RMIT University in Vietnam celebrates the Class of 2023

Tiếng Việt

RMIT University in Vietnam celebrates the Class of 2023

RMIT University was proud to announce the graduation of its Class of 2023, who have overcome unprecedented challenges posed by the pandemic and demonstrated resilience, creativity, and excellence in their academic endeavours.

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1,957 RMIT students proudly graduated this week in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.

The graduation ceremonies took place during the week of 17-21 April at the RMIT Saigon South campus and the National Convention Center in Hanoi, where 1,957 graduates received their degrees and celebrated their achievements.

The Class of 2023 comprises 1,745 undergraduate students and 212 postgraduate students from diverse backgrounds and disciplines. Among the undergraduate group of students, nearly 800 came from Business programs, making it the largest group of graduates, followed by the Professional Communication and Digital Marketing programs. The Human Resource Management program congratulated their first ever group of graduates at the ceremony at RMIT Saigon South campus. The Engineering honours programs celebrated their largest graduating cohort ever with fresh graduates from the Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Software Engineering and Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering.

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RMIT Vietnam Pro Vice-Chancellor and General Director Professor Claire Macken praised the graduates for their outstanding commitment and many years of hard work in finally reaching the graduation.

The graduation ceremonies featured speeches by RMIT University Vice-Chancellor and President - Professor Alec Cameron, the Pro Vice-Chancellor and General Director of RMIT Vietnam - Professor Claire Macken, and the guest speakers, Australian Ambassador to Vietnam - Mr Andrew Goledzinowski, Australian Consul-General in Ho Chi Minh City - Ms Sarah Hooper, CEO and Co-founder of N KID Group - Ms Nguyen Le Chi Mai and CEO of Vietguys - Ms Dinh Mong Kha (both RMIT alumni), and the two Vice-Chancellor’s Award winners Pham Quang Vinh and Do Huu Thanh.

General Director of RMIT Vietnam, Professor Claire Macken expressed her admiration and pride for all of graduates.

“Graduating from university is a huge achievement, and you should be incredibly proud of yourselves for the hard work and dedication you have put into your studies,” she said.

Professor Macken reminded all graduates that this is not the end of their education as they move on to the next phase of their lives.

“The world is constantly changing, and it is essential to continue learning and growing throughout your life. Embrace new experiences, seek out knowledge, and never stop pursuing your passions.”

“The year 2023 marks five decades since Australia and Vietnam established their diplomatic relations. For nearly half of that 50-year partnership, RMIT University is proud to have been an exemplary Australian investor in Vietnam, a contributor to the knowledge economy, and a bridge for people-to-people links,” Professor Macken added.

“Every single student who graduates from RMIT Vietnam with an Australian degree connects our two countries together.”

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Vice-Chancellor’s Award winners Pham Quang Vinh and Do Huu Thanh

Every year, RMIT University presents the Vice-Chancellor’s Award to two undergraduate students from Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi who embody everything the University would wish its graduates to exemplify - high academic achievement, social responsibility and service to the community. 

This year, the Vice-Chancellor’s Award went to Pham Quang Vinh and Do Huu Thanh at Saigon South and Hanoi campuses, respectively.

Graduating first in his program, Bachelor of Communication (Professional Communication) graduate Pham Quang Vinh was actively involved in many activities and competitions including achieving the first ever D&AD New Blood Award for Vietnam with the IBM Smart Repair idea, being the host of TEDxRMIT 2021 – The One Legacy, co-founding the project Flatten the Plastic Curve, being named the third winner at ASEAN Youth Social Journalism Contest 2021 with this campaign, winning the Best Delegate at Global Civilian Model United Nations, and more.

Do Huu Thanh was also a high achiever and named the Outstanding graduate of the Bachelor of Business (Management) program. Thanh had an article with the topic on digital trade published on the ASEAN-Australia Annual Article Review 2022 and was actively involved in various competitions including the Vietnam Business Case Competition, Doanh nhan tap su (Apprentice Entrepreneur), HSBC Business Case Competition.

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The Class of 2023 joins the global network of over 504,000 RMIT alumni who have made their mark in various fields and sectors.

Professor Macken encouraged graduates to engage with RMIT’s extended alumni network “to see the friendships you’ve made to date as only the beginning”.

“These days, more than ever, we need global citizens like you who are prepared for complex environments, and I will watch your contributions and achievements with interest and pride,” she said.

“Education is life-changing and not only for each graduate, but also for their community, and for the generations to come.”

On behalf of the whole University, Professor Macken reassured graduates that “you are very much ready for whatever lies ahead and we are so proud of you”.

Story: Ha Hoang

Campus and community

21 April 2023