In the early days of March 2026, as the sunlight over Vietnam’s central coastline gently awakened the sea, a remarkable journey of Ho Chi Minh City University of Law quietly began. More than 400 officers and employees of the University set out together for Cam Ranh – Nha Trang in a teambuilding program commemorating two significant milestones: the 50th anniversary of the University’s proud tradition (1976–2026) and the 30th anniversary of its official name, Ho Chi Minh City University of Law. Over the course of three days by the sea, what unfolded was far more than a retreat or a routine bonding activity. It became an inspiring journey where camaraderie, aspiration for growth, and deep pride in a shared academic home were rekindled with vibrant energy.
From the early morning of March 6, the gathering point was filled with warmth and anticipation. Smiles, firm handshakes, and heartfelt greetings animated the atmosphere as buses departed in succession, carrying the excitement of a community embarking together on a memorable expedition. Along the road to Cam Ranh, laughter echoed through the vehicles, games and conversations flowed naturally, and the miles seemed to pass almost unnoticed. More than a journey across geography, it was an opportunity for colleagues—who typically met in lecture halls, offices, or meeting rooms—to grow closer, to rediscover one another beyond professional roles, and to share simple yet meaningful moments of fellowship.
Later that afternoon, once the delegation had settled into the seaside resort in Cam Ranh, the Town Hall session commenced in a spirit of openness and vitality. This gathering served as one of the intellectual highlights of the journey—a space where members of the ULAW community reflected on the institution’s path of development while envisioning its future trajectory. Strategic directions for the University were presented not merely as institutional objectives, but as an invitation for every individual to participate in shaping a stronger and more dynamic ULAW. From the ideas captured on vision boards to the animated discussions unfolding within each group, the prevailing sentiment was unmistakable: a shared belief in collective intelligence and a determination to co-create the University’s next chapter.
The overarching concept of this year’s program was encapsulated in the theme “Living Bonds”—a celebration of living connections. The bamboo tree was chosen as the central symbol, evoking timeless values deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture: integrity, communal strength, and resilient vitality. Just as bamboo shoots grow upward from a common root system, the ULAW community was envisioned as a unified intellectual ecosystem, where each individual forms an essential link in the University’s collective progress. The successive bamboo nodes mirror the generations of faculty members, officers, and alumni who have contributed to the institution—continuing its traditions, enriching its scholarship, and sustaining the enduring strength of a leading law school.
If the first day was devoted to reflection and strategic dialogue, the second day of the journey erupted with vibrant energy and emotion. At dawn, as the first light touched the horizon, the delegation traveled to the iconic April 2 Square to stage a remarkable synchronized performance titled “Living Bonds.” Beneath the morning sun, more than 400 participants formed a striking living tableau by arranging themselves into the formation “ULAW 50.” The moment transcended the significance of a commemorative photograph; it stood as a powerful symbol of unity, marking half a century of institutional development and expressing the University’s aspiration to reach new heights in the decades ahead.
Following this vibrant display, the delegation continued to the Gạc Ma Soldiers Memorial Site, a solemn place honoring those who sacrificed their lives in defense of Vietnam’s maritime sovereignty. In the quiet dignity of the memorial space, members of the ULAW community paid tribute with profound respect, commemorating the fallen heroes who had devoted their youth to the nation. The reflective atmosphere deepened everyone’s awareness of the value of peace, civic responsibility, and the broader mission of serving society—principles that lie at the very heart of the legal profession.
Later that afternoon, the beaches of Cam Ranh transformed into an arena of laughter, teamwork, and spirited competition. Teambuilding games unfolded with enthusiasm, testing coordination, endurance, and creativity among the teams. Professors accustomed to lecterns and lesson plans, along with administrative staff usually immersed in their offices, found themselves sprinting across the sand, cheering for their teammates, and celebrating shared victories. In those moments, distinctions between departments, generations, and professional roles seemed to dissolve, replaced by a sense of collective joy and belonging.
The evening Gala Night brought the day’s vibrant activities to a graceful close in an atmosphere of warmth and celebration. Beneath the glow of stage lights, artistic performances, humorous exchanges, and heartfelt reflections created a sense of intimacy and camaraderie. Applause filled the hall, laughter echoed across the room, and spontaneous embraces reinforced a sentiment widely shared among participants: ULAW is not merely a workplace—it is truly a community, even a family.
The final day of the journey unfolded with a quieter yet equally meaningful rhythm. On the road to Nha Trang, the delegation paused at the location envisioned for a future ULAW campus in the region. This brief stop symbolized more than a geographic point on the map; it offered a glimpse into the University’s long-term vision for expansion and academic development. The group then attended the celebrated “Chum Show” at the renowned Nhà hát Đó—an artistic performance that captures the cultural essence of Khánh Hòa through the harmonious interplay of Cham, Central Highlands, and Kinh traditions.
Within the same program, the University also celebrated International Women’s Day on March 8. Bouquets of fresh flowers and heartfelt wishes were presented to the University’s female officers, lecturers, and staff members—gracefully described as the “flowers” of ULAW. Their dedication and contributions have long been integral to the institution’s development. The moment, simple yet deeply meaningful, reflected the University’s respect and appreciation for the quiet perseverance and commitment that these women bring to their professional lives.
Three days passed swiftly, yet the memories forged during the journey linger vividly in the hearts of all who took part. From lively conversations on the buses and animated discussions during workshops to laughter on the beaches and moments of reflection at the Gạc Ma memorial, each experience added a meaningful layer to a profoundly emotional voyage. The journey not only strengthened the bonds within the ULAW community but also renewed the collective energy and confidence needed for the road ahead.
Against the sweeping backdrop of Cam Ranh’s sea and sky, the image of more than 400 individuals forming the words “ULAW 50” emerged as a striking symbol. It represented unity, pride in a distinguished legacy, and the aspiration to reach even greater horizons. As the buses eventually made their way back to Ho Chi Minh City, every participant carried home a shared conviction: that through the spirit of “Living Bonds,” the ULAW community will continue to write luminous new chapters in the journey of a law university rising toward a new global stature.
Prepared by the Department of Communications and Enterprise Relation