National Economics University held its 2026 graduation ceremony on August 22. According to university statistics, nearly 8,000 students graduated this academic year, the largest number in its history.

Among them, 17 achieved a perfect 4.0 out of 4.0 GPA. Eleven studied in standard programs, three in English-taught programs, and three in advanced, high-quality and Profession-Oriented Higher Education (POHE) programs.

More than 50% of this year’s graduates also received the university’s “Excellent” classification.

Le Anh Duc, head of the university’s Academic Affairs Department, said this graduating class recorded both the highest proportion of students receiving the Excellent classification and the largest number earning perfect GPAs in the university’s history.

At the ceremony, National Economics University Director Bui Duc Tho told the new graduates that receiving their degrees should not be seen as the end of their journey, but as a “ticket” to a much bigger arena, at a time when Vietnam needs young people with knowledge, courage and a willingness to take on challenges.

As the country streamlines its administrative apparatus, he said, Vietnam needs young officials with modern management skills who know how to harness data and technology to better serve the public. In the private sector, the market likewise needs entrepreneurs and managers willing to think boldly, act decisively and start new businesses.

Bui Duc Tho said an impressive academic record was something to be proud of, but it was not ultimately what determined a person’s value.

“Once you walk out of the university gates, no one will ask what GPA you achieved. People will look at what you can actually accomplish,” he said. “You should therefore not stop and be satisfied with what you have achieved. See it as a foundation for moving forward, not as the destination.”

He also urged graduates to develop the ability to adapt while maintaining professional ethics and a strong sense of responsibility toward the community.

“Wherever you work, lasting success comes only to those who create genuine value for society, not those who merely pursue immediate benefits,” he said.

Finally, Bui Duc Tho encouraged the graduates to venture beyond their comfort zones and be willing to take on difficult assignments.

Vietnam, he said, is entering a period in which it needs people prepared to go to the most challenging places and take on the newest kinds of work. Young people willing to step forward today could become the country’s leaders over the next 10 to 20 years.

Thuy Nga