Message from the President
Dear all generations of Foreign Trade University staff, lecturers, students, and our valued partners,
30 years ago, as an 18-year-old girl, I joined FTU. As each day passed, it became clear to me that this was where I could reflect on my own values, pursue my passions, be true to myself and express who I am, through all the ups and downs, the good and the bad. Like a beacon of light, FTU has guided me on my journey to explore the world, live my dreams and then led me home. Because FTU is home.
30 years later, in a new position as the President of FTU, I now carry a different kind of aspiration: to work alongside our academic community to revolutionize FTU into one of Asia’s top universities a university that respects academic freedom, encourages innovative research, develops an educational model that promotes both critical thinking and the mastery of context, overcomes prejudices about educational values, nurtures dreams and ambitions, and strives towards positive impacts and sustainable development.
I was deeply touched listening to FTU students share their stories about how they no longer feel insecure about their own backgrounds, how they achieve things they once thought impossible, how they have grown more confident in pursuing their dreams, and how they now wish to give back and support those in need. Over time, I have come to feel more connected to the educational philosophy that I aspire to uphold at FTU, one that has been quietly nurtured through many simple joys: the warmth of post-class discussions shared among colleagues, the fulfillment of meaningful research outcomes, the spirit of community engagement, and above all, the deep pride we feel as educators witnessing our students grow.
Sparking Excellence, driving Innovation, shaping Resilience, nurturing Accountability, embracing Diversity and strengthening Inclusion are the core values that have defined FTU throughout its 65-year journey. At FTU, we make a conscious effort each day to face our shortcomings with honesty, to speak openly in search of solutions, and to stand together as we confront the most complex challenges. That is why, no matter who you are or where you come from, once you step into FTU, you would feel a deep sense of belonging – the connection, the openness and inclusiveness of FTU community.
As the first autonomous university in Vietnam’s higher education system, we have faced our share of challenges, sometimes at great cost. However, through those experiences, we have learned how to rise above ourselves and dare to step into new frontiers. This is why a can-do mindset and the motto “The Best First” lie at the heart of our development strategy, action plans, and educational approach. We take pride in our expansive network of national and international partnerships. We are firmly committed to making every collaboration meaningful because to us, every resource entrusted to FTU carries values. We aspire to walk alongside all stakeholders in the global innovative education ecosystem to build capacity to overcome unprecedented challenges and seize breakthrough opportunities in a world shaped by rapid technological change and unpredictable shifts.
With pride and faith in FTU’s core values, with a sincere desire to share, and to seek out forward-thinking ideas and solutions in response to ongoing challenges, with utmost respect, I wholeheartedly welcome all generations of FTU staff, lecturers, students and parents, researchers, experts, partners and all who hold FTU close to their heart, to join us so that together, we can co-create lasting values for a more sustainable society.
Sincerely,
Pham Thu Huong
President of Foreign Trade University