On the afternoon of December 21, 2024, Vietnam-Korea University of Information and Communication Technology (VKU), the University of Danang, hosted the event “Connecting – Reunion of generations of leaders, faculty, and staff over the years.” This meaningful event marked the 5th anniversary of VKU’s establishment and reflected on its 22-year journey of formation and development, paying tribute to the generations who contributed to the university’s history.

Overview of the Connecting – Reunion Event

The event welcomed distinguished guests, including former leaders from VKU’s predecessor institutions, such as Dr. Le Tan Duy, former Vice President of the University of Danang and Head of the CIT Administration Board; Dr. Tran Tan Vinh, former Rector of CIT; and Mr. Phi Dac Hai, former Rector of Vietnam Korea Friendship Information Technology College (VIETHANIT). Attendees also included former deputy rectors of VIETHANIT, Mr. Tran Thien Thanh and Mr. Nguyen Huu Tho, along with former leaders of affiliated and subordinate units, as well as staff and employees across generations…

From VKU, the event was attended by Assoc.Prof.Dr. Huynh Cong Phap, Rector of VKU; Assoc.Prof.Dr. Nguyen Thanh Binh, Chairman of the University Council; Vice Rectors Dr. Tran The Son and Dr. Huynh Ngoc Tho; and the university’s faculty and staff.

Assoc.Prof.Dr. Huynh Cong Phap – VKU’s Rector is speaking at the event

 In a warm and emotional atmosphere, Assoc.Prof.Dr. Huynh Cong Phap, on behalf of the VKU’s leaders and staff, expressed profound gratitude to generations of leaders, staff, and faculty across different periods, especially those who laid the foundation for the predecessor units of VKU. He highlighted the special significance of the event: “the Connecting – Reunion event today holds special significance as we come together to celebrate the 5-year establishment anniversary while reflecting on the 22-year journey of formation and development from its predecessor units. This is an opportunity to honor the invaluable contributions of past leaders, faculty, and staff, showcasing the strength of unity, dedication, and perseverance. These unwavering efforts have laid the solid foundation that enables VKU to grow robustly, affirming its position as a leading public university in information technology, communication, and the digital economy in Central – Central Highlands, and nationwide. We sincerely pay tribute to the significant contributions of generations of teachers and staff. I firmly believe that with this strong spirit of connection, VKU will continue to shine and achieve even greater accomplishments on its new journey…”

On February 24, 2017, during a visit to the University of Danang and a survey of the Danang University Urban Area, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc instructed the establishment of a specialized university in information and communication technology to meet the urgent demand for high-quality human resources in this field. This was a strategic step aimed at implementing the major policies of the Party and the Country, while also contributing to transforming Da Nang into a smart city with high technology as its breakthrough spearhead.

Under the Prime Minister’s directive, the Ministry of Education and Training, in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Communications, instructed the University of Danang, CIT, and VIETHANIT to swiftly restructure and prepare a proposal for the establishment of VKU. After thorough preparation and comprehensive review, on January 3^rd, 2020, the Prime Minister issued Decision No. 15/QĐ-TTg, officially founding the Vietnam-Korea University of Information and Communication Technology.

VKU was established by merging reputable IT training institutions, including Vietnam Korea Friendship Information Technology College under the Ministry of Information and Communications, the Information Technology College, and the Faculty of Information Technology and Communications of the University of Danang. This is a prestigious institution of high quality that has made significant contributions to the development of high-quality IT and communication human resources to serve the Central – Central Highlands region and the entire country.

Immediately after its establishment, VKU faced numerous significant difficulties and challenges, including the severe outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused nearly all of the university’s activities to come to a standstill during its first two years.

In addition, VKU was formed by the merger and consolidation of various training units, bringing together staff and faculty from other member schools of the University of Danang, such as the University of Science and Technology, the University of Science and Education, and University of Technology and Education. The significant differences in work culture and perspectives between these units posed considerable challenges in building a unified and cohesive team. Furthermore, the legal procedures involving multiple ministries and agencies, such as the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Central Organization Commission, the Ministry of Information and Communications, the Ministry of Education and Training, as well as other ministries related to finance and investment, made the school’s operational processes complex and highly stressful.

However, thanks to a special “fortunate connection,” all members seemed to have known each other for a long time, quickly integrating and uniting to overcome differences and work together harmoniously. With a spirit of solidarity, resilience, and a desire to reach international standards, along with the decisive leadership of the University of Danang, VKU has gradually demonstrated the strength of unity, wise leadership, and the tireless efforts of the entire team. The university has gradually overcome difficulties, built a shared working culture, and developed its facilities while innovating its training programs. As a result, VKU has established itself as a leading public university in information technology, communications, and digital economy in Central – Central Highlands and nationwide, becoming a symbol of success in consolidating resources, fostering innovation, and pursuing development, making significant contributions to the training of high-quality human resources for the country.

In the past five years, despite significant difficulties and challenges, VKU has made relentless efforts to build a strong internal solidarity based on the educational philosophy of Humanity – Dedication – Liberation, creating a creative and collaborative working and learning environment. In terms of enrollment, VKU has consistently maintained high entrance examination scores, especially in the last three years, with an average score of 24 or higher for 16 training majors/specializations. Notably, the entrance score for the year 2024 for the major of Semiconductor Design Engineering reached 27 points, placing it among the top in the country, affirming the appeal and quality of training at the university.

With an international development vision, VKU has been implementing an ODA project worth USD 7.7 million funded by the South Korean government through KOICA to enhance its facilities, improve staff quality, and upgrade training programs. The university also organizes many major academic competitions, notably the Informatics Olympiad in the Central – Central Highlands, which attracts the participation of many talented students nationwide, contributing to the improvement of educational quality in the region.

In particular, the living standards of staff and faculty have also been prioritized and improved each year. The average monthly income per person at VKU has significantly increased from 7 million VND (in 2020) to 17.5 million VND (in 2024, more than doubling compared to 2020), reflecting the institution’s commitment to investing in human resources and promoting the university’s sustainable development.

The university leadership presented flowers to pay tribute to the generations of leaders over the years

At the event, generations of leaders, staff, and faculty came together to share and reflect on important milestones in the journey of building and developing the university, which aspires to reach international standards. Each face, story, and heartfelt word brought back memories of the relentless efforts to turn the dream of establishing a modern institution, a pioneer in information technology, communication, and digital economy, into reality.

A highlight of the program was the proud stories recounted by various generations of leaders. Among them were Dr. Le Tan Duy, Head of the Executive Board of the College of Information Technology (CIT), who laid the first stones for the formation of CIT; Dr. Tran Tan Vinh, former Rector of CIT, who guided the institution through difficulties; Mr. Phi Dac Hai, former Rector of the Vietnam-Korea Friendship Information Technology College (VIETHANIT), who made significant contributions to building the campus’s facilities; and Assoc.Prof.Dr. Huynh Cong Phap, Rector of VKU, who has inherited, developed, and propelled VKU to grow strongly, reaching national and international standards.

These stories not only evoke memories of challenging and difficult times but also inspire a strong belief in the future. All generations of leaders affirmed a common spirit: VKU today is the result of continuous efforts, from the past to the present.

The former leaders of the university shared emotional stories about the 22-year journey of formation and development

The event “Connecting – Reunion of Generations Across Periods” is not only an opportunity for gratitude but also opens up new aspirations for VKU on its journey ahead. With the values built over 22 years, the school proudly continues its mission of training high-quality human resources in the field of information technology and communication, leading in innovation and sustainable development.

The leadership of the university across different periods took a commemorative photo

The event concluded with deep emotions and a strong spirit of solidarity and connection. Each participant left with a sense of pride, responsibility, and love for VKU—the place where aspirations soar high.

The former leaders of the university planted commemorative trees to mark a new phase of development for VKU

VKU – A place where the past blends with the present, the birthplace of successes and a bright future!

Center for Learning Resource and Communication

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