"The Border Spring": Spreading Social Responsibility and Strengthening Cooperation Between Vietnam's Two Leading Economics Universities

14 Apr, 2026

In commemoration of the 51st anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2026), and in celebration of the 70th founding anniversary of the National Economics University (NEU) and the 50th founding anniversary of the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH), the "Border Spring" 2026 program was organized from April 10 to April 12, 2026, with the aim of strengthening the solidarity between the military and the people, and sharing love and care with the soldiers guarding the nation's frontiers.

The "Border Spring" program was executed by the National Economics University (NEU) and the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) at the Border Guard Post of Pa Tan Commune, Lai Chau Province

The program was honored by the presence and welcome of leaders at various levels. Representing the Provincial Border Guard Post were Colonel Le Cong Thanh - Standing Committee Member and Deputy Political Commissar of the Lai Chau Provincial Border Guard Command; and Lieutenant Colonel Ngo Van Phuong - Party Secretary and Political Officer of the Pa Tan Border Guard Post.

Representing local authorities were Comrade Lu Van Quan - Provincial Party Committee Member, Party Secretary, and Chairman of the Pa Tan Commune People's Council; and Comrade Nguyen Van Giap - Deputy Party Secretary and Chairman of the Pa Tan Commune People's Committee; along with Standing Committee Members of the Party Committee, representative leaders of agencies, units, armed forces, and the Principals of Kindergarten, Primary, and Secondary Schools in Pa Tan Commune.

Representing the working delegation, from the National Economics University (NEU) were Dr. Nguyen Huu Dong - Chairman of the Trade Union; Assoc. Prof. Bui Duc Trieu - Chairman of the Veterans' Association; Dr. Bui Duc Dung - Head of the General Affairs Department; Mr. Hoang Thi Hong Dinh - Deputy Chief of the Party and Mass Organizations Office; and Dr. Vu Tri Tuan - Secretary of the Youth Union.

From the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) were Dr. Nguyen Thien Duy - Chairman of the Trade Union; Comrade Nguyen Manh Tuyen - Chairman of the Veterans' Association; and Comrade Tran Huu Loc - Deputy Secretary of the Youth Union.

Colonel Le Cong Thanh - Standing Committee Member and Deputy Political Commissar of the Lai Chau Provincial Border Guard Command speaks at the event

Comrade Lu Van Quan - Provincial Party Committee Member, Party Secretary, and Chairman of the Pa Tan Commune People's Council speaks at the event

Dr. Nguyen Thien Duy - Chairman of the UEH Trade Union, representing the NEU-UEH working delegation, delivering remarks at the program

Within the framework of the program, the working delegation collaborated with the local Party Committee, local authorities, and the Pa Tan Border Guard Post to organize a series of deeply meaningful activities. These activities not only represented practical actions to motivate and strengthen the spirit of the border soldiers, enabling them to stand firm, hold their ground, and resolutely protect the nation's sacred sovereignty, but also served as timely and responsible support to help teachers and students in the area overcome countless hardships, thereby sustaining and spreading the light of knowledge in remote and disadvantaged communities.

At the borderland of Pa Tan, the working delegation carried out numerous practical activities with a total budget of 110 million VND, contributed by staff, employees, and political and social organizations of both institutions. The highlight of the journey was the handover of a 1.5 km civic street lighting system, helping to illuminate village roads, improve living conditions, and ensure the safety of local residents. In addition, the delegation presented 6 street light poles and 1 television set to the Pa Tan Commune Border Guard Post to improve the cultural and spiritual life of officers and soldiers on duty.

The working delegation presents the "Border Land Street Lighting" project

The UEH working delegation presents 50 million VND as part of the "Border Spring" program at the Pa Tan Border Guard Post

The NEU working delegation presents 50 million VND as part of the "Border Spring" program at the Pa Tan Border Guard Post

Education was also given special priority, as the delegation presented 4 televisions to support teaching at Pa Tan Primary and Kindergarten Schools, along with 10 gift packages for academically resilient students from disadvantaged backgrounds and 10 gift packages for children under the foster care of the Border Guard Post. The care and responsibility of both institutions were further affirmed through a contribution of 10 million VND to the "Border Guard Post Foster Children" and "Steps to School" programs, reflecting a long-term commitment to accompanying the younger generation in highland communities on their journey toward education.

Presenting 4 televisions to support teaching at Pa Tan Primary and Kindergarten Schools

Presenting 20 gift packages to academically resilient students from disadvantaged backgrounds and children under the foster care of the Pa Tan Commune Border Guard Post

The emotionally moving journey came to a close with a commemorative tree-planting activity at the Pa Tan Border Guard Post - a symbol of sustainable development and the enduring bond between the steadfast home front and the resolute frontline. The program's success was made possible by the invaluable support of the Pa Tan Party Committee and the Border Guard Post in ensuring that all projects were carried out safely and effectively. Through this, "Border Spring" stands not merely as a commemorative event but as an affirmation of the pioneering role of both universities in connecting knowledge with social responsibility, thereby making a positive contribution to the sustainable development of the nation.