Tuoi Tre Online: University President Tells Students at Opening Ceremony: “The Capacity for Self-Directed Learning Enables Us to Go Far”
Learn to understand, conduct research to discover, and ask meaningful questions. Do not merely look for ready-made answers.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Trong Dao, President of Ton Duc Thang University, shared this message with more than 7,000 doctoral candidates, postgraduate students, and undergraduate students at the University’s opening ceremony on the morning of September 5.
According to him, universities today cannot merely transmit knowledge and prepare learners for a profession.
Universities must help learners develop the capacity for lifelong learning, scientific thinking, technological mastery, and innovation. They must enable learners to conduct research, adapt to change, and address emerging real-world challenges while cultivating ethics, discipline, social responsibility, and the aspiration to contribute.
Artificial intelligence is profoundly transforming how people learn, conduct research, and work. Many professions will be reshaped, new jobs will emerge, and the knowledge acquired today may need to be updated as early as tomorrow.
“Therefore, the most important thing a university can provide is not merely a body of knowledge or a degree. It must be the capacity for lifelong learning, research, and creativity; independent thinking; the courage to make choices; and the ability to take charge of change. Knowledge helps us begin, but it is the capacity for self-directed learning and personal resilience that enable us to go far,” the President added.
Elaborating on the University’s development direction, Dr. Dao said that in response to the call for breakthroughs in education and training, science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, and international integration, the University would introduce significant changes during the new academic year.
Accordingly, the University will continue to enhance its curricula and teaching methods; develop a digital education ecosystem through the application of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies in teaching, learning, research, and governance; and strengthen the links between education, scientific research, innovation, industry, and social practice.
Addressing the University’s learners, the President urged them to learn in order to understand, conduct research in order to discover, and ask meaningful questions.
Do not merely look for ready-made answers. Develop critical thinking and learn to apply knowledge in practice. Master technology without becoming dependent on it. Transform knowledge into action and meaningful contributions.
“The University provides you with a rigorous academic environment, opportunities for development, and dedicated mentors and companions. However, the University cannot study for you, conduct research for you, or decide your future on your behalf. The outcome of every journey is determined first and foremost by each person’s initiative, effort, discipline, and responsibility,” Dr. Dao said.
At the opening ceremony, Ton Duc Thang University also received a Certificate of Merit from the Ministry of Public Security, awarded to the University’s staff and lecturers for their outstanding achievements in the 2025 All-People Movement for National Security Protection.
Source: Tuoi Tre Online.
