On the morning of 3 October 2026, National Economics University (NEU), the International School of Management and Economics (ISME) solemnly held the Opening Ceremony of the IMD@NEU International Master’s Degree – Intake 6. The ceremony welcomed the new cohort as they officially joined the IMD@NEU community, marking the beginning of a new journey of academic learning, professional development, and international educational experiences.
Overview of the Opening Ceremony of IMD@NEU Intake 6
Attending the ceremony, on behalf of National Economics University (NEU) was Prof. Dr. To Trung Thanh – Vice President of NEU. Representing the University of the West of England (UWE) were Ms. Hoang Lan Hoa – Head of UWE Vietnam and Indochina Regional Director. From the International School of Management and Economics (ISME), the ceremony was attended by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Trung Thanh – Dean; Dr. Trinh Thi Thu Giang – Vice Dean; Dr. Duong Van Bay – Head of Postgraduate Department, together with representatives from various NEU units and faculty and staff members of the IMD@NEU.
This year’s Opening Ceremony welcomed 85 Vietnamese students and 6 international students from Germany, Russia, and Mongolia, pursuing three specialisations: Business Management, Business with Supply Chain Management, and Business with Digital Management. The diversity of nationalities, academic backgrounds, professional experience, and areas of expertise contributes to an international and multidimensional learning community, where students have opportunities to exchange different perspectives, learn from one another, and grow together throughout their journey at IMD@NEU.
Prof. Dr. To Trung Thanh – Vice President of NEU delivering his remarks at the ceremony
Prof. Dr. To Trung Thanh – Vice President of NEU congratulated the IMD@NEU Intake 6 students and highlighted the significance of embarking on a new learning journey in an international environment. According to Prof. Dr. To Trung Thanh, more than a decade of collaboration between NEU and the University of the West of England has helped connect NEU’s academic strengths and understanding of the Vietnamese context with international standards and values in higher education, thereby equipping learners with knowledge, practical skills, and a global mindset. For the IMD@NEU Intake 6 students, the programme is not only a journey of acquiring in-depth knowledge but also an opportunity to broaden their perspectives, develop professional networks, and learn from lecturers, experts, and peers, thereby strengthening their capabilities and shaping their future professional development.
Representatives from the University of the West of England attending the ceremony
Representing the University of the West of England, Prof. Ray Priest, Asia-Pacific Regional Director, delivered a congratulatory message to the IMD@NEU Intake 6 students via video and expressed his confidence in the value that the programme will bring to its learners. He also emphasised the strong partnership between the two universities and their continued commitment to strengthening connections and collaboration to provide students with an international learning environment and meaningful educational experiences.
Prof. Dr. To Trung Thanh – Vice President of NEU and Ms. Hoang Lan Hoa – Head of UWE Vietnam Office and Indochina Regional Director presenting the “Potential Development” scholarships
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Trung Thanh – Dean of ISME and Dr. Trinh Thi Thu Giang – Vice Dean presenting the “Inspiring Innovative Leaders” scholarships
One of the highlights of the ceremony was the presentation of scholarships recognising the achievements and potential of the incoming students. The “Potential Development” Scholarship was awarded to the three entrance valedictorians, while the “Inspiring Innovative Leaders” Scholarship was awarded to 15 graduates with Excellent academic results from NEU’s programmes and 7 graduates from ISME’s programmes who have chosen to pursue their master’s studies at IMD@NEU. Beyond recognising students’ academic achievements, these scholarships also encourage initiative, innovation, and a continued commitment to personal and professional development throughout their journey at IMD@NEU.
Ms. Phạm Thùy Dương, representative of the IMD@NEU Intake 6 students, express her sharings at the ceremony
Representatives of the IMD@NEU Intake 6 students presenting flowers of appreciation to leaders of NEU, ISME, and UWE
Representing the IMD@NEU Intake 6 students, Ms. Pham Thuy Duong expressed her honour at being one of the entrance valedictorians receiving scholarship from the programme. She also conveyed her gratitude to the University, lecturers, and families who will accompany and support students throughout their upcoming learning journey.
In her sharings, Pham Thuy Duong highlighted the value of an international and diverse learning environment, where students not only gain knowledge from lecturers but also learn from one another through differences in nationality, academic background, and professional experience. She also shared a message with her fellow students centred on curiosity, openness, and commitment – being proactive in exploring new ideas, willing to listen to different perspectives, and taking responsibility for their own learning and development journey.
International students engaging in discussions at the IMD@NEU Intake 6 Opening Ceremony
The participation of international students contributes to a diverse and highly connected learning environment for IMD@NEU Intake 6. Differences in nationality, culture, and experience not only create opportunities for interaction but also enable students to encounter new perspectives, exchange experiences, and build relationships beyond the boundaries of the classroom. This is also an important value of an international postgraduate education environment, where learning extends beyond textbooks and lectures and is shaped through exchange, discussion, practical experiences, and interaction among members of the learning community.
Representatives of the IMD@NEU Intake 6 students taking a commemorative photo with delegates
The Opening Ceremony of IMD@NEU Intake 6 concluded in a formal yet enthusiastic atmosphere, officially marking the beginning of a new journey for the students. From this milestone, each student embarks on a new stage characterised by greater academic demands, practical experiences, and opportunities to challenge and expand their own boundaries.
With the continued support of NEU, ISME, and the University of the West of England, IMD@NEU Intake 6 is expected to further foster a highly connected learning environment where knowledge is closely linked to practice, diversity becomes a source of learning and growth, and each student is empowered to shape their own path of development. The IMD@NEU Intake 6 journey officially begins – a journey of learning, connection, and development, where every experience will contribute to new steps forward in each student’s professional growth and career journey.
