On September 19, the USSH-VNUHCM held its Opening and Freshman Welcome Ceremony for the 2026 cohort at the Linh Xuan Campus, VNUHCM Urban Area. More than 4,000 freshmen and students from different generations attended the event, officially beginning the 2026-2027 academic year.
The event was attended by leaders of VNUHCM, the University's Board of Presidents, representatives of diplomatic missions and strategic corporate partners. The program introduced the University's learning environment, the core values of social sciences and humanities education, and orientations for students in a context where technology and artificial intelligence are rapidly transforming society.
“Touching Humanity” - The First Touchpoint of the University Journey
The program was structured around three themes: “Touching Humanity,” “Touching the Journey,” and “Touching the Future.” “Touching Humanity” captured the energy of youth; “Touching the Journey” highlighted the University’s educational mission and expectations for the new academic year; while “Touching the Future” encouraged students to build confidence, discover their potential and shape their own values.
The three themes reflected the different stages of the university journey, from adapting to university life and learning through experience to developing independent thinking, broadening perspectives and preparing for a changing world of work.
Keeping Humanity “Deep” in a Flat World
Prof. Dr. Ngo Thi Phuong Lan, President of USSH-VNUHCM, highlighted the irreplaceable human qualities that remain essential in the age of AI. As technology gives people access to the same knowledge and tools, individual identity, experience, independent thinking, values, compassion and empathy become increasingly important.
She called on USSH students to remain deeply human in an increasingly “flat” world. Social sciences and humanities help people understand themselves, culture and society, while fostering trust, shared aspirations and social connection.
Representing the 2026 cohort, Le Dieu Linh, a Sociology freshman and 2026 entrance valedictorian, shared her experience of entering university. She noted that the valedictorian title initially brought pressure from expectations, but she came to see achievement as a milestone rather than the sole measure of a person.
Linh encouraged her peers to embrace imperfection and make the most of classes, community projects and university experiences as opportunities to learn, explore and grow.
The program also featured exchanges and activities with students. Sing My Song champion Cao Ba Hung, singer-songwriter It's CHARLES., and Second Runner-up Miss World Vietnam Do Cam Ly joined the event and connected with the audience.
Alongside the ceremony, the Freshman Welcome Day featured the book exhibition “Active Learning in the Digital Era” and career-oriented interactive areas organized by businesses. These activities introduced students to learning methods and provided early exposure to the professional world.
“Touching” the 70-Year Tradition
The 2026-2027 academic year marks the beginning of USSH-VNUHCM’s journey toward its 70th anniversary of tradition. At the event, the University launched its 70th-anniversary visual identity and officially introduced a series of commemorative activities.
Dr. Phan Thanh Dinh, Vice President of USSH-VNUHCM, emphasized that the anniversary is not only an opportunity to look back, but also a responsibility for the current generation to carry forward and develop the University’s values.
The commemorative series will connect generations of lecturers and students, reflect on the University’s development and encourage new ideas for the future, with a focus on academic innovation, digital transformation, educational quality and international integration. Tradition, he noted, continues through today’s teaching, research and community service.
The freshman activities continued that evening with the Freshman Welcome Night, featuring the “Outstanding Student Role Models” Recognition Ceremony, performances from the 2026 Student Singing Festival, and a music program with singers Anh Tu and Vuong Binh.
For more than 4,000 freshmen, “Touching Humanity” marked the beginning of a journey of learning, experience and growth at USSH-VNUHCM. At the institutional level, the 2026-2027 academic year also opens the journey toward the University’s 70th anniversary, bringing its longstanding values into a new context of education, science and society.
Written by: INFO PLUS MEDIA CLUB
Translated by: Hoang Oanh Nguyen
