In celebration of its 50th anniversary of tradition (1976–2026) and the 30th anniversary of adopting the name Ho Chi Minh City University of Law (1996–2026), Ho Chi Minh City University of Law (ULAW) organized a series of flagship events, including an Alumni Gala and the official Anniversary Ceremony at Hoa Binh Theatre. Seamlessly integrated, these two programs formed a continuous narrative—linking memory, amplifying values, affirming institutional stature, and shaping a forward-looking vision.
Connecting memory – Amplifying values: ULAW Alumni Gala
The Alumni Gala served as a distinguished convergence of generations, bringing together more than 400 alumni—graduates, postgraduates, and doctoral holders—alongside faculty members and staff from different periods of the University’s history. It stood as a space where collective memory and institutional continuity were both revisited and revitalized.
The event space was thoughtfully designed as an immersive, multi-layered experience, featuring interactive timeline installations, cohort-based check-in areas, and memory touchpoints. These elements enabled participants to retrace ULAW’s developmental journey in parallel with their own personal and professional trajectories. On stage, a documentary chronicling the University’s 50-year evolution, combined with artistic performances and interactive segments, created a deeply resonant emotional atmosphere.
The vibrant atmosphere of the ULAW Alumni Gala for reunion and networking at the Long Phước campus
The Gala welcomed the return of more than 400 alumni across generations
The spirit of “pride in being a ULAW graduate” was powerfully conveyed through a dedicated thematic video and further institutionalized through the launch of the ULAW Link alumni platform—a strategic initiative aimed at sustaining and strengthening an enduring alumni network.
The banquet setting fostered warm reunions and meaningful exchanges across generations. A range of significant activities were organized, including the introduction of a Startup Fund, scholarship awards, cultural performances, and a Lucky Draw program. Notably, a fundraising auction successfully mobilized VND 494 million for the Student Support Fund, contributing to the assistance of disadvantaged students and the advancement of student-led innovation and entrepreneurial initiatives.
The University’s leadership attended the Gala
Alumni across generations shared deeply moving and emotional moments
In his remarks at the Gala, Dr. Lê Trường Sơn, Rector of the University, shared a deeply personal and reflective account of his journey with ULAW—from his early days as a student to his current leadership role. He emphasized that regardless of generational differences or professional positions, all alumni share a common point of origin, and it is precisely their achievements that collectively shape the University’s reputation and brand. The Rector expressed profound gratitude to generations of faculty and alumni, while also voicing his expectation that the alumni community will continue to accompany and contribute to ULAW’s development in the years ahead.
Dr. Lê Trường Sơn, Rector of Ho Chi Minh City University of Law, delivered the opening remarks
ULAW alumni collectives, together with partners, organizations, enterprises, institutes, and courts, presented valuable scholarship contributions to the ULAW Student Support Fund
Affirming stature – Reaching toward the future: Anniversary Ceremony at Hoa Binh Theatre
Building upon the emotional continuity of the Gala, the 50th Anniversary Celebration and the 30th anniversary of the University’s official name were solemnly held at Hoa Binh Theatre, with the presence of leaders of the Communist Party and the State, representatives of ministries, central and local authorities, partners, as well as generations of ULAW’s leadership, faculty, and learners.
Delegates performed the flag salute and sang the National Anthem
The atmosphere of the ceremony commemorating the 50th anniversary of tradition and the 30th anniversary of adopting the name Ho Chi Minh City University of Law at Hòa Bình Theatre
The program was meticulously orchestrated with solemn ceremonial elements, opening with the National Anthem and artistically expressive performances. In his keynote address, Dr. Lê Trường Sơn revisited the University’s 50-year trajectory as a journey marked by perseverance, resilience, and steady advancement, culminating in its recognition as a key national institution for legal education. On this foundation, the University has articulated a development orientation toward a multidisciplinary, research-oriented model, positioning law at its core while integrating closely with economics, technology, and governance, alongside a strong commitment to digital transformation.
Dr. Lê Trường Sơn, Rector of Ho Chi Minh City University of Law, delivered the opening address
In his address, Mr. Hồ Quốc Dũng, Member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Viet Nam, Member of the Standing Committee of the Government Party Committee, and Deputy Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, commended and highly appreciated ULAW’s outstanding achievements over the past half-century. He underscored the University’s pivotal role in training high-quality legal human resources, making direct contributions to the development and refinement of the socialist rule-of-law State of Viet Nam. The Deputy Prime Minister also emphasized the imperative for comprehensive innovation in education, research, and digital transformation, urging the University to continue asserting its role as a key legal education institution and to pioneer emerging interdisciplinary fields.
Mr. Hồ Quốc Dũng – Member of the Party Central Committee, Member of the Standing Committee of the Government Party Committee, Deputy Prime Minister – delivered remarks at the ceremony
From the perspective of the education sector, Mr. Hoàng Minh Sơn, Member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Viet Nam and Acting Minister of Education and Training, affirmed that ULAW has achieved comprehensive and robust development in terms of scale, training quality, and scientific research. He highlighted the need for continued curricular innovation along modern, interdisciplinary, and internationally integrated lines; the enhancement of faculty quality; the strengthening of research linked to policy advisory functions—particularly in emerging legal domains such as digital technology, data, and the digital economy; as well as the advancement of modern university governance aligned with autonomy and digital transformation.
Mr. Hoàng Minh Sơn – Member of the Party Central Committee, Acting Minister of Education and Training – delivered remarks at the ceremony
A notable highlight of the ceremony was the conferment of the Second-Class Labour Order—a prestigious decoration awarded by the Party and the State in recognition of the University’s outstanding contributions. In addition, numerous collectives and individuals were honored with State-level and ministerial commendations, acknowledging their exemplary achievements in education, research, and institutional management.
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The ceremony for conferring the Second-Class Labor Order upon Ho Chi Minh City University of Law
Numerous outstanding collectives and individuals of ULAW were conferred State- and Ministerial-level commendations, recognizing their remarkable efforts and achievements in education, research, and governance
Within the framework of the ceremony, the “Legal Elite Award 2026” was conferred upon four distinguished individuals:
- Professor Dr. Sc. Đào Trí Úc, former Director of the Institute of State and Law – Creativity Award
- Associate Professor Dr. Hà Hùng Cường, former Minister of Justice – Dedication Award
- Professor Dr. Võ Khánh Vinh, former Vice President of the Viet Nam Academy of Social Sciences – Achievement Award
- Professor Dr. Đỗ Văn Đại, Vice Rector of Ho Chi Minh City University of Law – Excellence in Institution-Building Award
Selected through a rigorous process from hundreds of nominations nationwide, the Award not only honors outstanding individuals but also contributes to shaping a prestigious benchmark for the Vietnamese legal community in the context of international integration.
Prof. Dr. Võ Khánh Vinh, former Vice President of the Viet Nam Academy of Social Sciences, was honored in the Achievement category of the “Legal Elite Award 2026” at the ceremony
Prof. Dr. Sc. Đào Trí Úc, former Director of the Institute of State and Law, was honored in the Creativity category of the “Legal Elite Award 2026” at the ceremony
Associate Prof. Dr. Hà Hùng Cường, former Minister of Justice, was honored in the Dedication category of the “Legal Elite Award 2026” at the ceremony. As he was unable to attend in person to receive the award, he sent a letter of appreciation to the program
Prof. Dr. Đỗ Văn Đại, Vice Rector of Ho Chi Minh City University of Law, was honored in the Excellence in Institution-Building category of the “Legal Elite Award 2026” at the ceremony
The ceremony concluded in a solemn and proud atmosphere with artistic performances, expressions of gratitude, and commemorative photography, leaving a profound and lasting impression.
Mr. Dương Ngọc Hải – former Member of the Standing Committee of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee, former Permanent Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee; Prof. Dr. Mai Hồng Quỳ, Meritorious Teacher – former Secretary of the Party Committee and former Rector of Ho Chi Minh City University of Law; Mr. Võ Văn Phúc, M.A. – former Secretary of the Party Committee and former Vice Rector of Ho Chi Minh City University of Law attended the ceremony
Delegates took commemorative photographs at the ceremony
Generations of leadership of Ho Chi Minh City University of Law took commemorative photographs at the ceremony
Continuing tradition – Advancing toward the future
From the Alumni Gala to the official Anniversary Ceremony, ULAW’s 50-year commemorative series has portrayed a comprehensive journey—where the past is honored, the present is affirmed, and the future is envisioned. It is not merely an occasion to reflect upon the path traversed, but also a meaningful connection between generations, between tradition and aspiration.
Half a century has been a journey of knowledge, justice, and dedicated service to society. On this foundation, ULAW now enters a new phase of development with confidence, aspiration, and responsibility—continuing to pioneer in legal education and research, contributing to the building of the rule-of-law State of Viet Nam, and progressively advancing toward regional and international standing.
“Honouring tradition – Shaping the future” is not merely a commemorative theme, but a resolute commitment to the road ahead—where ULAW will continue to write the enduring epic of Vietnamese legal scholarship through knowledge, integrity, and responsibility.
Prepared by: Department of Communications and Enterprise Relation