When the university journey begins with family support

When the university journey begins with family support

In the excitement of a new semester and the milestone of RMIT’s 25th anniversary in Vietnam, the University hosted the Family Welcome Day at both Hanoi and Saigon South campuses. The event attracted the participation of more than 650 parents of new students.

The joy at Family Welcome Day – a fresh beginning not only for students, but also for their families. The joy at Family Welcome Day – a fresh beginning not only for students, but also for their families.

The event provided an opportunity for parents to meet RMIT’s academic team, gain deeper insights into how the University supports students throughout their learning journey, and share the pride of seeing their children officially begin their university life. 

Professor Scott Thompson-Whiteside, Pro Vice-Chancellor and General Director of RMIT Vietnam, warmly welcomed the parents and families of new students at the Saigon South campus. He said: “This year, as we celebrate 25 years of RMIT Vietnam, we reflect on the strong community we have built together - one that values excellence, innovation, and above all, people.” 

Professor Scott Thompson White-side, Pro Vice-Chancellor and General Director of RMIT Vietnam extended a warm welcome to parents of new students. Professor Scott Thompson White-side, Pro Vice-Chancellor and General Director of RMIT Vietnam extended a warm welcome to parents of new students.

“Your children are now part of a university that has nurtured entrepreneurs, creative thinkers, and leaders. We are honoured to be part of their journey, and to walk alongside you in supporting them,” said Professor Scott Thompson-Whiteside.

RMIT Learning and Teaching and comprehensive student services  

As part of the event, parents heard from lecturers, representatives from Family Connect, Wellbeing and students to gain deeper insight into RMIT’s signature 3A pedagogy – Active, Applied and Authentic.

Associate Professor Nguyen Thanh Binh, Acting Associate Head of Department of Economics & Finance, The Business School, shared with RMIT parents about the RMIT pedagogy. Associate Professor Nguyen Thanh Binh, Acting Associate Head of Department of Economics & Finance, The Business School, shared with RMIT parents about the RMIT pedagogy.
A representative from Family Connect presented services and resources designed to support families in accompanying students throughout their academic journey. A representative from Family Connect presented services and resources designed to support families in accompanying students throughout their academic journey.
Panel discussion on Transition to University: How parents maintain communication and support to students - featuring student representatives and Wellbeing. Panel discussion on Transition to University: How parents maintain communication and support to students - featuring student representatives and Wellbeing.

The exhibition “25 years of connecting generations” – Reflection and Inspiration

The message of connection and community shared by Professor Scott Thompson-Whiteside was further brought to life through the exhibition “25 years of connecting generations”, an emotional highlight of the program.

The exhibition retraced RMIT Vietnam’s proud journey through images and stories from generations of students and parents.  

Ms N.T.M shared: “I am a proud mother of two RMIT students, one about to graduate and one just starting his first semester. To my children, I want to say: thank you for always believing in yourselves. I have complete faith in you and in your choice of university, and I know you will both go on to achieve great things at RMIT.”

The exhibition “25 years of connecting generations” where stories are told through images and memories. The exhibition “25 years of connecting generations” where stories are told through images and memories.

’Heartfelt wishes’ from families to new students

One of the most touching moments of the event was the ’Heartfelt wishes’ activity, where parents were invited to send messages of encouragement to their children. These notes expressed emotional support and strong belief, such as:  

  • Wishing you confidence and joy in the journey with RMIT. 

  • We believe you will shine, just as RMIT has supported generations of students to thrive. 

Heartfelt wishes filled with love, trust, and hope from parents to their children as they embark on a new chapter. Heartfelt wishes filled with love, trust, and hope from parents to their children as they embark on a new chapter.

Embarking on a new journey together with students

Families were invited to participate in guided campus tours designed to provide them with a deeper understanding of student life and the learning environment.

Parents explored RMIT’s Saigon South campus. Parents explored RMIT’s Saigon South campus.

Many parents said that after attending the event, they felt more confident entrusting their children to RMIT Vietnam and gained a clearer understanding of their role in supporting them throughout their university years.

Ms N.H.G said: “Thank you RMIT and Family Connect for organising such a meaningful event. In the past, I often worried and sometimes even did things on behalf of my child. But now, with the University’s guidance, I learned to let go, to observe from a distance and only step in when my child needs support. This will help them become more confident in both learning and extracurricular activities. I also feel reassured knowing that student support services are always available at RMIT. Students just need to reach out for help.”

Ms K.T.H also expressed her hopes for her child to become more independent: “Now, our children have learned to take responsibility for their own choices, while we, as parents, simply stand behind them - to watch, encourage, and support.”

Parents and families visited RMIT’s Hanoi campus. Parents and families visited RMIT’s Hanoi campus.

The Family Welcome Day was not only an opportunity for RMIT to greet and connect with the parents of new students, but also the beginning of a university journey built on love and understanding. Marking its 25th year in Vietnam, RMIT continues to nurture knowledge and connect generations, creating a place where every student finds pride, belonging, and motivation to grow.

Story: Thanh Tran and June Pham

27 October 2025

Share

Engage

Related news

nguyen-mai-phuong-thumb.jpg

Composing a future for forgotten songs
Campus and community
Icon / Small / Calendar Created with Sketch. 04 Nov 2025

In a quiet village nestled in Vietnam’s northern mountains, the lullabies of a grandmother and the soft notes of a gourd lute once echoed through stilt houses. For RMIT Vietnam Vice-Chancellor’s Scholar Nguyen Mai Phuong, those melodies from her childhood were a call to action.

Quynh smiling while sitting at a table

A journey shaped by resilience
English
Icon / Small / Calendar Created with Sketch. 30 Oct 2025

As a recipient of RMIT Vietnam’s Opportunity Scholarship in 2025, Hoang Thi Quynh has found strength in adversity and set her sights on a future in psychology.

doan-hung-anh-thumb.jpg

Drawing a way out of isolation
Campus and community
Icon / Small / Calendar Created with Sketch. 28 Oct 2025

What does it take to turn quiet observation into powerful change? For RMIT Vietnam Vice-Chancellor’s Scholar Doan Hung Anh, it began with a simple act of observing and listening to the silent world of his cousin.

thumbnail-austin-johnson-guinness-world-record-adjudicator-jimmy-pham-koto-jodie-altan-rmit-vietnam.jpg

RMIT and KOTO set a GUINNESS WORLD RECORD title to empower at-risk youth
Campus and community
Icon / Small / Calendar Created with Sketch. 27 Oct 2025

RMIT Vietnam and social enterprise KOTO have officially set a new GUINNESS WORLD RECORD™ title for the largest banh mi number, with 631 loaves arranged in the shape of “25”. The record-breaking event aimed to raise essential funds through the Hope Foundation to support at-risk youth across Vietnam.

Load more +