At the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City (USSH-VNUHCM), the 2026 Year of the Fire Horse New Year Gathering took place on February 23 (the seventh day of the Vietnamese Lunar New Year - Tet), bringing together the University’s leadership, faculty, and staff members. Beyond offering New Year greetings, the event also marked the start of the University’s activities for the year, fostering a stronger sense of community across the institution while setting the stage for the next phase of development.
The event draws a large number of participants to Hall D at the Sai Gon campus - Photo by: LY NGUYEN
The opening piece was an instrumental mashup of “Ly Ngua O - Dat nuoc tron niem vui - Mua xuan tren thanh pho Ho Chi Minh” (The Black Horse Folk Song – Country Full of Joy – Spring in Ho Chi Minh City), blending festival drums with traditional Vietnamese instruments to create a vibrant festive soundscape. The event continued with additional spring-themed song and dance performances by faculty and staff members, creating a joyful and festive atmosphere for the New Year gathering.
The Traditional Music Club opens the event - Photo by: LY NGUYEN
Delivering remarks at the event, Professor Ngo Thi Phuong Lan, President of the University, reflected on the institution’s achievements over the past year across teaching, research, and community engagement. She also thanked staff members for gathering on the first working day after Tet break and outlined the University’s priorities for the Year of the Fire Horse 2026, including continued efforts to build a more professional and humanities-centered workplace. “As we enter the Year of the Fire Horse 2026, I hope our staff will continue to support one another and work together to build a professional and humanities-centered working environment,” she noted.
Professor Ngo Thi Phuong Lan extends her New Year wishes to staff members - Photo by: LY NGUYEN
More than a festive occasion, the event also brought staff members together and set a positive tone for the months ahead. The familiar chant, “Nhan Van chuc mung nam moi” (USSH wishes everyone a Happy New Year), echoed through the hall, serving not only as a New Year greeting but also as a moment that brought the USSH-VNUHCM together as it looks ahead to new milestones. The gathering also reflected the University’s continued attention to the well-being of its staff members and the shared commitment to move forward together in the year ahead.
Staff members join the New Year celebration - Photo by: LY NGUYEN
The celebration also featured a Tet cultural corner with activities such as calligraphy by Ong Do scholars, to he figurine making, coconut-leaf crafts, “Loc Xuan” (New Year lucky prize) giveaway, and a lucky draw. The activities offered a relaxed setting for University leaders and staff members to catch up after the Tet break while enjoying familiar Tet traditions. Conversations and New Year wishes, all reflected the University’s humanities-centered spirit while echoing the traditions of Tet.
Professor Ngo Thi Phuong Lan receives a prize during the “Loc Xuan” giveaway - Photo by: LY NGUYEN
Prize winners receive their awards - Photo by: LY NGUYEN
The Ong Do scholar calligraphy booth draws many participants - Photo by: LY NGUYEN
To he artisans create figurines for participants - Photo by: LY NGUYEN
The artisan folds coconut leaves into the shape of a dove - Photo by: LY NGUYEN
Staff members show off their New Year “loc xuan” gifts - Photo by: LY NGUYEN
The 2026 Year of the Fire Horse New Year Gathering marked the start of the University’s activities for the year, bringing staff members together as it moves forward with its teaching, research, and collaboration initiatives in 2026.
LY NGUYEN - NGUYEN KHANG
Translated by: My Phung
