President Nguyễn Xuân Phúc beats the drum to open the 2022-2023 academic year at Việt Nam National University-HCM City. — VNA/VNS Photo Thống Nhất

HCM CITY — President Nguyễn Xuân Phúc on Thursday beat the drum to open the 2022-2023 academic year at Việt Nam National University-HCM City (VNU-HCM).

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the President spoke about students who are innovation pioneers to inspire the aspirations of developing a prosperous and happy nation.

The fourth industry revolution is creating a series of advanced digital production technologies, driving comprehensive changes in society, boosting leapfrog development in many fields, and bringing both opportunities and challenges.

The Government has approved a national strategy for developing a digital economy and society by 2025, with an orientation to 2030.

A number of activities to promote the application of digital products have been kicked off across the country.

“Innovation is the golden key for the country to overcome challenges and seize opportunities, quickly becoming a developed nation with a high-income level by 2045,” he said.

“When it comes to innovation, it is impossible not to mention pioneering universities and research institutes which are nursing intellectuals and talented people,” he said.

Among them, VNU-HCM is a centre for high-class training, scientific research and technology transfer in the country and the region.

It has been named in the top 180 best universities in Asia by the UK-based education organisation Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), and among the top 1,000 best universities in the world 2023.

He highly appreciated the VNU-HCM’s practical innovation in diversified forms, spreading the spirit of innovation to both lecturers and students.

Many of the innovative products of students have won national and international awards.

On this occasion, the President visited and presented gifts to students staying at VNU-HCM’s dormitory, and helped plant trees at the school campus. 

President Nguyễn Xuân Phúc visits students staying at a dormitory of Việt Nam National University-HCM City. — VNA/VNS Photo Thống Nhất

Vũ Hải Quân, VNU-HCM's director, thanked the speakers who brought students motivation to learn during the ceremony.

During 27 years of establishment and development, VNU-HCM has taken a role as a pioneer in the country’s higher education system.

It has established a system of universities and research institutes with high-quality training and modern administration, serving the community effectively.

“Our achievements are thanks to the support of the leaders of Party committees, local authorities at both the central and local levels, as well as the joint engagement of both lecturers and students,” he said.

“With creativity and enthusiasm, students play an important role and are one of the decisive factors for national development in the future,” he said.

Therefore, the students’ families, schools and communities need to work together to inspire, guide and create favorable conditions for students in order to help them maximise their potential talent and creativity, and realise their dreams.

The education system aims to create a dynamic and creative young generation and high-quality human resources, adapting to labour requirements in the new era, and contributing to the national defence, construction and development, he added. — VNS