British Ambassador to Vietnam congratulates the first cohorts of BUV graduates in 2024

In April 2024, British University Vietnam (BUV) held its first graduation ceremony for the 2024 cohort following the standard procedures of the United Kingdom. During the ceremony, the new Bachelor’s and Master’s graduates were ceremoniously honoured by government leaders, senior leaders of the university, and reputable partners. 

Bridge for the bilateral relationship between the United Kingdom and Vietnam 

Within the graduation ceremony, nearly 100 undergraduate and postgraduate students from the British University Vietnam (BUV) were officially awarded degrees by Staffordshire University, including International Business Management, Accounting and Finance, Events Management, Marketing Management, Contemporary Creative Practice, and Masters of Business Administration. This year’s graduation marks the 12th cohort of undergraduate students and the 6th cohort of master’s students at BUV, being the first of 9 graduation ceremonies in 2024. 

Speaking at the ceremony were Mr. Iain Frew – the British Ambassador to Vietnam, Professor Martin Jones, Vice-Chancellor of Staffordshire University, Professor Michael Driscoll, Chancellor and Chair of the Board at BUV, Professor Rick Bennett, Vice-Chancellor of BUV, Mr. Dao Xuan Lam, Officer Senior Partner at KPMG Hanoi, as well as esteemed guests including professors and senior lecturers from Staffordshire University and Taylor’s University. 

Mr. Iain Frew, the British Ambassador to Vietnam, extended his congratulations to the new cohorts and BUV on this special occasion. “For over 10 years, the British University Vietnam has provided high-quality UK education programs and degrees to Vietnamese students, playing a pivotal role as a bridge in the relationship between the United Kingdom and Vietnam. I hope that after studying at BUV, you will always feel like a part of the extensive UK alumni community in Vietnam,” the Ambassador said, expressing his expectation that BUV alumni will contribute to further strengthening the close relationship between Vietnam and the United Kingdom. 

Professor Michael Driscoll, Chancellor and Chair of the Board at BUV, emphasised, “Today marks the end of one chapter for you, but the beginning of a new journey. I believe you will exert extraordinary efforts, bringing pride to BUV and to Vietnam. In a constantly changing world, BUV will equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills to overcome future challenges, emphasizing a lifelong learning spirit, flexibility, and the ability to seize opportunities for development and innovation.” 

Professor Michael Driscoll delivering his speech during the graduation ceremony. 

In his heartfelt congratulations to the new cohorts, Professor Rick Bennett, Vice-Chancellor of BUV, emphasized that today’s graduates will enter the job market with a distinct advantage – a UK degree and international study experience from BUV. “The value of this degree encompasses three criteria that employers in Vietnam and around the world are seeking: proficiency in English, high-quality international education, and global skills, attitude, and mindset,” Professor Rick Bennett pointed out. 

Professor Rick Bennett, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at BUV

Furthermore, Professor Rick Bennett also mentioned that BUV is currently the first and only university in Vietnam to achieve international certification from the QAA (awarded by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education in the UK) and comprehensive international standard certification QS 5 Stars (awarded by Quacquarelli Symonds) for aspects including Teaching Quality, Employability, Academic Development, Facilities, Social Activities, Equality, and Inclusion. 

A New Beginning 

Continuing the message of “Soar to New Heights,” the graduation ceremony aims to encourage and inspire the new cohorts to maintain a spirit of continuous learning and creativity, to seize and create opportunities for personal and societal development, thereby conquering new heights on their future journey. 

Even while still in school, the new graduates have secured coveted full-time positions at major companies and corporations. This is a clear testament to the dynamism and potential of the graduating BUV students. 

New graduates rejoicing at the ceremony

Representing the first graduating cohort of 2024, Tạ Ngọc Quỳnh Trang, the top student in the International Business Management programme, expressed gratitude and honour for achievements and excitement for the future. Trang has gained rich work experience at major companies such as Savills and Intercontinental Hotel – a business partner of BUV. Additionally, she served as the President of BUV Lotus Association (supporting and advising high school students pursuing BUV scholarships) and participated in numerous extracurricular activities. “I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude to the faculty for their dedication and enthusiastic support. Even at 2 a.m., we still received thoughtful answers from our teachers. I believe that with what we have been equipped with at BUV, today’s graduates will always be patient and determined to overcome life’s challenges,” Trang stated. 

BUV’s new graduates taking photos with their friends and families

Representing the Master of Business Administration cohort, top student Nguyen Phuong Chi inspired through her speech: “The MBA program has equipped us with valuable leadership skills, essential business knowledge, and a vast network of industry experts. I believe the knowledge gained throughout this journey will propel me further on the career path and accelerate rapid personal development.” 

With the knowledge and skills acquired from an internationally standardised educational environment, BUV’s new graduates are ready to embark on a new journey, step by step proving themselves as bright talents in the job market in Vietnam and globally.