On June 6, 2026, as part of the 20th Anniversary Celebration of the University of Information Technology (UIT), Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM), the panel discussion “UIT – 20 Years of Shaping the Digital Future” brought together generations of university leaders, faculty members, former staff, students, and alumni.
The event provided an opportunity to reflect on the University's remarkable journey over the past two decades while envisioning its next stage of development amid rapid technological transformation, particularly driven by artificial intelligence and digitalization.
The discussion featured two distinguished former Presidents of UIT—Prof. Hoang Van Kiem, D.Sc., and Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Hoang Tu Anh, Ph.D.—whose leadership and dedication have played an instrumental role in shaping the University's growth and identity.
Prof. Hoang Van Kiem, D.Sc., and Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Hoang Tu Anh, Ph.D., share their reflections during the panel discussion “UIT – 20 Years of Shaping the Digital Future.”
From the Aspiration to Build UIT to an Educational Philosophy Dedicated to Serving the Nation
Looking back on the early days of UIT, Prof. Hoang Van Kiem recalled the challenges faced in establishing a specialized institution for information technology education at a time when the field itself was still emerging in Vietnam. For him, building UIT involved much more than developing facilities and academic programs; it was equally a process of defining the University's educational philosophy.
Drawing from his experiences as the University's first President, Prof. Hoang Van Kiem emphasized that educators in the digital age must embrace lifelong learning and continuously update their knowledge in response to the ever-evolving nature of information technology. Beyond imparting knowledge, teachers must inspire students and cultivate a spirit of learning and innovation.
He expressed his hope that future generations of faculty members and students would nurture a desire to contribute to society, confidently master core technologies, and create meaningful technological products for the nation. He stressed that the ultimate purpose of education, research, and innovation is to serve the country's development.
Prof. Hoang Van Kiem recalls the early years and educational philosophy that guided the establishment of UIT.
“Learning and innovating to serve the nation.”
Prof. Hoang Van Kiem, D.Sc.
Preserving a Youthful Spirit to Lead Emerging Technological Trends
During the discussion, Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Hoang Tu Anh highlighted UIT's pioneering role in innovation, talent development, and the application of information technology to address real-world challenges. She noted that one of the University's enduring strengths has been its culture of unity, dynamism, and continuous renewal, enabling UIT to adapt effectively to the fast-changing technological landscape and societal demands.
Looking toward the future, she emphasized the importance of preserving these values and expressed her hope that UIT would maintain the youthful spirit of being “forever eighteen”—a metaphor for the vitality and creativity that drive innovation and progress.
For the University's leaders and faculty members, she conveyed her aspiration that they would continue to think boldly, act decisively, and embrace responsibility in pursuit of ambitious goals. To students and younger generations, she encouraged them not only to keep pace with technological trends but also to become creators of new trends. This, she noted, requires proactive learning, critical thinking, and the willingness to engage with practical technological challenges from an early stage.
“I hope that the University's leaders and faculty members will continue to nurture ambitious aspirations, dare to think big, dare to act, and dare to take responsibility in order to lead the University of Information Technology to new breakthroughs in the years ahead.”
Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Hoang Tu Anh, Ph.D.
Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Tan Tran Minh Khang, Ph.D., President of UIT, presents flowers in appreciation to the University's former Presidents for their contributions to its development.
Carrying Forward the Spirit of Innovation
The panel concluded with a powerful message that connected the visions of those who laid the foundations of UIT with those who are continuing its development journey today. Their stories formed a continuous thread of faith, aspiration, and an unwavering commitment to innovation.
Over the past two decades, UIT has evolved from a young institution into one of Vietnam's leading universities in information technology education and research. As it enters a new chapter, the University remains committed to nurturing talent, advancing innovation, and contributing to the digital future of Vietnam and the region.