The Generations of Van Lang: Kindness, Integration, Preservation of Tradition, and Shaping the Future

With the tradition of "uong nuoc nho nguon" (when drinking water, remember its source), on April 7, 2025, Van Lang University solemnly held the Hung Kings’ Commemoration Ceremony, including a theatrical reenactment of the incense offering ritual in remembrance of the Hung Kings. As part of the University's Anniversary Celebration, Ms. Bui Thi Van Anh - Chairwoman of the Board of Trustees of Van Lang University - delivered the opening remarks, marking a significant milestone in the 30-year journey of building, developing, and dedicating to education.

Dear distinguished delegates and esteemed guests,

First of all, on behalf of the Board of Directors of Van Lang University, I would like to extend my heartfelt and sincere thanks to all distinguished guests, media representatives, esteemed lecturers, alumni, and students for taking the time to attend today’s Hung Kings' Commemoration Ceremony.

“Du ai di nguoc ve xuoi
Nho ngay Gio To mung Muoi thang Ba.”

The proverb serves as a reminder for today’s and future generations about the moral principle of "uong nuoc nho nguon" (when drinking water, remember its source) - a beautiful and enduring cultural trait that has been preserved for generations. The Hung Kings' Commemoration Ceremony is not only an occasion to honor the contributions of the Hung Kings in founding the nation, but also an opportunity to ignite in each person a sense of national pride and the responsibility to carry forward these traditional values through concrete actions in the present.

Van Lang - a name associated with the legendary history of the Hung Kings establishing the nation - is also the name chosen by intellectuals and scientists for the private university founded in 1995. They carried within them a great aspiration: to build a multi-disciplinary, modern university with a strong Vietnamese identity, contributing to the training of young generations who are ethical, integrated, capable of preserving traditions, and creating a future. From the name “Van Lang,” we inherit not only a cultural heritage but also bear a historical mission.

Over nearly 30 years of development, Van Lang University has always focused on providing holistic education – not only knowledge and skills but also social responsibility, compassion, and national pride. We believe that sustainable education must begin with helping learners understand who they are, where they come from, and what they can contribute to the community and the country.

During the deep international integration, understanding one’s roots and preserving cultural identity does not hinder young people, but rather serves as the foundation for them to confidently step out into the world. Therefore, every year, the University organizes a delegation of exemplary lecturers and students to visit the Hung Kings Temple to pay tribute – an activity rich in meaning, reflecting the spirit of “o co tri tan” (honoring the past, embracing the future) and also a commitment: Van Lang will continue to be a learning community deeply connected to national values, developing for the people, and constantly reaching out to the world.

In anticipation of the 30th anniversary of the University's founding this November, today's Hung Kings' Commemoration Ceremony holds special significance. This is an opportunity for us to express our gratitude to those who laid the first foundations for Van Lang – from the founders, past and present leaders, lecturers, staff, to the tens of thousands of students and alumni who have contributed and continue to contribute to writing the proud development journey of the University.

Dear distinguished guests,

In over 4,000 years of history of building and defending the nation, the Vietnamese people have always been proud of their solid roots from the era of the Hung Kings – the origin of unity, resilience, and creativity of the Vietnamese people. It is from there that the name “Van Lang,” which our university proudly carries, is not only a remembrance but also a statement: we will continue the path of development based on knowledge, culture, and the aspiration to serve the country.

We believe that preserving tradition is not done by words alone, but through action - by innovating education, serving the community, and persistently pursuing the path of training capable, responsible, and ethical individuals.

That is how Van Lang today continues the spirit of nation-building from our ancestors.

I wish you all good health and continued support for Van Lang University in the upcoming journey.

Sincerely, thank you!

The alumni community from all over send their congratulations on the founding day of Van Lang University.

Bui Thi Van Anh
Chairwoman of the Board of Trustees at Van Lang University