In the opening days of 2026, Ho Chi Minh City University of Law marked the beginning of the year through a sequence of events imbued with profound academic, social, and humanistic significance. From the formal recognition of a scholar who has been intellectually formed and professionally nurtured within the University’s own academic environment, to a candid and collegial engagement with the press—long-standing partners in the University’s mission of public knowledge dissemination—and culminating in the solemn conferral of degrees upon nearly 700 newly graduated Bachelors of Law, these events, unfolding in close succession, not only reflected the dynamic institutional tempo of ULAW but also underscored the depth, continuity, and sustainability of its development as one of Viet Nam’s leading institutions for legal education.
An Academic Milestone at the Beginning of the Year: Honouring a Journey of Scholarly Perseverance
On the morning of 15 January 2026, within the dignified setting of the January administrative briefing conference, Ho Chi Minh City University of Law formally announced and conferred the academic title of Associate Professor upon Dr. Phan Hoài Nam, Deputy Head of the Faculty of International Law.
The University’s leadership presents the decision and offers flowers to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Hoài Nam
This moment of conferral represented not merely the formal recognition of an academic rank, but a symbolic affirmation of a sustained scholarly trajectory—one cultivated, refined, and matured within the University’s own intellectual ecosystem. From a former student of International Law to a lecturer, researcher, and now an Associate Professor in Law, Dr. Phan Hoài Nam exemplifies a generation of academically resilient scholars who pursue scientific inquiry with intellectual discipline, professional integrity, and long-term commitment.
The collective of lecturers, together with leaders of different generations of the Faculty of International Law, extend congratulations to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Hoài Nam
In his remarks at the ceremony, Dr. Lê Trường Sơn, Rector of Ho Chi Minh City University of Law, emphasized that the appointment of an Associate Professor constitutes not only an individual distinction, but a shared source of institutional pride. He affirmed that, within ULAW, faculty members are regarded as the University’s core intellectual capital—fundamental to its academic credibility, institutional reputation, and standing within the national higher education system.
Dr. Lê Trường Sơn – Rector of Ho Chi Minh City University of Law, delivers a speech at the ceremony
Dr. Lê Trường Sơn further underscored that, as the University advances its strategic objectives toward becoming a key national institution for legal education, the systematic development of a highly qualified academic staff—particularly those holding professorial and associate professorial titles—represents a matter of enduring strategic significance. Such development, he noted, is essential not only for enhancing academic depth and research capacity, but also for ensuring the sustainable fulfillment of the University’s mission in training high-quality legal professionals for the country.
Representatives of the leadership of departments, divisions, and affiliated units of the University extend congratulations to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Hoài Nam
From another perspective, in his acceptance address, Associate Professor Dr. Phan Hoài Nam expressed deep emotion as he reflected upon nearly two decades of sustained engagement with Ho Chi Minh City University of Law—the institution that provided him with a rigorous academic foundation, a disciplined scholarly environment, and enduring intellectual inspiration. Embracing his new responsibilities, he reaffirmed his commitment to teaching excellence, scientific research, and the cultivation of a humane and intellectually vibrant academic culture, thereby contributing to the continuous enhancement of educational quality within the Faculty of International Law in particular and the University as a whole.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Hoài Nam delivers a speech upon assuming the assigned duties
An Early-Year Encounter: When the University and the Press Share a Common Bridge
Following this meaningful academic milestone, on 16 January 2026, Ho Chi Minh City University of Law hosted a meeting with representatives of press agencies, journalists, and reporters—those who have, over many years, accompanied the University in its efforts to disseminate legal knowledge and academic values to society. The meeting brought together more than 50 participants, including journalists, editors, leaders of press agencies, reporters, and representatives of State authorities and public-sector units across Ho Chi Minh City, reflecting both the breadth and depth of media and institutional engagement with the University.
The meeting took place at Hall A.1002, Nguyễn Tất Thành Campus
Conducted in a cordial yet intellectually engaged atmosphere, the meeting provided an opportunity for the University’s leadership to articulate its major strategic orientations for 2026, with particular emphasis on the forthcoming activities commemorating the 50th anniversary of the University’s tradition and the 30th anniversary of its official designation as Ho Chi Minh City University of Law. These milestones were framed not merely as occasions for retrospection, but as reflective junctures prompting renewed consideration of the University’s future direction.
The invited guests, together with the University’s leadership, took commemorative photos and officially concluded the program
Within this broader context, the press was positioned as an integral component of the knowledge ecosystem—one in which information is not simply transmitted, but critically examined, socially contextualized, and enriched through public discourse. According to the University’s leadership, the sustained partnership with media organizations plays a decisive role in enabling ULAW’s institutional image and academic contributions to be conveyed in an authentic, multidimensional, and intellectually substantive manner.
Guests from media organizations visited and explored the ULAW Top View space
Rather than adhering to a conventional ceremonial format, the meeting unfolded in the spirit of dialogue. It became a forum in which the University attentively engaged with insights from members of the press—those who directly convey the narratives, values, and institutional identity of ULAW to the wider public. In this setting, journalism was acknowledged not only as an information channel, but as a strategic partner in strengthening academic reputation, disseminating educational values, and faithfully reflecting the University’s ongoing efforts in training, scientific research, and community service. This partnership, as emphasized by University leaders, functions as a “soft bridge” through which legal knowledge is brought closer to social life.
Concluding with a Shared Joy: 698 New Graduates and the Opening of a New Chapter
On the morning of 18 January 2026, an atmosphere of solemnity and profound emotion permeated the Graduation and Degree Conferral Ceremony for 698 students enrolled in the Part-time (In-service) Bachelor of Law program and the Second-degree Bachelor of Law regular program, held at the Nguyễn Tất Thành campus of Ho Chi Minh City University of Law.
An overview of the Graduation and Degree Conferral Ceremony for Bachelor of Law graduates of the part-time (working while studying) and full-time second-degree programs
The ceremony became a convergence of diverse emotional registers. For the graduates, it marked the culmination of a long and demanding journey—one characterized by the constant negotiation between academic study, professional obligations, and family responsibilities. For the University, it represented a moment of witnessing the tangible outcomes of a long-standing educational philosophy: expanding access to legal education for diverse learner groups while steadfastly upholding academic rigor and training quality.
Prof. Dr. Đỗ Văn Đại – Vice Rector of the University, presents awards to students achieving the distinction of Outstanding Student for the entire course
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Trần Việt Dũng – Vice Rector of the University, presents awards to students achieving the distinction of Excellent Student for the entire course
Prof. Dr. Đỗ Văn Đại – Vice Rector of the University, confers graduation degrees upon new Bachelor of Law graduates of the part-time and full-time second-degree programs
In his address at the ceremony, Professor Dr. Đỗ Văn Đại, Vice Rector of Ho Chi Minh City University of Law, underscored that the Bachelor of Law degrees conferred on this occasion signify far more than academic attainment alone. They stand as testimony to each learner’s perseverance, self-discipline, and enduring commitment to lifelong learning. The knowledge base and professional values cultivated at ULAW, he noted, will serve as a durable foundation enabling graduates to contribute meaningfully to society, regardless of their future professional roles.
Prof. Dr. Đỗ Văn Đại – Vice Rector of the University, delivers a speech at the Graduation Ceremony
Within the dignified ceremonial setting, the degree conferral proceeded deliberately and with palpable emotion. Interwoven with firm handshakes were radiant smiles, glistening eyes, and the quiet pride of families and faculty members alike. On behalf of the graduating cohort, representatives expressed profound gratitude to the University and its teaching staff—those who have steadfastly accompanied them throughout their academic journey, imparting not only legal knowledge but also a strong sense of professional responsibility and ethical commitment.
The radiant atmosphere of the new graduates at the Graduation Ceremony
At the Graduation Ceremony, where knowledge blends with happiness shared with family and friends
An Early-Year Transition – A Long-Term Vision
Three events, three distinct tonalities, yet converging upon a single overarching message: people remain at the heart of every development strategy. From honouring a scholar, to valuing the partnership of the press, and ultimately entrusting the future to a new generation of law graduates, Ho Chi Minh City University of Law commenced 2026 with milestones of foundational significance. These were not merely routine annual activities, but carefully articulated moments that reveal an institution advancing steadily along a path of deepened academic excellence, expanded societal engagement, and the sustained nurturing of aspirations in service of law, justice, and the public good.
Implemented by: Department of Communications and Enterprise Relation
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