Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính (right) presented the decision to appoint Bùi Thế Duy as President of the Việt Nam National University (VNU), Hà Nội, at a ceremony on March 31. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính on Tuesday presided over a ceremony to announce the appointment of Bùi Thế Duy as President of the Việt Nam National University (VNU), Hà Nội.

Duy, an alternate member of the Party Central Committee and Vice President of the Việt Nam Academy of Science and Technology, takes the helm of one of the country’s leading higher education institutions.

At the ceremony, PM Chính stressed that the appointment reflects the trust from the Party and State while also placing significant responsibility on the new president. He highlighted the strategic role of the VNU Hà Nội in Việt Nam's long-term development, particularly the construction of its urban campus in Hoà Lạc.

The Hoà Lạc project, he said, is envisioned as a breakthrough “five-in-one” model, combining a talent training centre, a hub for advanced technology research and transfer, a national and international innovation centre, a modern and smart university city, and a platform for piloting public – private partnership in education and research. It is expected to become a major “knowledge hub” of the capital and the nation.

The Government leader set a target for the VNU Hà Nội to rank among the world’s top 500 universities by 2030, urging the institution’s leadership to strengthen unity, promote collective wisdom, uphold accountability, and set a good example in implementing the Party's large resolutions, especially the one on sci-tech development, innovation and digital transformation and that on fundamental and comprehensive reform of education–training.

He called for greater emphasis on developing a research-oriented and innovation-driven university model, closely linking training, research and application while placing learners at the centre.

He also underscored the importance of training high-quality human resources and nurturing talent, as well as enhancing the university’s role in providing policy advice for the Party and State.

In addition, PM Chính urged the university to accelerate the development of the Hoà Lạc campus in line with its strategic orientation while continuing to reform governance towards greater autonomy, modernity, transparency and efficiency. Building a democratic, creative and internationally integrated academic environment, together with attracting and developing top scientists and experts, was also identified as key priorities.

The Government, he affirmed, will continue to support the VNU Hà Nội with favourable policies and resources to ensure its fast and sustainable development.

In his remarks, Duy expressed his honour at being entrusted with the position, describing it as both a privilege and a significant responsibility. He pledged to devote his full capacity and experience to leading the university towards further innovation and growth.

Born in 1978 in the central province of Hà Tĩnh, Duy is an associate professor and PhD in computer science. He has previously held several key positions, including President of the Việt Nam Youth Academy, Chief of Office and later Deputy Minister of Science and Technology, and Vice President of the Việt Nam Academy of Science and Technology.

His predecessor, Hoàng Minh Sơn, was appointed acting Minister of Education and Training more than one month ago. — VNA/VNS