This time three years ago, my friends and I were all confused: Which university we would we apply for? Which major would we choose? etc. Then the National High School Graduation Examination happened. After so much thought, I decided to apply for the Bachelor of International Business in the Faculty of Business Administration at Ton Duc Thang University (TDTU) as a place to nurture my dream.

When choosing something, we will definitely regret other things. But it is important to make an effort to prove that your choice is right. Today, at a corner of the University yard, seeing the students submit their applications, I recall my memories and want to share my feelings about this University!

1. Taking care of the learners

The place that I have gone through countless times but why can’t I tell its beauty? To me, TDTU deserves a green space in the heart of the city as I have always said "the City grows in the forest". The harmonious combination of landscape and construction creates delicate and gentle beauty for the University.

The University facilities for learning, sports and entertainment can be proudly said to be the most modern and complete in Vietnam. Each small corner here is always meticulously taken care of, which implies that how much care the students receive from the University. I am sure there is no other place equipped with great comfort at such a low cost. Acknowledging this, TDTU students are aware of preserving the University facilities, which is how we express our gratitude for our teachers' dedication.

 

Sports and entertainment are indispensable for the purpose of comprehensive human development. TDTU has changed my thought about a standard university, instead of just focusing on the lesson. And that is the general trend of international universities.
For me, going up from zero and having such a significant achievement is absolutely extraordinary in the context of Vietnam.

2. Listen and innovate

It is certain that TDTU is a very young university compared to other famous universities in Vietnam, so the shortcomings are normal. However, I respect and appreciate that the lecturers here welcome their students' comments/ feedback. An environment in which my voice is heard and valued makes me motivated to learn and contribute.
Innovation for creativity is the University's guiding principle. Innovation is crucial to be more efficient and shorten the gap with the world. These are the invisible things that the students learn to confidently step into life in an era where change is happening quickly.

 

A lecturer shared with me, “In foreign countries, industry inherits the research results of universities, while in Vietnam, universities try to keep up with the development of industry.” At TDTU, every time we- students- have a meeting with the University leader, I hear: “The difference between college and school is in creating new knowledge. Without scientific research, the university is viewed as a high school.

Therefore, every problem comes from thinking. TDTU's strong development today is due to right thinking from the beginning. And it is more wonderful when that mindset is transmitted through generations of students. The results have proved that TDTU is always a leader in scientific research and innovation for Vietnamese education.

3. Ethics and the spirit of serving

I assume University is the place that only provides knowledge, while ethics and discipline are personal consciousness. On my first day at TDTU, I was surprised that nearly 5000 of our freshment students were delivered the three moral tasks: Learning to compensate for what their parents have done for them, being disciplined and respecting the law and for the sake of the group. I am most impressed with the theme, “Ethics-Wisdom-Courage: three roots of success”. From the University's perspective, morality and personality are the most fundamental foundation of human. Especially in the context of many social evils today, moral education for students is urgent. In this respect, it can be seen that despite promoting international integration, TDTU has always maintained traditional cultural values.

 

Known as the first autonomous University in the Vietnamese higher education system, TDTU did not receive any state budget. On the contrary, it contributed to the state budget so far more than VND 2.200 billion. After all, every development effort of this University is not for the benefit of any individual, but for the society development. I believe that, if this model of university autonomy is replicated, the state budget spending on universities will reduce and the state property will increase. And that is also the motto for all lecturers, officers and students of TDTU proposed by the President: 

"Nothing is more honorable than the spirit of serving the country"

On the occasion of summarizing the two 5-year plans (the First and the Second Plan), the University has set a goal to become an elite research university in the world's top 800 universities by August 2024. With the successful model of a university autonomy, I am confident that the goal is completely feasible for TDTU. TDTU will even go further. The dream of a Vietnamese university to be enrolled in the world-famous university map is no longer farfetched!

TDTU is 22 years old, reaching out to the world, I sit here and write down these feelings at the age of 22, promising to bring the essence of this place together with the enthusiasm of the youth to come to life! And I have proven that my decision 3 years ago is absolutely right!

Nguyễn Phúc Huy
The 3rd year student of the International Business major
Ton Duc Thang University