50th Anniversary of UEH Foundation at the Unit Level – School of Tourism: A journey of pioneering, connection, and innovation

30 Jul, 2026

On the morning of July 23, 2026, the School of Tourism at the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) solemnly organized the 50th Anniversary celebration of UEH foundation at the unit level. This was an opportunity for the faculty and staff of the School to look back at their journey of formation and development, express gratitude to individuals and collectives who have stood by them along the way, and reaffirm their determination to continue innovating and enhancing the quality of education and research in a new phase of development.

Originating from the Department of Tourism under the Faculty of Commerce - Tourism - Marketing, the School of Tourism was officially established on 1 July 2015. Over 11 years of formation and development, the School of Tourism has step by step affirmed its position as a reputable training and research unit in the fields of tourism, hospitality and services. With a development orientation towards international standards, the School continuously innovates its training programmes, promotes scientific research and expands cooperation with businesses and with domestic and international organisations in order to meet the increasingly high demands of the labour market.

An overview of the ceremony

Throughout its development journey, the School has remained steadfast in its mission of training high-quality human resources with professional competence, innovative thinking and the ability to adapt to changes in the tourism industry in the context of digital transformation, international integration and sustainable development. The achievements attained are the crystallisation of the efforts of many generations of leaders, lecturers, staff and learners, together with the valuable support of partners and businesses.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Nguyễn Đức Trí - Dean of the School of Tourism looked back on the important milestones in the School’s construction and development, while expressing his deep gratitude to the UEH leadership over successive periods, to generations of lecturers and staff, alumni, businesses and partners who have always accompanied and contributed to the development of the School of Tourism. At the same time, he shared the School’s development direction for the coming period, with a focus on continuing to innovate training programmes, strengthen applied research, enhance international cooperation and connect with businesses in order to raise training quality and meet the development requirements of the tourism industry in the new context.

Dr. Nguyễn Đức Trí - Dean of the UEH School of Tourism speaks at the ceremony

In particular, one of the highlights of the ceremony was the presentation of a commemorative emblem to Dr. Nguyễn Đức Trí - Dean of the School of Tourism, in recognition of his contributions over 37 years devoted to the cause of education and training. Throughout his career, he has made many contributions to teaching, scientific research, faculty development and, in particular, to the establishment and growth of the School of Tourism. His efforts and dedication have contributed to the School’s development while leaving a strong mark on training and research work and on his accompaniment of many generations of learners and lecturers.

Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Đông Phong - Chairman of the Development Strategy Council and Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Khắc Quốc Bảo - Vice President present the commemorative emblem to Dr. Nguyễn Đức Trí - Dean of the School of Tourism

The anniversary ceremony was also an occasion for generations of leaders, lecturers, alumni and students to meet and look back on memorable milestones in the School’s development journey. Stories about the profession, memories tied to the University and reflections shared by alumni and partners all contributed to a warm, close-knit and deeply moving atmosphere.

Ms. Nguyễn Hồng Thắm - Human Resources Director of The Reverie Saigon hotel and alumna of Cohort 27 of the School of Tourism shares her reflections at the ceremony

Alongside the activities of gratitude and connection, the ceremony was also an occasion to recognise milestones in the development of the School of Tourism’s faculty. At the programme, the School honoured 3 lecturers who had just completed their doctoral programmes: Dr. Nguyễn Thị Hồng Ngọc, Dr. Lê Hữu Nghĩa and Dr. Lê Phương Giao Linh. This was a recognition of their study, research and professional development, while also adding to the School’s pool of high-quality human resources.

The new doctorate holders of the UEH School of Tourism

At the same time, the School of Tourism also welcomed three new staff members officially joining the School, including: Dr. Bùi Trọng Tiến Bảo, Dr. Trần Thị Kim Phương, and Dr. Nguyễn Minh Bình Phương. The addition of young staff with professional expertise and enthusiasm is expected to bring fresh perspectives and add momentum to training, research and community engagement activities.

The new staff members of the UEH School of Tourism

At the ceremony, the Alumni Liaison Board of the UEH School of Tourism was officially launched, with the following membership: Mr. Nguyễn Hữu Y Yên - Member of the Standing Committee of the Party Committee of Saigontourist Group, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the Members’ Council of Saigontourist Travel Service Company Limited, serving as Head of the Liaison Board; MSc. Đoàn Đức Minh - Vice Dean of the School of Tourism, serving as Deputy Head of the Liaison Board; Ms. Vũ Nguyễn Thanh Thảo, serving as Secretary of the Board, together with 06 other alumni from various cohorts joining as members.

The establishment of the Alumni Liaison Board of the UEH School of Tourism marks an important step forward in building and developing the alumni network, aiming to strengthen connections across generations, promote career networking, share experience and accompany the School’s development. It will serve as a lasting bridge between alumni, students, lecturers and businesses, helping to spread the values of the UEH School of Tourism community and create more opportunities for cooperation in training, research and community service in the time to come.

MSc. Phan Ngọc Anh - Deputy Head of the Department of Communications and Partnership Development, Secretary General of UEH Alumni, announces the decision to establish the Alumni Liaison Board of the UEH School of Tourism

The launch of the members of the Alumni Liaison Board of the UEH School of Tourism

With 11 years now behind it, the UEH School of Tourism sets new goals for the journey ahead: raising training quality, strengthening research capacity, expanding cooperation with businesses and international organisations, and promoting community service activities.

On the foundation it has built, and in a spirit of solidarity, innovation and creativity, the School of Tourism will continue to build on the values it has created, constantly improving the quality of its activities and contributing actively to the development of the tourism, hospitality and services sector, affirming its role as one of UEH’s reputable training units.