ULAW NEWS | Issue No. 2 Reunion of Youth Union and Student Association officers across generations: Rekindling the spirit of youth along the 50-year journey of Ho Chi Minh City University of Law

In the joyful atmosphere celebrating the 50th anniversary of formation and development (1976–2026) and 30 years bearing the name Ho Chi Minh City University of Law (1996–2026), on January 10, 2026, Ho Chi Minh City University of Law (ULAW) organized the Reunion of Youth Union and Student Association Officers across Generations. The event was held in a warm, solemn, and deeply emotional ambiance, becoming a meaningful highlight in the series of major commemorative activities of the University. More than a simple reunion and an occasion to honor generations of Youth Union and Student Association officers, the program represented a journey of intergenerational connection—rekindling pride, responsibility, and aspiration to carry forward the University’s proud traditions throughout its half-century of dedication to legal education and national development.

The welcoming area greeting former Youth Union and Student Association officers of ULAW attending the program

A vibrant atmosphere of exchange and interaction among generations of former Youth Union and Student Association officers of ULAW during the program

The reunion was attended by the Secretary of the Party Committee, the Rector, Vice Rectors, and leaders of the University’s units; the Executive Committees of the University Youth Union and Student Association; together with more than 200 former Youth Union and Student Association officers from across the country—those who once served as youth leaders of ULAW and who now hold important positions in Party and State agencies, professional organizations, the legal profession, the judiciary, and the community of distinguished legal experts.

Former Youth Union and Student Association officers of ULAW signing the commemorative guestbook at the program

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Trần Việt Dũng – Vice Rector of Ho Chi Minh City University of Law, signing the commemorative guestbook at the program

The program featured a series of meaningful activities, including visits to the University’s traditional exhibition space; intergenerational networking and exchanges among former and current Youth Union and Student Association officers; screenings of communication products reflecting the development journey of Youth Union and Student Association activities; speeches by University leaders and representatives of former officers; ceremonial rituals symbolizing the continuation of tradition; the presentation of a commemorative song celebrating the University’s 50-year legacy; a gala dinner; and artistic performances in a warm and closely connected atmosphere.

The program featured a series of meaningful networking and connection activities among generations of Youth Union and Student Association officers and current members of the University Youth Union

From the very first moments, the image of generations of Youth Union and Student Association officers returning to their former campus created a particularly moving scene. Familiar yet unfamiliar footsteps echoed through lecture hall corridors; heartfelt handshakes and emotional smiles appeared as alumni stood before the University’s Traditional Room. All seemed to transport them back to the vibrant years of youth—when Youth Union and Student Association work was not merely a responsibility, but an ideal, a passion, and an indelible memory. This journey of connection thus transcended symbolism, becoming a genuine flow of memory in which each generation could see itself reflected in the University’s continuous development.

The Board of Rectors, delegates, and former Youth Union and Student Association officers of ULAW across generations networking and taking commemorative photos at the ULAW Top View (EduCafé)

Opening the gala evening in a solemn yet intimate atmosphere, the ULAW Alumni Art Performance Team delivered a deeply emotional reunion performance, presenting melodies closely associated with the memories of many generations of law students. Timeless songs such as “Dấu chân phía trước” (Footsteps Ahead) and “Đường chúng ta đi” (The Road We Walk) not only enlivened the reunion space but also evoked a period of passionate, energetic youth in the student movement of Ho Chi Minh City University of Law.

An emotional reunion performance by the ULAW Alumni Art Performance Team

A meaningful highlight of the program was the screening of a video introducing the formation and development of Ho Chi Minh City University of Law from 1976 to the present. Through representative milestones of each historical period, the video vividly portrayed the University’s nearly half-century journey—from its early days of hardship to a stage of stability, integration, and affirmation of its position within the national higher education system. Former Youth Union and Student Association officers, delegates, and current students watched together, reflecting on the path traveled and clearly sensing the continuity between generations and the enduring values that shape the identity of the University today.

Overview of the gala evening of the ULAW Youth Union and Student Association reunion across generations

The program was attended by Mr. Trần Văn Bảy, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, alumnus of Cohort 14 and former Secretary of the Youth Union of Ho Chi Minh City University of Law; and Mr. Bùi Quang Huy, First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union, Alternate Member of the Party Central Committee, and Vice Chairman of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front

Mr. Bùi Quang Huy, First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union, Alternate Member of the Party Central Committee, and Vice Chairman of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, attending the reunion program

Mr. Trần Văn Bảy, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, attending the reunion program

Former Youth Union and Student Association officers of ULAW attending the gala evening in a deeply emotional and reflective atmosphere

Speaking at the reunion, Dr. Lê Trường Sơn, Rector of Ho Chi Minh City University of Law, expressed his deep emotion and sincere gratitude to generations of Youth Union and Student Association officers who have devoted themselves to and accompanied the University throughout nearly 50 years of formation and development. He affirmed that from its predecessor organization established in 1976 to its current dynamic growth, Youth Union and Student Association activities have always served as a pioneering force, playing a vital role in cultivating ideals, resilience, ethics, and a spirit of social service among generations of law students—contributing to the dynamic, responsible, and humane identity of ULAW students.

Dr. Lê Trường Sơn – Rector of Ho Chi Minh City University of Law, delivering remarks at the program

According to the Rector, the reunion was not only an opportunity to revisit cherished youthful memories but also held special significance in the lead-up to the 50th Anniversary Celebration of Ho Chi Minh City University of Law, scheduled to take place solemnly on March 30, 2026. It was also a moment to reflect on the University’s important recent developments in both scale and quality of training.

He noted that domestically and internationally, Ho Chi Minh City University of Law is currently recognized as one of the two leading and most reputable legal education institutions in the country. The University operates three campuses in Ho Chi Minh City, while completing procedures to launch and enroll students at the Quảng Trị Branch (based on the Central Law College) and preparing to commence construction of a new branch in South Nha Trang Ward, Khánh Hòa Province. Academically, the University comprises eight faculties, including five law faculties, the Faculty of Legal Languages, the Faculty of Governance, and the Faculty of Basic Sciences.

In terms of human resources, the University currently employs nearly 500 staff members, including 353 lecturers, among whom are 5 Professors, 22 Associate Professors, and 142 PhD holders. The University offers seven undergraduate programs, seven master’s programs, and five doctoral programs, with a total enrollment exceeding 14,000 learners. Annual admission targets include approximately 4,000 undergraduate students, 1,000 master’s students, and 120 doctoral candidates. These figures reflect the University’s solid academic stature, intellectual depth, professional reputation, and increasingly prominent role in Vietnam’s legal education system.

Dr. Lê Trường Sơn – Rector of Ho Chi Minh City University of Law, attending the gala evening together with former Youth Union and Student Association officers of ULAW across generations

Emphasizing future orientation, the Rector stated that by 2030, with a vision toward 2045, Ho Chi Minh City University of Law aims to become a multidisciplinary and multi-field university, with law remaining its core focus. In the context of comprehensive higher education reform and rising demands for training quality, scientific research, international integration, and community service, the University highly values and hopes to continue receiving the attention, companionship, and intellectual contributions of generations of former Youth Union and Student Association officers.

The presence of alumni at the reunion, he emphasized, serves as a powerful source of encouragement, strengthening confidence and responsibility among today’s young officers and students in preserving and promoting the University’s fine traditions while contributing to the training of high-quality legal human resources for the nation.

Representing generations of Youth Union and Student Association officers, Mr. Nguyễn Thanh Bình – Deputy Chief of Office of the Ministry of Justice, former Secretary of the University Youth Union (first term), shared profound emotions upon reuniting with senior colleagues, peers, and comrades who together shaped ULAW’s Youth Union and Student Association traditions through various movements and historically significant volunteer campaigns such as “Cultural Light” and “Green Summer”. These memories, he noted, are not merely nostalgic recollections but serve as a spiritual foundation binding generations to one another and to the University.

Mr. Nguyễn Thanh Bình – Deputy Chief of Office of the Ministry of Justice, former Secretary of the Youth Union of Ho Chi Minh City University of Law (first term), delivering remarks at the program

Recalling the early, challenging period at the Bình Triệu campus, Mr. Bình highlighted the limited financial and material conditions faced by Youth Union and Student Association officers at that time. Nevertheless, the University and its Board of Rectors consistently paid close attention to and invested in Youth Union and Student Association activities, enabling the student movement to gradually flourish and achieve notable accomplishments. Among these were the University’s art performance team winning First Prize at a national competition in Hanoi in 1998, its position as one of the first higher education institutions in Ho Chi Minh City to establish a Student Association in 1997, and the growing scale of Youth Union and Student Association activities attracting wide student participation. Notably, six alumni of Ho Chi Minh City University of Law have become members of the Party Central Committee, alongside many others holding key positions in society—clear testaments to the University’s reputation and brand.

Building upon these accumulated values, Mr. Bình expressed his hope that the ULAW community would continue to strengthen and develop sustainably amid emerging challenges. He proposed the establishment of a ULAW Alumni Youth Union and Student Association Officers Club, through which each alumnus could serve as a bridge and an “ambassador” spreading the University’s image, values, and messages to society. The University’s growth, he emphasized, stems not only from internal strength but also from the enduring contributions, attachment, and responsibility of each generation of learners and alumni.

Following the leadership speeches and heartfelt alumni sharing, the atmosphere became contemplative as the video “We Are ULAW Youth Union and Student Association Officers” was screened. Familiar images, stories, and faces across generations evoked a long journey of dedication, responsibility, and youthful enthusiasm in Youth Union and Student Association work—helping today’s generation more deeply appreciate the continuity of service spirit and pride in Ho Chi Minh City University of Law.

A particularly meaningful highlight was the ceremonial handover of the traditional flag from former Youth Union Secretaries and former Presidents of the Student Association to the current leadership. The flag symbolized not only tradition but also the transfer of responsibility, trust, and expectation—affirming that tradition is not static but a living flow sustained by effort, creativity, and commitment across generations.

The ceremonial handover of the traditional flag from former Secretaries of the University Youth Union and former Presidents of the Student Association across generations to the incumbent Standing Committee of the Youth Union and Student Association

Another special moment was the presentation of a commemorative song celebrating the University’s 50-year legacy. At the event, Mr. Phạm Văn Định – former Head of the Dormitory Management Division, Office of Political and Student Affairs, solemnly presented the song “50 Years of the Light of Justice” as a heartfelt spiritual gift. The composition embodied deep affection, gratitude, and pride of a ULAW alumnus for his alma mater, conveying aspirations for justice, faith, and inspiration for generations of ULAW staff, lecturers, and students.

Mr. Phạm Văn Định – former Head of the Dormitory Management Division, Office of Political and Student Affairs of Ho Chi Minh City University of Law, presenting the song “50 Years of the Light of Justice” to the University

The evening concluded with a gala dinner and artistic exchanges, creating a warm, intimate atmosphere that further strengthened intergenerational bonds. Music, laughter, and everyday stories transformed the gathering into an inspiring pause along a shared journey back to youth—a metaphorical voyage reconnecting past and present.

Youth Union and Student Association officers of ULAW across generations enthusiastically networking and reconnecting during the gala dinner

Cultural and artistic exchange activities warmly embraced by former Youth Union and Student Association officers of ULAW

As the program drew to a close, generations shared meaningful messages for the future: cherish student years; dare to think, act, and contribute; view Youth Union and Student Association work as a space for self-development, collective engagement, and community service; and above all, take pride in being part of a university with a 50-year history that continues to write new chapters of aspiration.

Former Youth Union and Student Association officers of ULAW sharing messages and reflections with future generations of Youth Union and Student Association officers

The Reunion of Youth Union and Student Association Officers across Generations thus concluded not merely as a warm gathering but as a profound reflection on the role of tradition in development. Within the broader picture of commemorating 50 years of tradition and 30 years bearing the University’s name, the event stands as vivid testimony to the enduring value of Youth Union and Student Association work—where people are nurtured, ideals are forged, and generations are united under a shared roof. From this foundation, Ho Chi Minh City University of Law continues its confident journey of renewal and integration, affirming its position as a leading legal education institution where tradition and future walk hand in hand in the spirit of responsibility and service to the community.