In the first week of returning to campus after the Lunar New Year holiday, on the afternoon of March 3, students of the University of the Pacific Ocean (UPO) participated in the “Spring Connection Festival” in a lively and festive atmosphere. The event was organized as a New Year kickoff activity for Bính Ngọ 2026, aiming to motivate students, strengthen connections, and spread positive energy right from the beginning of the new semester.
The program featured a variety of activities that blended traditional and modern elements. The traditional folk game area attracted a large number of students, creating a vibrant cultural exchange space. Meanwhile, diverse food stalls offered many appealing options, enriching the experience for participants. A creatively designed photobooth area became an ideal place for students to capture memorable youthful moments. In particular, musical performances by UPO students energized the event, showcasing their confidence, talent, and the enthusiastic spirit of youth within the university community.
A highlight of the program was the Spring fortune-picking activity and the lucky draw for red envelope gifts. The red envelopes symbolizing prosperity, good luck, and a promising beginning brought joyful surprises to students. The excitement and anticipation during the lucky draw created memorable moments and spread an uplifting spirit during the first days of the new academic year.
Within the framework of the event, the Youth Union of the University of the Pacific Ocean officially launched Youth Month 2026 and the “Five-Good Student” movement for the 2025–2026 academic year. This key initiative aims to encourage students to develop comprehensively while promoting the spirit of initiative, creativity, and social responsibility among young people in both academic and community activities. Launching the campaign at the beginning of the year is expected to build a solid foundation for a dynamic and productive academic year.
During the event, the Student Affairs Office also announced and presented awards for two competitions held during the recent Lunar New Year celebrations: the faculty uniform design contest “Wear Your Identity” and the creative photo and video contest “Tet in My Eyes.” The submitted works demonstrated students’ dedication, creativity, and unique personal styles, contributing to building the image of UPO students as dynamic, confident, and rich in identity.
The early spring gathering program was not only a friendly New Year event but also an important starting point for the series of activities during Youth Month 2026. With enthusiasm and determination to make new breakthroughs, students of the University of the Pacific Ocean are ready to step into the new year with goals of effective learning, active participation in activities, and continuous self-development.