Đại học Hồng Đức

Sharing from Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Van Dung, President of Hong Duc University, at the Beginning of the 2025–2026 Academic Year

18/09/2025

General Secretary To Lam emphasized that universities must become hubs of knowledge and technology, the nucleus of innovation and entrepreneurship, closely linking education, research, and technology transfer with national development needs. He also highlighted the need to establish major universities of regional and international stature, as well as modern vocational training institutions, to cultivate high-quality human resources driving breakthroughs in science, technology, industrialization, and digital transformation. Minister of Education and Training Nguyen Kim Son underlined that Resolution 71 on breakthroughs in education and training development affirms education as the foremost national policy and a decisive factor for the nation’s future. It calls for placing educational development at the heart of national governance, strategies, and socio-economic planning. In response, President Bui Van Dung affirmed Hong Duc University’s commitment to fostering innovation, enhancing training quality, strengthening research and technology transfer, and implementing long-term strategies to contribute to the country’s progress in the years ahead.

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Van Dung – President of Hong Duc University

Building on National Directions

eporter: With the mission of “Training and fostering high-quality human resources across multiple disciplines and fields, capable of adapting to the changing labor market; conducting scientific research and technology transfer to serve education, training, and socio-economic development of Thanh Hoa province and the nation”, could you share an overview of the development journey of Hong Duc University over the years?

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bùi Văn Dũng: Hong Duc University was established in 1997. Today, the university sits on a modern campus of nearly 38.9 hectares, equipped with 6 lecture halls, 6 dormitory complexes, 2 sports centers, a large library, a 500-seat auditorium, 47 laboratories, 10 computer rooms, and a practical workshop. A particular highlight is the 9.4-hectare National Defense and Security Education Center, providing comprehensive training and practice opportunities for students.

As the first provincial university in Vietnam to offer a complete educational pathway—from preschool to doctoral level—Hong Duc University currently trains nearly 13,000 learners. Its programs span 7 doctoral majors, 21 master’s majors, and 40 undergraduate programs in pedagogy, economics–law, engineering–technology, agriculture–forestry–fisheries, and social sciences–humanities. All curricula are designed with a strong emphasis on practice, experiential learning, and career readiness, enabling students to connect with businesses, gain professional experience, and even start entrepreneurial ventures during their studies.

With a dedicated faculty team including 29 Associate Professors and 192 PhDs, the university is proud to be a hub of knowledge creation and inspiration. This is both a source of pride and a driving force for continuous innovation and quality enhancement in the new era.

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In the academic year 2024–2025, the university successfully fulfilled its tasks and targets set by the annual plan. Many activities achieved positive results, contributing to improved quality across all areas. Notably, the Ministry of Education and Training awarded the university Certificates of Merit for its outstanding contributions in exam supervision, student entrepreneurship support, and recognition as a “Model University for Building an Entrepreneurship Ecosystem 2024.”

Reporter: In the context of educational reform, what solutions has the university adopted to improve student recruitment, training quality, and responsiveness to social needs?

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bùi Văn Dũng: The university identifies learners as the center and enterprises and society as the benchmarks of quality. We have revised curricula to align with outcome-based approaches, combining theory with practice. Strong partnerships with businesses provide students with internships and real-world experience. We also promote digital transformation in teaching.

Specifically, the university is implementing the Party’s Resolution 29-NQ/TW and Conclusion 91-KL/TW on comprehensive educational reform, modernizing training programs, opening new majors, and converting some distance-learning programs to better meet labor market demands. Key efforts include: expanding international-standard training programs, diversifying forms of training, applying online learning management systems (LMS), enhancing teaching methods, and ensuring rigorous quality assurance.

Reporter: Scientific research and technology transfer are crucial missions of higher education. What are Hong Duc University’s directions in this area?

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bùi Văn Dũng: In the past five years, our faculty members have successfully carried out 48 scientific research projects at the national, ministerial, and provincial levels, including 9 national projects. Beyond that, we have published over 1,648 scientific works, with 345 papers indexed in Web of Science and Scopus. On average, each faculty member contributes nearly one scientific publication per year—an impressive achievement reflecting creativity and dedication.

Our university’s Journal of Science has been recognized by the State Professorship Council and awarded points in 6 academic fields, affirming its growing scholarly reputation. Many studies, particularly in agriculture, environment, and education, have been effectively applied in Thanh Hoa.

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Hong Duc University Journal of Science

Moving forward, we will continue building strong research groups, encouraging international publications, and promoting partnerships with businesses to commercialize research outputs. The goal is to develop branded products from Hong Duc University’s research results, strengthen international-standard publications, and foster applied research with high socio-economic impact.

Reporter: How is the university expanding its international cooperation?

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bùi Văn Dũng: International cooperation is key to enhancing education quality. Hong Duc University has established partnerships with more than 50 institutions across 25 countries, implementing joint training programs, credit recognition, and collaborative research.

The university has achieved the second-cycle national accreditation and a 4-star rating under the University Performance Metrics (UPM). Twenty-six academic programs have been accredited by national standards.

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Delegation of Hong Duc University Visits and Works with Accelebator Pte. Ltd., Singapore

In the coming years, we will expand partnerships with leading universities and organizations, especially in Germany through DAAD, to develop joint training programs, exchange faculty and students, and explore funding opportunities. We also aim to broaden research collaborations and attract international investment to enhance both training and research.

Reporter: What support does the university provide for students, who are the future leaders of the nation?

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bùi Văn Dũng: We strive to build a friendly, dynamic, and creative learning environment. Students are encouraged to engage in research, join clubs, volunteer programs, and entrepreneurship initiatives. Annual job fairs, startup counseling, and scholarships for disadvantaged students are organized in collaboration with enterprises.

Our students have achieved many national and international awards in innovation and entrepreneurship competitions. Community service activities also help them develop ethics, character, and essential life skills. My message to students is: Be proactive, creative, nurture your aspirations, and equip yourselves with knowledge and skills to go further.

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The Organizing Committee Presents the Award to the First Prize Team at the 2024 Student Startup Competition

Reporter: Could you share the university’s vision and development goals for the coming years?

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bùi Văn Dũng: Guided by the resolutions of the Party Committee and University Council, we have set clear development goals. By 2030, Hong Duc University aims to become a key regional university in North Central Vietnam, focusing on applied research closely linked with socio-economic development. By 2045, the university aspires to become a smart, innovative university and a leading center of training and research in Vietnam, fully integrated with ASEAN and global higher education.

Our focus is on three pillars: high-quality training – applied scientific research – international integration. With the determination of our faculty and staff, and the strong support of provincial leaders and partners, we are confident in realizing this vision.

Reporter: Thank you, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bùi Văn Dũng, for sharing the achievements and future directions of Hong Duc University.

Over nearly three decades of development, Hong Duc University has been honored with prestigious awards, including First, Second, and Third-Class Labor Medals from the Party and the State. In Vietnam’s University Rankings 2025, the university was ranked 57th out of 100 universities nationwide, affirming its position in Vietnam’s higher education system.

With the educational philosophy of “Comprehensive – Experience – Practical Experience – Real Talent” and the core values of “talent – Innovation – Responsibility – Integration”, , Hong Duc University is on its way to becoming a smart, innovative, and globally connected university—a trusted academic partner, a hub of research and technology transfer, and a cradle of entrepreneurial and creative ideas for the future.