Distinguished delegates, respected faculty members, staff, and dear students,
On behalf of the Board of Rectors of the University of the Pacific Ocean (UPO), I would like to extend my warmest greetings and heartfelt congratulations to all distinguished guests, respected lecturers, administrators, staff members, students, and alumni present today, on the occasion of the 17th Anniversary of the University of the Pacific Ocean – a meaningful milestone marking a long journey of dedication, perseverance, and growth shared by generations of faculty members, staff, and students.
Seventeen years ago, on December 31, 2008, the University of the Pacific Ocean was founded with the aspiration of building a private university dedicated to training high-quality human resources, contributing to the development of Vietnam’s education system, as well as the socio-economic growth of Khanh Hoa Province, the Central region, and the nation as a whole.
Seventeen years may not be a long span in a human lifetime, yet for our University, it represents a remarkable journey – more than 6,200 days of continuous effort to overcome challenges and pursue sustainable development. Today, December 31, 2025, on behalf of all those who have accompanied and devoted themselves to this institution, I am honored to celebrate the 17th anniversary of the University of the Pacific Ocean with profound pride and joy.
Distinguished guests, respected colleagues, and dear students,
In its early days, the University faced numerous challenges in terms of facilities and human resources. In 2008, the campus was temporarily located at 99 Nguyen Xien Street. In 2013, the University came under the management of a new investor, Asia Commercial Bank (ACB), which invested in building essential infrastructure at our current campus at 79 Mai Thi Dong Street. In 2022, Sovico Group became the new owner, providing critical financial support that enabled the University to overcome difficulties and continue its upward trajectory to this day.
On behalf of the University, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to ACB Bank and its representatives for laying a strong foundation that allowed faculty and students to study and work in a modern and dignified campus. I would also like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the leadership of Sovico Group, especially Madam Dr. Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, Chairwoman of the Group, for her invaluable support, encouragement, and investment that have created favorable conditions for the University’s development.
Today, I would like to pay my deepest respects to the University’s first Board of Rectors, especially Meritorious Educator Nguyen Thanh My, the founder of the University. I also wish to express my sincere gratitude to former Rectors across different periods, including Associate Professor Dr. Bui Ngoc Tho, Associate Professor Dr. Ly Ngoc Sang, Dr. Vo Van Tuan Dung, Associate Professor Dr. Quach Dinh Lien, Dr. Ho Dac Tuc, Dr. Nguyen Thanh Toai, Dr. Pham Quoc Loc, and Professor Dr. Dao Van Dong.
Distinguished guests, respected colleagues, and dear students,
Thanks to the strong determination of the Board of Rectors, the dedication of our faculty and staff, and above all, the dynamism, enthusiasm, and aspiration for growth of generations of students over the past 17 years, the University of the Pacific Ocean has achieved many noteworthy accomplishments.
Beginning in 2009 with five undergraduate programs – Information Technology, Accounting, Finance and Banking, Business Administration, and English Language – the University has since expanded to 16 undergraduate programs, including Software Engineering, Multimedia Communication, Graphic Design, Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Business Administration, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Marketing, Finance and Banking, Accounting, Korean Studies, Chinese Studies, Tourism, Hotel Management, English Language, Law, and Public Administration.
Currently, the University has 85 full-time lecturers, most of whom are highly committed, enthusiastic, and dedicated to fulfilling the three core missions of higher education: teaching, scientific research, and community service.
Distinguished guests, respected colleagues, and dear students,
After 17 years of development, looking back, we are deeply proud of our achievements, our unity, and the collective strength of more than 160 staff members and over 4,160 students and alumni. This pride does not stem solely from success itself, but from recognizing that “this collective truly serves the cause of education.” As Nelson Mandela once said: “It always seems impossible until it’s done.”
Indeed, the journey of the University of the Pacific Ocean over the past 17 years clearly affirms this truth. What once seemed impossible amid countless challenges has gradually become reality through the intelligence, dedication, and perseverance of many generations.
I am profoundly proud of all those who have contributed to these achievements – our leaders, faculty members, staff, dynamic and resilient students, and devoted partners. Please allow me to express my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you.
Dear faculty members,
No matter how large a university may be, without effective teaching and learning, its existence would be meaningless. The remarkable achievements of the University of the Pacific Ocean over the past 17 years are the result of the tremendous contributions of our lecturers. On behalf of the University, I sincerely thank all faculty members who have accompanied and continue to dedicate themselves to the institution. You are not only academically strong and pedagogically excellent, but also deeply committed to supporting students through challenges. As Albert Einstein once said: “It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.”
The educational philosophy of the University of the Pacific Ocean is to create the best possible conditions for students to develop their capabilities, foster self-learning, and apply modern knowledge to real life. I call upon every faculty, department, and academic unit to become a space of creativity and passion – not only for students, but also for lecturers and staff. Let us teach well, research deeply, and serve wholeheartedly; let us inspire students not only with knowledge, but also with values, ethics, and a passion for scientific inquiry and innovation. The University of the Pacific Ocean is determined to become a nurturing ground for aspirations and dreams that reach toward the vast horizon of human knowledge.
Dear administrative staff and managers,
The development of our University would not be possible without your invaluable contributions. On behalf of faculty members and students, I sincerely thank you for your often-silent dedication. I also offer my apologies if your contributions have not always been properly recognized.
In the coming period, I hope you will continue to demonstrate professionalism, dedication, empathy, and creativity in your work – always striving to enhance the satisfaction of both students and lecturers. As Pablo Picasso once said: “I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it.”
In July 2026, the University will host “the International Congress on Logistics and Supply Chain Management Systems – ICLS 2026”, welcoming over 300 leading scientists and professors from across the Asia–Pacific region. This will be a valuable opportunity for faculty members, staff, and students to engage in academic exchange and future collaboration.
Dear students and alumni of the University of the Pacific Ocean,
Today’s 17th anniversary also marks 17 years of shared efforts in teaching, learning, and growth. The establishment of the Interim Alumni Executive Committee is a meaningful milestone, strengthening the bond between alumni and the University community.
Students, you are living in one of the most beautiful stages of life, studying in an environment filled with care and dedication. Beyond acquiring knowledge, I encourage you to learn actively and creatively, to master knowledge through critical thinking, and to apply it across various aspects of life. As Albert Einstein said: “I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious.”
I urge you to nurture this curiosity, participate actively in student organizations, extracurricular activities, and domestic and international exchange programs. These experiences will strengthen your skills, confidence, and character for the future.
Dear alumni,
Helen Keller – an American writer and social activist, a symbol of the will to overcome adversity—once said: “Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet; only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened.”
Your journey of growth as alumni is a vivid testament to this truth. From the lecture halls to real life, every challenge you have faced has helped forge your resilience, enabling you to create value for yourselves and for the community. I encourage you to actively create opportunities for your juniors – by supporting their learning and sharing with them your invaluable experiences. The University is always proud of you and will continue to stand by your side.
Dear representatives of partner agencies and enterprises,
For the past 17 years, you have accompanied the University and entrusted us with your confidence in our educational activities and outcomes.
In Vietnamese culture, the concept of “friendship” embodies noble values—sharing, companionship, overcoming difficulties together, and celebrating happiness and success together. The longer a friendship lasts, the more precious it becomes, growing richer and deeper like the flavor of well-aged wine. I sincerely thank you and wish that our friendship will continue to grow ever stronger.
Distinguished delegates,
Every organization has its own unique characteristics, encompassing both strengths and limitations. What truly matters is its ability to clearly identify its position and distinctiveness in order to grow and strengthen its influence. The University of the Pacific Ocean has identified its distinctive strengths in its outstanding academic community – dedicated and capable faculty members, talented students, committed and united staff, high-quality education, a positive working and learning environment, and a clear research orientation.
Building upon the 17-year development journey of the University of the Pacific Ocean, together with the relentless efforts and determination of all faculty members, staff, and students, I firmly believe that the University’s progress will not stop at the 17-year milestone. In the years to come – at the 20th or even the 50th anniversary – the University will achieve even greater and more brilliant successes across all areas of operation, nationally, regionally, and internationally.
In recent years, the University of the Pacific Ocean has completed and actively implemented its development strategy for the 2025–2030 period, which clearly states: “By 2030, the University of the Pacific Ocean will have established the fundamental foundations of a high-quality university, with a strong and professionally competent faculty deeply committed to their vocation; a professional and dedicated management team; a student body equipped with solid knowledge and skills, sincere and proactive attitudes, and successful careers; advanced university governance aligned with international best practices; modern, comprehensive, and synchronized facilities serving teaching and research; and key research projects that effectively contribute to the development of Khanh Hoa Province, improve people’s lives, and serve the nation.”
At present, the University has not yet been listed in international or regional rankings. I dream that by 2030, many of our academic programs will meet AUN standards, standing on par with universities in the region and meeting international benchmarks in engineering and economics. I further aspire that by 2035, the University will have its first program accredited by ABET and begin to be recognized in international rankings. These are the goals that the Board of Rectors, faculty members, staff, and students of the University of the Pacific Ocean are united and determined to achieve – together building the image of the University of the Pacific Ocean as a leading university in Vietnam with international standing in both research and student activities.
Distinguished delegates, dear faculty members, staff, and students,
The great leader Nelson Mandela once stated: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
Today, on the occasion of the 17th anniversary of the founding of the University of the Pacific Ocean, I place my hope and expectations on every individual who has accompanied, is accompanying, and will continue to accompany the cause of education – not only at our University, but across the entire education sector – to use this powerful weapon to transform ourselves, those around us, and ultimately make the world a better place. For generations, universities have been respected by society for their role in educating individuals who build the nation and society. Today, beyond inheriting those noble values, universities also bear the responsibility of exploration, innovation, and applying creativity to real life. To fulfill this mission, faculty members must devote significant time to scientific research and the transfer of research outcomes to society. In the coming period, the University of the Pacific Ocean will strive to enhance innovation in teaching and research, making practical contributions to the development of our province and Vietnam as a whole – with the aspiration that we will design and manufacture technological products ourselves, rather than merely purchasing them.
At present, the country’s economic and social conditions still face many challenges, which directly affect education and higher education institutions. I call upon everyone to unite, share responsibility, practice thrift, and strive together to overcome these difficulties – this is the decisive condition for the development of our beloved University of the Pacific Ocean. The renowned Japanese poet Ryunosuke Satoro once wrote: “Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean.” I firmly believe that through unity, we can harness the strength of the ocean and bring the very best values to society.
Allow me, on this solemn and joyful occasion, to dream that by 2033 – when the University of the Pacific Ocean celebrates its 25th anniversary – it will have become a high-quality university with scientific publications comparable to leading universities in Asia; with 10% of its students being international students; with all academic disciplines offering full degree pathways from undergraduate to doctoral levels; and serving as a preferred destination for both Vietnamese and international students. The University will possess a 13.2-hectare campus as beautiful as long-established universities around the world, yet modern and fully equipped with urban services such as an integrated school system, a hospital, a financial center, and modern hospitality services. I firmly believe that the University of the Pacific Ocean will realize these aspirations and make the most meaningful contributions to Vietnamese education. Allow me to share a quote from American theorist Napoleon Hill, advisor to President Franklin D. Roosevelt: “Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.”
Let us work together to turn this dream into reality.
Once again, I sincerely thank all distinguished delegates, faculty members, staff, and students for being present at this important celebration of the University of the Pacific Ocean.
I wish you all good health and continued success.
Thank you very much.
People’s Teacher, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hồ Thanh Phong
President of Thai Binh Duong University