On the morning of December 25, in a solemn and proud atmosphere, the University of the Pacific Ocean held the Second Graduation Ceremony of 2025, conferring Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees upon its graduates. The ceremony marked a historic milestone as the University officially awarded degrees to its first cohort of Master’s graduates, affirming a strong transformation in its 17-year journey of development.
The ceremony was attended by People’s Teacher, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hồ Thanh Phong, President of the University; Dr. Lê Anh Tuấn, Vice President; M.A. Lê Anh Vân, Vice President and Dean of the Faculty of Law and State Management; representatives of partner enterprises; leaders of faculties and functional departments; faculty members, staff, and the proud families of the graduates.
In his commencement address, People’s Teacher, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hồ Thanh Phong delivered profound messages to the graduates regarding the true value of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
Quoting the eminent scientist Albert Einstein – “Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think” – the President emphasized: “Today, you conclude an important academic journey, while simultaneously opening a new chapter—one in which knowledge must be applied, character must be demonstrated, and personal values must be closely connected with community values.”
In particular, he reminded the graduates to carry with them the spirit of gratitude as they step into life: “Be grateful to your parents and families who gave birth to and nurtured you. Be grateful to your teachers and the University who educated you. ‘To know gratitude is to know how to live.’ Wherever you may be, I hope you will always dedicate your best efforts, so that society will recognize students of the University of the Pacific Ocean with admiration and affection.”
This year’s graduation ceremony holds special significance in the development history of the University of the Pacific Ocean, as it marks the first time Master’s degrees have been awarded. This event clearly demonstrates the University’s strong transformation in diversifying educational levels, meeting the demand for high-quality human resources with in-depth expertise in the Central region of Vietnam.
Representing the first cohort of postgraduate students, Nguyễn Vũ Vinh, Master of Law, emotionally shared: “The journey toward earning a Master’s degree in Law at the University of the Pacific Ocean has been a beautiful memory, where we had the opportunity to learn from leading legal experts and scholars. Each new Master’s graduate will be a core ‘nucleus,’ bringing knowledge and professional ethics to contribute to the development of Khánh Hòa Province, and further, to the ‘era of national advancement’ of Vietnam through modern rule-of-law thinking.”
The achievements of the graduates today would not have been possible without the silent sacrifices and steadfast support of their families. Representing the parents attending the ceremony, Ms. Huỳnh Thị Thùy (mother of Võ Huỳnh Quang Nhật, Bachelor of Oriental Studies) expressed her confidence: “Nearly four years have not only been a journey of learning, but also a journey of personal growth for our children. It is the University’s humane, disciplined, and creative educational environment that has helped them not only accumulate knowledge, but also develop character, resilience, and a sense of responsibility toward society.”
In response, Mai Đức Vy, Bachelor of Oriental Studies, representing all graduates, expressed heartfelt gratitude: “When wearing our graduation gowns today, we deeply understand that this achievement is the culmination of ‘the devotion of teachers, the companionship of friends, and the unconditional love of family.’ We promise to carry forward the values taught by our teachers and the trust placed in us by our parents, continuing our journey with kindness, determination, and responsibility.”
The moment when all graduates stood together, offering long and heartfelt applause to their families, parents, and teachers became the most emotionally resonant highlight of the ceremony.
At the ceremony, the University also honored and rewarded 48 graduates who achieved Excellent and Good academic results, recognizing their persistent efforts in study and personal development.
The graduation ceremony has concluded, but the doors to the future are now wide open. With a solid foundation of knowledge, the new Masters and Bachelors of the University of the Pacific Ocean are ready to venture into the wider world, write new chapters of success for themselves, and make meaningful contributions to the community.
Selected images from the ceremony
