachers," former outstanding student and President Vo Van Thuong emotionally shared.

President Vo Van Thuong was a student of Philosophy at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City).

Recalling his memories from over 30 years ago, when he studied at the university, President Vo Van Thuong said he was very happy to have studied with the teachers. "I want to elaborate on those things to show that the time I spent at the university, which was then the University of Hanoi, was meaningful and left a very important mark on my growth and my journey of serving society and contributing to the protection and development of the country," the President expressed.

Evaluating the school, the President further shared: "Every time I return to the school, I am moved, excited, and proud of the achievements that successive generations of teachers have diligently built. To date, the school has defined its mission and vision, establishing itself as the largest high-quality center for humanities training and research in the southern region of the country and, importantly, in Southeast Asia. The school has attracted and trained many generations of talented students. Many of the school's alumni have now achieved success in various fields and made significant contributions to society and the country. The majority of students are outstanding individuals with aspirations to contribute, who are dynamic, creative, and responsible," the President said.

In 1999, President Vo Van Thuong received his master's degree in philosophy from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities in Ho Chi Minh City.

"The mission of higher education is not just to impart knowledge."

Speaking about the mission of higher education, President Vo Van Thuong stated: "It is not only about transmitting knowledge and creating new knowledge to serve the progress, prosperity, and happiness of society; but also about preparing people, the human resources of society, with sufficient qualities and capabilities to act, create, and adapt in a constantly changing, complex, and unpredictable world."

The President added: "Universities are places to discover abilities, cultivate values, and create a foundation for individuals to develop comprehensively, maximizing their potential and creativity. From here, they provide society with responsible citizens who love their families, their country, and their fellow citizens, who live well and work effectively. Experts, scientists, managers, and leaders are the force that brings knowledge, science, and culture into society, becoming a social foundation, creating a driving force for development, and effectively serving people and society."

The President of Vietnam awards scholarships to students.

Given that important role, the President shared with the school some future directions.

Firstly, the President emphasized the importance of "perseverance" in reforming thinking and action. Persistently reforming thinking and action, continuously improving the quality of training and research, and affirming the university's position domestically, regionally, and internationally are crucial. Regarding teaching and research programs, the President suggested that they should be designed to preserve the academic foundation, while adopting a modern, practical, and creative approach, aligning with the country's socio-economic development and the demands of international integration, and focusing on basic science and academic scholarship. Simultaneously, new research groups should be formed focusing on applied content, reflecting the diversity of multidisciplinary and multi-field higher education; especially in the current understanding of multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary, and specialized social sciences and humanities.

The President emphasized that the university needs to focus on supporting and creating favorable conditions for specialized fields, disciplines, and subjects that are important and necessary for the sustainable development of the country, contributing to solving a current challenge: the shortage of elite intellectuals, experts, and leading scientists, especially in some key areas of social sciences and humanities.

President Vo Van Thuong converses with teachers during a visit to his old school.

Secondly, we need to innovate school management and administration towards autonomy, professionalism, and modernity. Last academic year, the school embarked on autonomy with many challenges. Despite numerous difficulties, we have strived to overcome them step by step to move forward in the coming period, remaining steadfast in our core values ​​of creativity, leadership, and responsibility.

Thirdly, to meet the requirements of educational reform and the comprehensive development of students' abilities and qualities, and to build a cultural and academic environment, special attention should be paid to character education and the development of essential skills for students to enhance their adaptability to society and international integration, cultivate lifelong learning thinking skills, and inspire aspirations and determination in each individual to strive for excellence, contributing to the advancement of the entire nation. Only when each individual strives for excellence can the nation truly advance.

"Students, please remember that the highest quality of teaching and learning in universities is achieved only when learners are proactive, enthusiastic, and self-motivated in their studies and research, with a desire to discover knowledge and perfect their character," the President conveyed to the students.

Fourth, the teaching and administrative staff is the decisive force in determining the quality of training and research at the university. There needs to be a reasonable remuneration system and policies to create an environment that encourages teachers to self-study, research, improve their knowledge and professional skills, and develop their pedagogical abilities. Emphasis should be placed on training, nurturing, and attracting highly qualified and creative lecturers with strong teaching and scientific research capabilities. Mechanisms should be in place to attract talented domestic and international staff and scientists to work at the university. Staff should be encouraged and motivated to cultivate ethical qualities, work with a sense of responsibility, perform their duties well, and maintain integrity and scientific ethics.

During the meeting, President Vo Van Thuong also awarded scholarships to the Fund for Promoting Education and Talent and to outstanding students of the school.

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