The person who was the principal of Nguyen Tat Thanh University for more than 20 years passed away.

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Manh Hung, who laid the foundation and led Nguyen Tat Thanh University for more than two decades as principal, has just passed away.

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Manh Hung - former Principal of Nguyen Tat Thanh University - passed away at the age of 73 - Photo: NTTU

According to news from Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Manh Hung, former Party Secretary, former Chairman of the Board of Directors and General Director of Saigon Textile and Garment Joint Stock Company, former Principal of the university, passed away at 2:00 p.m. on November 22.

His passing left endless sorrow in the hearts of colleagues, students and those who were close to him.

A businessman dedicated to investing in education

Mr. Nguyen Manh Hung was born in 1952 in Phu Dong commune, Gia Lam district, Hanoi (now Phu Dong commune, Hanoi), in a simple working class family. A difficult childhood could not stop his will to learn.

After graduating from high school, with his outstanding efforts, he was sent by the Party and State to study abroad at the Leningrad Energy School (Soviet Union) from 1970 to 1975. Returning home, he worked in the foreign trade sector and continued to pursue his intellectual path by studying for a bachelor's degree in economics .

In April 1997, he completed his postgraduate program and was awarded a PhD in Economics from the National Economics University.

With an innovative mindset, in 2001, when he was the General Director of Saigon Textile and Garment Company, he decided to equitize, becoming one of the four pioneering units of the Vietnamese textile and garment industry at that time to convert to a joint stock company model.

It is admirable that at a time when the company was faced with many profitable options, he firmly convinced the board of directors to choose to invest in education. His philosophy is clear: "Training must go hand in hand with practice, ensuring the benefits of learners, teachers and society."

The mark of a private university president

With his aspiration and passion for education, Mr. Nguyen Manh Hung laid the first bricks to create the development journey of Nguyen Tat Thanh University today.

From a vocational training center for garment workers, he developed it into the semi-public Nguyen Tat Thanh School of Economics - Technology - Vocational Training (in 2002), then Nguyen Tat Thanh College (2005) and Nguyen Tat Thanh University (in 2011).

At each of those important milestones, there is the figure of manager Nguyen Manh Hung, with his steadfast vision and tireless determination.

After more than 40 years of work, including 20 years as Principal of Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Manh Hung has devoted all his intelligence and enthusiasm to turn the school from zero to a large higher education institution in the private higher education system of Vietnam.

With the spirit of daring to think, daring to do and dedication to the country's education, he created a school with the training philosophy of "Real learning, practice, real reputation, real career", which became the guiding principle for all activities of the school.

Not only is he an excellent leader, he is also an exemplary teacher, inspiring many generations of students and respected by his colleagues.

He was awarded many noble titles by the Party and State: First, second and third class Labor Medals; Certificate of Merit from the Prime Minister; Outstanding Entrepreneur...

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Kim Hong - former Principal of Ho Chi Minh City University of Education - shared: "Although we have known that Mr. Nguyen Manh Hung was seriously ill for a long time, his passing was still sudden. His passing is not only a loss for his family, colleagues, or those who were once close to him, but also a deep sorrow for generations of students who have grown up thanks to his passion and vision."

The funeral of Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Manh Hung will take place from 8:00 a.m. on November 27 to 8:00 a.m. on November 28, 2025 at the Southern National Funeral Home, No. 5 Pham Ngu Lao, Hanh Thong Ward, Ho Chi Minh City.

TRAN HUYNH

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/nguoi-hon-20-nam-lam-hieu-truong-truong-dai-hoc-nguyen-tat-thanh-qua-doi-20251123083443091.htm