28/01/2026
“Hong Duc” was the reign title of King Lê Thánh Tông, used from 1470 to 1497 during the Early Lê Dynasty—an era widely regarded by historians as the pinnacle of Vietnam’s medieval feudal state. This was a time when Đại Việt achieved remarkable completeness in state institutions, legal systems, education, and social governance.
During the Hong Duc period, the principle of valuing the virtuous and talented, and of placing education at the heart of national governance, was institutionalized through a rigorous and systematic examination system. Intellectuals were recognized as the backbone of the nation. The promulgation of the Quốc triều hình luật (the Hong Duc Code) not only marked a significant legal achievement but also demonstrated a progressive and humane vision, placing human beings and social order at the center of state administration.
The name “Hong Duc” gains even deeper meaning when associated with Thanh Hóa, the cradle of the Lê Dynasty. The Lam Sơn Uprising led by Lê Lợi, originating from this land, gave birth to a dynasty that endured for more than three centuries.
Building upon this foundation, King Lê Thánh Tông—celebrated as one of the most outstanding monarchs in Vietnamese history—led the country into an era of comprehensive prosperity. Therefore, “Hong Duc” is not merely a historical time marker, but a symbol of intellect, discipline, education, and national strength, closely linked to the tradition of learning and the spirit of self-reliance of Thanh Hóa.
Hong Duc University
On September 24, 1997, the Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, Võ Văn Kiệt, signed Decision No. 797/QĐ-TTg establishing Hong Duc University through the merger of several colleges and professional secondary schools in Thanh Hóa Province.
This decision was issued in the context of the country accelerating its renovation (Đổi mới) process, reaffirming education and training as a top national priority, and responding to the need to develop strong higher education centers in localities rich in historical and cultural traditions.
The choice of the name “Hong Duc” for a public university thus represents not only respect for the past, but also a declaration of development orientation: to build a higher education institution founded on intellectual rigor, academic discipline, a spirit of openness, and service to society—core values that were firmly established during the historic Hong Duc era.
Within the broader development of Vietnamese higher education, the name Hong Duc University carries a clear historical and philosophical message. It affirms the decisive role of knowledge in sustainable development and serves as a constant reminder of the responsibility of intellectuals to the nation, the people, and the local community.
From the Hong Duc reign of the fifteenth century to the university lecture halls of the twenty-first century, the name of the University has become a bridge between tradition and modernity, between history and aspirations for the future. It is not merely a designation, but a system of values and a spiritual benchmark guiding the long-term development of Hong Duc University.