VietNamNet is honored to present the speech delivered by Minister of Education and Training, Nguyen Kim Son, at the 30th-anniversary celebration of Duy Tan University and the announcement of its transition to university model on the morning of November 10.
Distinguished Leaders, Former Leaders of Central Departments, Ministries, and Agencies, Esteemed Guests, Honored Attendees, Esteemed Educator Le Cong Co – Hero of Labor, Distinguished Teacher, Party Secretary, and Chairman of Duy Tan University Council, University Leaders, Esteemed Faculty, Scientists, Staff, and Dear Students,
Today, Duy Tan University celebrates its 30th anniversary and the announcement of the Prime Minister’s decision to officially transition Duy Tan University into university status. On behalf of the Ministry of Education and Training, I extend my warmest congratulations to the university’s leadership, faculty, scientists, staff, and generations of students. Congratulations on the remarkable achievements and contributions Duy Tan University has made to the nation and to students over the past 30 years. This event marks a significant milestone in the university’s journey of progress and development. Warmest congratulations!
Distinguished Guests, Esteemed Attendees,
In alignment with the Party and State's policy of renewing education and training, in 1994, the Prime Minister signed a decision to establish Duy Tan University -one of the first five private universities in the country during this new era. Despite numerous challenges, Duy Tan University has continuously grown, making considerable contributions to workforce training for Da Nang, the Central Highlands, and the entire nation. With significant efforts, the university now boasts five campuses, spanning over 85,000 square meters, with more than 250 practice and laboratory rooms, a medical simulation system, a modern data center, and various state-of-the-art facilities for training and scientific research. The university has assembled a staff of over 1,100 lecturers, with more than 30% holding doctoral degrees, including associate and full professors.
Duy Tan University has developed a multidisciplinary education system with nearly 80 programs across all educational levels. It has produced over 87,000 graduates, with more than 90% employed within a year of graduation, alongside numerous achievements in scientific research, innovation, patents, and useful solutions. I commend and recognize the valuable contributions that the university has made to the education sector and the country over the years. The establishment and development of Duy Tan University have not only changed the public-private balance in higher education but also reshaped the higher education landscape, providing employment for scientists and learning opportunities for many students, supporting the education sector’s reform and contributing to national development over the past 30 years.
Esteemed Faculty, Scientists, Students,
The Party and State view both public and private higher education institutions as equally important. Policies and management mechanisms for both are focusing on quality management combined with oversight, increased autonomy, accountability, and social responsibility. For public universities, we prioritize increased resource support, while for private institutions, we are enhancing policies to alleviate difficulties, encourage development, and support integration with leading global universities. We anticipate that the private higher education sector will play an increasingly important role in education, leveraging its strengths to swiftly develop into a top-ranking Asian university, gradually achieving global prestige. Currently, a significant proportion of the world’s leading universities are private. I hope that, in the near future, Duy Tan University will be among Asia’s top universities and eventually among the world’s leading institutions.
Esteemed Faculty, Scientists, Students,
The transition of Duy Tan University from a college to a university is a strategic organizational and management choice, reflecting both growth and new developmental needs. I hope this change goes beyond a name shift, aiming instead for depth, creative liberation, and modern, intelligent governance. I envision the university operating with a more scientific and advanced governance model, a larger scale, a higher mission, and a broader, long-term vision toward sustainable development. Transitioning from a college to a university structure should create new momentum, liberate creativity, and foster dynamic growth for a more robust future. The Government and Ministry of Education and Training support this developmental model by facilitating the necessary procedures to transition Duy Tan University into its new status.
As the university adopts this new organizational model, it should review its educational philosophy, strategic development, mission, and vision; re-evaluate its university governance, teaching and learning methods, scientific research, publications, talent recruitment, and development efforts. What is beneficial and reasonable should be further promoted, while aspects that lack credibility or value must be changed. The university must reinforce societal trust by investing in quality across all activities, placing quality as the foremost priority, reputation as essential, and aiming to earn societal confidence and sustainable development.
A university’s growth direction depends on the vision and aspirations of its owners and administrators. I hope the leadership’s aspirations align with the nation's drive to rise and advance. When the university's aspirations are united with the nation's aspirations, the aspirations of its faculty will similarly grow stronger and more noble, creating meaningful values for both the collective and the individual. Ultimately, a community-focused aspiration is beyond public or private interests, where only vision and commitment differ. For public institutions, certain responsibilities are inherent to their role, while private institutions’ commitments to human and national development depend on the owners’ choices and ethical compass. I trust that Duy Tan University will continue to develop in the spirit intended by its founders.
I hope all faculty members have grand aspirations, noble ambitions, and broad visions. Only such aspirations can lead individuals and institutions to great outcomes and achievements.
The name ‘Duy Tan’ itself, regardless of its original intent, implies renewal and enlightenment, harkening back to the patriotic reformist spirit of early 20th-century Vietnam. From the darkness of colonization and underdevelopment, intellectuals aspired to raise public consciousness, elevate education, and nurture talent to achieve national freedom and progress. Today, our nation is advancing rapidly, with many new opportunities and strengths. The Vietnamese people are eager for education, creating a significant opportunity for universities. I hope Duy Tan University seizes this moment to accelerate its growth and quality development. I urge the university to pay particular attention to emerging scientific and technological fields, essential for the country’s future, including those that require significant investment and may yield long-term results. Among the university’s development goals, I hope its leadership will focus on building a faculty of experts who excel professionally, uphold social responsibility, maintain academic integrity, and embody role models for students. True intellectuals, whether in public or private settings, are exemplary pioneers who bear responsibility for the nation. The spirit of Labor Hero Le Cong Co, guiding the university’s progress, should be a collective ethos. The university should also enhance its care and support for students, fostering a strong connection with them, allowing them to perceive the goodness of our people, society, and nation through their experiences. Doing so will let the spirit of Duy Tan shine in the new era.
I wish Duy Tan University continued growth, rapid development, and success. I hope our university prospers, as its success contributes to the educational sector's success, which in turn supports the success of the entire nation.
The Ministry of Education and Training, as the government’s representative, will continue to support, oversee, and guide the university. Our oversight efforts aim to support the university's ongoing and robust growth.
Esteemed Faculty, Scientists, Students,
On behalf of the Ministry of Education and Training, I express my sincere gratitude to the Da Nang Party Committee, People’s Committee, and local authorities for their continued support and collaboration in developing Duy Tan University.
As we approach Vietnamese Teachers' Day on November 20, 2024, I wish the university leadership and all educators health, happiness, and success.
I extend my best wishes to the leadership, scientists, faculty, staff, and all students of Duy Tan University as they grow alongside the university.
Warmest congratulations and sincere thanks.
(Media Center)