UEH Freshmen Welcome Cultural Festival – Cohort 52 “Nối vòng tay lớn 2026”: OUTSTRIDE

28 Sep, 2026

On September 19–20, 2026, a series of welcoming activities for UEH's Cohort 52 freshmen took place across UEH campuses, attracting over 6,000 student attendances through a wide range of interactive activities, experiences, and networking opportunities. Under the theme OUTSTRIDE – Breaking Boundaries and Making Your Mark, the event extended a warm welcome to new students, marking the beginning of their university journey with diverse, engaging, and meaningful experiences that fostered a sense of connection and belonging.

UEH students capture memorable moments together at Noi Vong Tay Lon 2026

A vibrant opening ceremony featuring meaningful gifts to support students

On September 19, 2026, the opening ceremony of Noi Vong Tay Lon 2026 took place in the B1 lobby at UEH's Campus B, filling the venue with excitement and enthusiasm. The Freshman Welcome Festival came alive with cheers from large crowds of students, especially UEH's incoming Cohort 52. Their enthusiastic participation not only energized the festival's experiential activities but also marked a promising start to a new academic year of breakthroughs and opportunities.

At the main stage of Noi Vong Tay Lon, Cohort 52 freshmen had the opportunity to connect with UEH's dynamic student community through introductions to its Youth Union and Student Association units. Each unit showcased its distinctive identity, image, and spirit through costumes, slogans, and stage presentations. The activity created a lively atmosphere while giving new students their first glimpse into UEH's diverse ecosystem of student organizations, activities, and movements.

Introductions to Youth Union and Student Association units as part of the festival

During the opening ceremony, the Organizing Committee, in collaboration with Gold Sponsor LG Electronics, presented two laptops to two UEH Cohort 52 freshmen facing financial difficulties. These practical gifts will help the students pursue their studies and access technology, reflecting the care and support of UEH and its partners as new students embark on their journeys of learning and personal development.

Two laptops presented to Cohort 52 freshmen facing financial difficulties

Exciting experiences at the Freshman Welcome Festival

The B1 lobby became a popular gathering place for students, featuring 50 booths and exhibition spaces hosted by faculties, institutes, interdisciplinary institutes, dormitories, clubs, teams, and student groups. Each booth was thoughtfully designed to highlight its organization's unique culture and identity, offering a wide range of lively interactive activities and distinctive experiential games.

Experiential booths at the festival

Interactive and experiential exhibition area

A particular highlight of this year's festival was the debut of VR/AR experience spaces combined with an Immersive Room, organized by the ArtTech Club. Freshmen immersed themselves in a multisensory environment combining art and technology, discovering fresh perspectives on the intersection of creative thinking and modern technology at UEH.

Freshmen enthusiastically explore the Immersive Room and VR/AR technology at the ArtTech Club booth

Meanwhile, a series of creative, hands-on craft workshops attracted long lines of students eager to make one-of-a-kind souvenirs reflecting their personal styles. The workshops also helped freshmen learn more about UEH student organizations and begin identifying extracurricular activities that match their interests and personal development goals.

Students create handmade items at the series of creative workshops

The program was sponsored by: Diamond Sponsor – electric motorcycle brand Dat Bike; Gold Sponsor – LG Electronics; Silver Sponsors – Be and Anessa Sunscreen; Supporting Sponsors – Saigon Event Equipment Co., Ltd. – DESO Production and 4llin Performance Art.

Showcases, Special Minishow, and Acoustic Show: A colorful celebration of artistic expression

Beyond the activities at the booths, the Freshman Welcome Festival featured a series of artistic performances by UEH clubs, teams, and student groups. The showcases included carefully prepared and choreographed performances by arts-focused groups, bringing together singing, dancing, stage performances, and acts reflecting each club's distinctive character. Through these performances, freshmen had further opportunities to learn about student organizations and discover activities suited to their interests and talents.

Energetic performances featuring diverse artistic styles on the Showcase stage

One of this year's standout highlights was the Special Minishow, which recreated and drew inspiration from the rich cultural artistry of 'Gánh Show.' Through carefully staged live performances combining music and choreography, the show brought glimpses of Saigon's traditional culture closer to young audiences. This distinctive combination not only energized the festival atmosphere but also received an enthusiastic response from the large student audience.

An impressive performance at the 'Gánh' Special Minishow

Continuing the festivities, the Acoustic Show offered a heartfelt setting filled with gentle, familiar melodies. It provided an ideal space for students to pause, enjoy the performances, and spend time with friends after exploring the festival's many activities.

A welcoming space for musical exchange at the Acoustic Show

An explosion of energy and teamwork at the Flashmob Competition (September 20, 2026)

September 20, 2026, marked an electrifying moment at UEH's Campus N as the Flashmob Competition officially kicked off. The atmosphere grew more exhilarating by the second, filled with the youthful energy of thousands of students. Uplifting music and distinctive choreography showcased a powerful spirit of unity. The competition ignited the passion of UEH students and officially set the stage for a promising new academic year filled with exciting experiences and breakthroughs.

The electrifying atmosphere of the Flashmob Competition at UEH Nguyen Van Linh

The judging panel included Nguyen Huu Tien, Deputy Secretary of the UEH Youth Union, President of the UEH Student Association, and Head of the Organizing Committee of Noi Vong Tay Lon 2026; choreographer and dancer Le Vinh, founder of SpaceX Dance Group, who created numerous popular dance routines for national concerts and television shows including Anh Trai Say Hi, Tinh Ha Say Hi, and Anh Trai Vuot Ngan Chong Gai; and dancer Len Len, choreography adviser for the Dance Battle round of Em Xinh Say Hi and a prominent participant in Street Woman Fighter Vietnam and Red Bull Dance Your Style. Combining discerning judgment with artistic expertise, the judges delivered fair assessments and selected deserving winners.

The electrifying atmosphere of the Flashmob Competition at UEH Nguyen Van Linh

The teams' impressive performances brought tremendous excitement to the competition

Following an intense contest, the top three teams were announced: the joint team of the Youth Union and Student Association of the School of Finance and the School of Mathematics and Statistics; the Youth Union and Student Association of the School of International Business and Marketing; and the joint team of the Youth Union and Student Association of the School of Public Finance and the School of Foreign Languages. The Organizing Committee also partnered with a sponsor to award a Dat Bike Quantum S1 electric motorcycle to one lucky freshman during the event.

The joint team of the Youth Union and Student Association of the School of Finance and the School of Mathematics and Statistics wins the Flashmob Competition

A lucky freshman receives a Dat Bike Quantum S1 electric motorcycle from Dat Bike

The UEH Cohort 52 Freshman Welcome Cultural Festival – Noi Vong Tay Lon 2026: Outstride extended a warm welcome to incoming students, fully embodying the connection and dynamism of the UEH community. Embracing the spirit of 'Into The Brave New World' – being ready to explore and embrace new experiences at UEH – the festival wished Cohort 52 freshmen a brilliant new chapter in which they confidently unlock their potential and leave their own marks at the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City.

Article and photos: UEH Youth Union – UEH Student Association