The UEH-International School of Business (UEH-ISB), University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City, has been officially elevated to UEH Honours College (UEH.ISB)
14 Jul, 2025
On July 12, 2025, at Hall B1.302, the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) held the official launching ceremony of the UEH Honours College (UEH.ISB). The event not only affirmed UEH’s strategic commitment to elevating the quality of education but also introduced a distinctive educational model that empowers learners to discover and cultivate their intrinsic potential. From this foundation, the College aspires to promote holistic development and generate a lasting, positive impact on the community.
Pioneering Vietnam’s First Honours College – A Talent Development Model That Cultivates Inner Strength for Breakthroughs
After 15 years of development under a fully international education model, the UEH-International School of Business (UEH-ISB), under the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH), has officially transformed into the UEH Honours College (UEH.ISB). This marks a strategic turning point that introduces a new educational philosophy - one that transcends the traditional notion of “academic excellence” to focus on cultivating inner strength as a foundation for breakthrough personal growth and meaningful societal contribution.
UEH-ISB is an integral part of the academic ecosystem of the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH), where each unit fulfills a distinct strategic role. The launch of the UEH Honours College (UEH.ISB) signifies a bold transition from an international education institute to a cradle for global leadership - developing individuals who are grounded in Vietnamese values and equipped with an international mindset.
The 15-Year Journey of the International School of Business (ISB)
Over the past 15 years, the International School of Business (ISB) has firmly established itself as a pioneer in delivering fully English-medium academic programs, ranging from Bachelor's to Master's and Doctoral levels. With more than 7,000 graduates - most of whom are now working at major corporations and multinational enterprises - ISB has made its mark through the quality of its teaching, a distinguished faculty, and strong partnerships with leading universities in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and beyond.
ISB’s academic programs have been accredited by internationally recognized organizations such as FIBAA (Europe) and CPA Australia. In addition, ISB is an official member of the Consortium for Undergraduate International Business Education (CUIBE), a prestigious U.S.-based global association of top-tier international business education institutions.
Prof. Dr. Nguyen Dong Phong – Chair of the UEH Council – delivered a speech at the launching ceremony of the UEH Honours College (UEH.ISB), sharing strategic directions and expectations for the College’s new phase of development.
Prof. Dr. Nguyen Dong Phong – Chair of the UEH Council; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Ha Minh Quan – Rector of the UEH Honours College (UEH.ISB); Prof. Dr. Su Dinh Thanh – President of UEH; and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Quang Hung – Vice President of UEH, together commemorated a proud new chapter in the development journey of the UEH Honours College (UEH.ISB).
These proud achievements stand as testament to UEH’s well-grounded internationalization strategy, while also reflecting the unwavering dedication of the entire faculty, staff, and student community at ISB. The official establishment of the UEH Honours College (UEH.ISB) represents a strategic milestone toward building the first honours college in Vietnam - a place committed to nurturing outstanding students who aspire to holistic development and are driven to create positive value for society.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Phuong Thao – Vice Rector of the UEH Honours College (UEH.ISB) – together with outstanding students of ISB.
Inheriting the Vietnamese Inner Strength of UEH
In a rapidly changing world, young people today require more than just academic knowledge - they need resilient inner strength to adapt, grow, and lead. This inner strength forms the very root of one’s breakthroughs and transformation. Such strength is inherited and nurtured through a liberal arts education, where learning is not confined to the accumulation of knowledge, but is instead a journey of personal development and self-mastery.
Rooted in UEH’s educational philosophy, the “Temple of Learning” affirms the central role of the learner in every stage of development. In this environment, knowledge is actively constructed, and inner strength is forged through independent learning, self-discovery, and the continuous push beyond personal limits.
By combining UEH’s foundation of Vietnamese resilience with ISB’s international academic standards, the UEH Honours College (UEH.ISB) is dedicated to high-achieving students who aspire to grow through the philosophy of “Breakthrough from Within.” This philosophy is embodied in three core values:
+ Illumination: Knowledge is awakened through active, self-directed learning.
+ Stability: Inner strength is cultivated through resilience, determination, and foundational critical thinking.
+ Breakthrough: Students are not only equipped to meet global standards, but also empowered to create meaningful, positive impact on society.
Strategic Development Plan of the UEH Honours College (UEH.ISB) for the 2025–2030 Period
From 2025 to 2030 and beyond, the UEH Honours College(UEH.ISB) is firmly committed to implementing four key strategic pillars:
1. Differentiated Academic Strategy:
UEH.ISB will develop undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs aligned with international accreditation standards such as AACSB. The College will also expand dual-degree offerings, launch Elite Master programs, and promote industry-integrated doctoral tracks (Industrial PhD).
2. Internationalization Strategy:
The College aims to broaden its academic network by partnering with institutions ranked among the world's Top 100 universities. It will strengthen research collaborations, host international academic conferences, and increase international student enrollment.
3. Employability and Career Integration Strategy:
UEH.ISB is dedicated to enhancing students’ professional capabilities through the ISB Leadership Program. It will further intensify engagement with enterprises, industry associations, and alumni through initiatives such as Career Hub, seminars, talk shows, personalized coaching, and hands-on career development activities.
4. Branding and Identity Strategy:
The College will unify its brand identity system to amplify the “Honours College” image through consistent use of logos, slogans, color palettes, and integrated communication materials across all platforms.
Visual Identity as a Reflection of Educational Philosophy
Aligned with its new positioning, the UEH Honours College (UEH.ISB) has officially introduced its brand identity system, aiming to visually embody the school’s enduring educational philosophy and developmental vision.
The logo is inspired by the Khue Van Pavilion - the iconic gateway of the Temple of Literature in Hanoi, a long-standing symbol of wisdom and scholarly tradition in Vietnam. At the heart of the logo lies the letter “I,” representing the individual learner - the center of all education and the origin of every personal growth journey. It symbolizes the resilient and humble self: steadfast, introspective, and committed to continuous learning and self-cultivation.
From composition to concept, the new identity is not merely a graphic element - it is a visual manifesto of the “Temple of Learning” philosophy that the institution upholds and aspires to bring to life.
A Defining Moment Marking the Strategic Transformation of the UEH Honours College (UEH.ISB)
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Ha Minh Quan – Rector of the UEH Honours College (UEH.ISB) – shared: “Temple of Learning is not merely a teaching philosophy; it is our solemn commitment to accompany each student on their journey of ‘Breakthrough from Within.’”
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Phuong Thao – Vice Rector of the UEH Honours College (UEH.ISB) – emphasized: “The four-year undergraduate journey at the UEH College of Honours is a transformative period during which students cultivate inner strength, develop foundational competencies, and gradually grow into value-driven leaders for a sustainable society.”
Prof. Dr. Nguyen Dong Phong – Chair of the UEH Council – affirmed: “With a clear strategic orientation and concrete actions, I firmly believe that the UEH Honours College (UEH.ISB) will not only serve as a hub for outstanding students, but also become a launching pad for future leaders and talented Vietnamese entrepreneurs - thereby contributing to the advancement of human capital and enhancing Vietnam’s higher education profile on the global stage. The College will also attract international students seeking a rigorous academic environment and a place to build their careers. As the leadership of the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City, we are committed to enabling UEH.ISB to thrive further as a bold and future-oriented institution - one that nurtures generations of Vietnamese students who are proud, proactive, driven, and globally engaged in building a prosperous Vietnam.”
Commemorative Photo Session with Distinguished Guests and Participants
Pillars: Education – Governance – Community Engagement
News and Photos: UEH Honours College (UEH.ISB)
