A Phenikaa University representative (third from left) shows off her award with the other winners of the THE Asia Universities Summit 2026 on April 22 in Hong Kong. Photo courtesy of organisers

HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam's Phenikaa University has secured a top award at the ongoing Times Higher Education (THE) Asia Universities Summit 2026 held in Hong Kong.

The Hà Nội-based Phenikaa University overcame six other nominees to place first in the Leadership and Management Team of the Year category at the THE Awards Asia ceremony held on April 22.

During its three days of activities from April 22 to 24, the summit explores Asia’s rise as a global leader in innovation and the pivotal role of universities in shaping humanity’s future.

The delegates unpack how Asia is redefining progress – from breakthrough science and entrepreneurial energy to scalable solutions for climate, health and urban resilience – alongside the continent's growing power in influencing global standards for AI, education and the future of innovation in an age of disruption.

THE Awards Asia 2026 offers a major international platform that recognises outstanding leadership and institutional performance and celebrates Asia’s higher education excellence in all its diversity.

It was the first win for Việt Nam in this category and the country’s second THE award ever. Judges praised the university for a remarkable transformation that has taken place in less than a decade.

Phenikaa is the first Vietnamese university to win THE Asia Universities Summit's top award. Photo courtesy of Phenikaa University

According to the judging panel, Phenikaa is outstanding for its systematic transformation in governance and development. In less than a decade, the leadership team led a massive restructuring and innovation process, gradually expanding the development capabilities of a private university in the new era.

In 2017, the institution, then known as Thành Tây University, had fewer than 50 students and came close to closing its doors for good, before it was acquired by the Phenikaa Group, a multi-sectoral corporation.

Today, the university has 35,000 students enrolled in 100 programmes across five schools, with a focus on innovation, sustainability and health care. Its faculty has grown rapidly from just over 200 in 2019 to 840 in 2025.

Last year, it was recognised by the Government as a model for private higher education development in the country.

This year, 10 awards were given to the winners, who were chosen from more than 80 finalists out of more than 500 initial entries.

Other award categories included Technological or Digital Innovation of the Year; Outstanding Contribution to Regional Development; Teaching and Learning Strategy of the Year; and Most Innovative Teacher of the Year.

Deputy CEO of Phenikaa University Dr Nguyễn Ngọc Ninh said: "This award recognises the university’s transformative journey and the leadership team’s pivotal role in establishing a modern governance system focused on innovation and sustainable development. It also encourages Phenikaa University to further enhance the quality of its education and research, while continuing to make meaningful contributions to society."

THE editor Chris Havergal said the winners had “blazed a trail through initiatives of astonishing variety”.

“Collectively, our winners’ stories offer fresh confirmation of the health and vibrancy of Asia’s higher education sector, and leave little doubt that universities across this vast continent will hit even greater heights in the years to come,” he said. — VNS