Hanoi (VNA) - Speaking to the press about the significance of the Party leader's directives, Professor Vu Minh Giang, Chairman of the VNU Council for Science and Training, Vice President of the Vietnam Association of Historical Sciences, and member of the National Cultural Heritage Council, described them as both a roadmap for the university's future and a demanding but honourable mission.
Both a vision and a mission
- General Secretary To Lam attended and addressed the 120th anniversary ceremony of the VNU-Hanoi this morning. What is your assessment of his speech?
Professor Vu Minh Giang: General Secretary To Lam's presence at the celebration was a great honour for the university and reflected the Party and State's deep commitment to one of Vietnam's leading higher education institutions.
VNU-Hanoi inherits the legacy of the former Indochina University, founded 120 years ago. Although established during the colonial period, it introduced a modern European-style academic tradition that brought new vitality to Vietnamese scholarship. Many of its graduates later became leading figures in the country's revolutionary cause and national development. These include former Party General Secretary Truong Chinh, General Vo Nguyen Giap, renowned physicians Ho Dac Di and Ton That Tung, and artists Tran Van Can and Nguyen Phan Chanh. Generations of intellectuals educated there made lasting contributions to the nation.
More importantly, it laid the foundation for an internationally recognised university. On November 15, 1945, despite the enormous challenges, President Ho Chi Minh attended the opening ceremony of the Vietnam National University, the successor to the Indochina University. That event sent a powerful message about valuing talent and education. General Secretary To Lam has now reaffirmed the significance of that legacy, describing it as an invaluable national asset.
His seven directives provide not only a roadmap for the university but also responsibilities for ministries, government agencies, and Party bodies to create the conditions needed for its development.
The first is to uphold the university's national mission. "National university" is not simply a title but a responsibility to undertake tasks of national importance, which requires support from ministries, sectors, and local authorities.
The second is to build an elite university. Vietnam has hundreds of universities, but an elite institution should become a symbol of innovation and intellectual leadership for the country's higher education system.
The General Secretary also called on the university to strengthen its international standing and serve as Vietnam's representative in academic exchange and academic diplomacy. That is a significant responsibility.
He also emphasised that the university should become a hub linking the Government, businesses, society, and international partners through its academic excellence.
Another important task is political and ideological education for lecturers and students. This should be approached in a dynamic and contemporary way, focusing on national traditions and the university community working to support Vietnam's development.
What impressed me most was his call for the university to pioneer new ideas. Innovation is the foundation of development, and Vietnam National University, Hanoi, must lead in renewing thinking, knowledge, and governance models to contribute to national development.
The university is deeply grateful for the General Secretary's guidance, while recognising that these directives also require ministries and sectors to work together in fulfilling this mission.
People who dare to think and act
- One of the General Secretary's directives is for Vietnam National University, Hanoi to become a "think tank" that provides scientific evidence for the State's strategic policymaking and supports businesses in technology, human resources, and new business models. What are your views?
Professor Vu Minh Giang: This is part of the broader vision of making the university a centre for connecting knowledge.
A "think tank" brings together experts with deep knowledge and expertise to provide recommendations and policy advice for businesses and, above all, for the Government.
The General Secretary expects the university to establish one or more think tanks that can facilitate discussion, develop policy recommendations, and provide strategic advice. The university is already moving in this direction by building units that advise businesses, local authorities, and the Government. That is precisely the role of a knowledge hub.
- What breakthrough strategies will the university need to implement these directives in the years ahead?
Professor Vu Minh Giang: The university has already formulated its development strategy, but these new directives provide momentum to reach a higher level.
In my view, three factors are essential.
First, there must be a clear direction. The General Secretary has set out the strategic orientation, while the necessary resolutions and legal reforms have largely been identified.
Second, resources are being prepared.
Finally, and most importantly, success depends on people. Leaders who dare to think, act and take responsibility, and professionals with the expertise, capability and creativity to turn ambitious ideas into reality.
One point I have heard the General Secretary stress repeatedly is that every aspiration for national development must be realised through the intelligence of the Vietnamese people. We must turn our own strengths into competitive advantages. Simply following models developed elsewhere will not produce genuine breakthroughs.
- Thank you, Professor.
