Undergraduate

On the morning of September 5, 2026, DTU officially held its opening ceremony for the 2026-2027 academic year and welcomed its K32 freshmen. The event also marked an important milestone with the official launch of DTU’s School of Data and AI (SDA), with a strategic focus on “AI transformation.” The ceremony was attended by leaders from Da Nang’s departments and agencies, as well as the CEO and senior executives of Samsung Vietnam."

AI opens up entirely new ways of learning and acquiring knowledge

Artificial intelligence (AI) is not only changing how people work and interact with one another, but also opening up more flexible, effective approaches to learning, research, and knowledge access than ever before. At the 2026–2027 opening ceremony, alongside messages from DTU lecturers, staff, business partners, and successful alumni, DTU students learned about the power and potential of AI and its profound impact.

The 2026-2027 opening ceremony at DTU

“University is a particularly important stage in every person’s journey toward adulthood. It is not only about acquiring knowledge but also about providing an environment where learners interact, grow, and develop their own values. However, the rapid development of AI is beginning to change both the form and nature of this learning journey. 

In the past, learning was largely tied to classrooms, textbooks, and teachers. Then, over the past two decades, technology has enabled learners to access knowledge online and through e-learning. Today, individuals are beginning to use AI tools to support their needs. The pace of AI development could bring major changes to higher education. Yet no matter how far AI advances, universities with established brands and rankings will continue to exist. Students choose a university not only for acquiring knowledge, but also for its reputation, creativity, and the value it brings to society. 

At DTU, we want to provide students not only with knowledge or a degree, but also with opportunities to learn, conduct research, gain experience, and connect with businesses, with maximum support from personalized AI tools in this digital era,” said Dr. Le Nguyen Bao, DTU President, at the opening ceremony.

Mr. Na Ki Hong, CEO of Samsung Vietnam, delivers remarks at DTU’s 2026 opening ceremony

Recognizing DTU’s effectiveness in education and training following the university’s recent partnership to implement the Samsung Innovation Campus program, particularly after DTU students won the annual Samsung Innovation Tech Challenge for three consecutive years, Mr. Na Ki Hong, CEO of Samsung Vietnam, attended DTU’s Opening Ceremony and shared his perspectives:

“I am deeply honored to attend the 2026-2027 opening ceremony at DTU, an active institution that has consistently pioneered innovation and internationalization. The opening ceremony doesn't just mark the start of a new stage of learning; it is a foundation for developing core competencies to adapt to a rapidly changing world shaped by artificial intelligence (AI).

For Samsung, DTU holds a special position among Samsung’s partners in Vietnam. We remain committed to expanding our strategic cooperation, investing in people, and supporting AI and semiconductor technologies to work with the university in developing the highest-quality workforce.”

Samsung Vietnam's representatives at the opening ceremony created a warm yet formal atmosphere and highlighted the increasingly strong connections between DTU and the business community. These partnerships provide students with more opportunities to gain experience and access professional and international working environments while they are still in university.

At the opening ceremony, DTU awarded full scholarships to the 2026 valedictorian, Nguyen Minh Tri, who scored 27.15 out of 30 points in Business Administration under the joint program between DTU and Troy University, USA; salutatorian Le Thi Minh Trang, who scored 26.5 out of 30 points in Multimedia Communications; and Le Thanh Thao, who scored 26 out of 30 points in CSU-standard Architecture.
 

DTU leaders present full scholarships to the 2026 valedictorian and salutatorians

“Stepping into the lecture hall of DTU marks the beginning of a new journey of self-directed learning, technology mastery, and continuous creativity. With the passion and enthusiasm of our 20s, we, the K32 freshmen, pledge to devote ourselves fully to everything we do. We will not let our youth pass by without meaning, nor will we hesitate in the face of challenges and failures. Together, we will learn with 100% of our energy and embrace every opportunity to break through, proudly demonstrating the strength and capabilities of DTU students as we step out into the world,” said Nguyen Minh Tri, DTU’s 2026 valedictorian.

Making AI Competency a “Third Language” with the School of Data and AI (SDA)

With years of experience in information technology education and research, DTU is entering a new stage of development with the launch of the School of Data and AI (SDA). This is more than an organizational change; it reflects DTU’s strategic direction to make AI a foundational competency in education, research, university administration, and community service.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Gia Nhu, DTU’s Vice President and Provost of the School of Data and AI (SDA), said: “Starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, all DTU students, regardless of their major, will take 4 to 7 credits in AI and entrepreneurship. AI theories and tools will also be integrated into all major-specific courses across disciplines. We view AI competency as a ‘third language,’ alongside one’s native language and a foreign language.

This ‘third language’ is not simply the ability to use an AI tool to search for information or generate new content. It is the ability to understand, interact, and collaborate effectively with intelligent systems; to translate real-world problems into challenges that AI can help address; and to assess reliability, identify biases, and responsibly use AI-assisted results.”

Samsung Vietnam CEO Na Ki Hong, Vice Chairman of the Da Nang

People’s Committee Phan Thai Binh, and DTU leaders launch the School of Data and AI (SDA)

-  With Samsung: DTU is implementing the Samsung Innovation Campus (SIC) program to equip students with knowledge and hands-on skills in programming, big data, the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and semiconductors, while also developing laboratories and innovation platforms for students.

-  With Google and STEAM for Vietnam: DTU is collaborating to implement AI for Impact 2026, aiming to provide 100,000 people in Central Vietnam with the skills to apply AI safely, effectively, and responsibly.

-  With Alibaba Cloud: DTU is connecting AI education with cloud computing infrastructure, giving students access to technology environments and real-world challenges.

DTU signs partnerships with international businesses in AI

- With Chengdu Minto Technology: DTU is developing a joint laboratory for AI agents to research and develop intelligent systems that support teaching, learning, and university administration. 

- With UBTech: DTU is developing an AI and robotics ecosystem that brings artificial intelligence (AI) from theoretical models into hands-on environments involving interactions among people, software, and smart devices.

-  With KMAX: DTU is transferring application products and 3D simulations in medicine, education, tourism, and aviation services to KMAX’s existing virtual reality ecosystem.

Looking ahead, DTU plans to promote the establishment of the Asian Alliance for AI Research and Education (ACARE), based on four values: collaboration, access, responsibility, and excellence.

“As a university located in Central Vietnam, we have a responsibility not only to train highly qualified AI professionals but also to help bring access to technology closer to the broader community. The value of AI does not lie in how advanced the technology is, but in its ability to solve real-world problems, improve productivity, and expand opportunities for human development,” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Gia Nhu emphasized.

(Media Center)