Freshmen of the Faculty of Maritime Economics and Logistics 2026 Embark on Their Journey Within a Connected Ecosystem

On the morning of September 24, 2026, at Maxim’s Restaurant (Tam Thang Ward, Ho Chi Minh City), the BVU Faculty of Maritime Economics and Logistics hosted the Class of 2026 Freshman Orientation under the theme: “Academia, Local Government, and Industry: Partnering to Develop Maritime Economics and Logistics Talent.”

The significance of entering college goes far beyond the stage lights, congratulatory remarks, or initial introductions to professors. For the incoming Class of 2026, it marked the first clear glimpse into their chosen paths: what to study, how to master their craft, and who they aspire to become in the workforce after four years.

Designed as a multi-stakeholder dialogue connecting the university, local authorities, corporate partners, and students—the vital links in building an industry-ready workforce—the event fostered an inspiring, high-energy environment for everyone in attendance.

In her opening remarks, Dr. Nguyen Van Anh, Dean of the Faculty of Maritime Economics and Logistics, shared heartfelt advice with the incoming freshmen. Emphasizing maritime economics and logistics as the vital “lifeblood” of the economy in this era of global integration, she highlighted the solid foundation built upon the strong partnership between academia, local government, and enterprises. This comprehensive ecosystem empowers students to put theory into practice, earn the globally recognized FIATA certification, and graduate with the mindset: “Dynamic, Creative, Connected, and Reaching for the Global Stage.”

A signature highlight of the faculty is its Honors Bachelor’s Program, delivered entirely in English. The program sets rigorous benchmark standards, integrates international industry practices, and features direct mentorship from leading sector executives.

During the event, senior students from the Inaugural Honors Class of Logistics and Supply Chain Management (Class of 2023) were formally awarded their international FIATA Diplomas. Conferred by the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations, the FIATA Diploma validates specialized professional competence and is recognized worldwide. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Ba Hoang, President of BVU, and Ms. To Thi Hang, Vice Director of the Vietnam Logistics Research and Development Institute (VLI), presented the credentials to the graduates.

Commending this milestone, Ms. To Thi Hang noted that having BVU’s first 30 students achieve FIATA certification stands as proud testament to the collaborative efforts of the students, faculty, and industry partners. She emphasized that certification is not the finish line, but the launchpad of a career—urging students to continually sharpen their domain expertise, language proficiency, digital literacy, critical thinking, and adaptability. Both the Vietnam Logistics Business Association (VLA) and VLI pledged ongoing support in bridging higher education with real-world corporate operations.

For the incoming Class of 2026, this ceremony delivered an unmistakable visual takeaway: international professional standards are well within reach for those who commit to serious effort from day one.

While university coursework answers the question “What should I learn?”, industry exposure clarifies “What does the market actually demand?” At the event, corporate representatives spoke candidly about real-world expectations across logistics, transportation economics, fleet operations, and international business. Beyond technical expertise, digital fluency, foreign language proficiency, and high resilience under pressure were cited as non-negotiable prerequisites.

In his keynote address, Mr. Dawson Wood, Market Director for Vietnam and APAC at APAC International Co., Ltd., offered practical insights into Vietnam’s rising prominence in global supply chains. He analyzed production shifts under the “China Plus One” strategy, expanding U.S.–Vietnam bilateral trade, and the industry’s diversifying talent needs across operations, finance, technology, data analytics, procurement, and customs clearance. In particular, he urged students to step outside the classroom, build professional networks, and constantly ask themselves: “What problem can I solve?”

As part of the day’s program, BVU executed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with Chuc Minh Trading & Freight Forwarding Co., Ltd., Cai Mep Links Co., Ltd., and BIDV (Vung Tau – Con Dao Branch). These strategic partnerships reinforce the university’s commitment to bringing industry closer to campus, offering students direct corporate exposure right from their freshman year.

A heartwarming highlight of the event was the scholarship presentation. Trang Linh Co., Ltd. contributed a 20-million-VND scholarship fund, while BIDV (Vung Tau – Con Dao Branch) presented a 10-million-VND grant.

BIDV also partnered with the faculty to honor and award merit scholarships to the top 5 matriculating freshmen (Valedictorians) of the Class of 2026:

Ensuring financial barriers do not derail promising futures, Trang Linh Co., Ltd. also awarded 10 resilience scholarships to support disadvantaged freshmen: Vo Chau Khanh Ngoc, Tran Thi Quynh Nhu, Nguyen Tran Huy Tan, Ta Dong Khai Thanh, Vo Quoc Su, Nguyen Van Kiet, Le Thanh Hien, Pham Van Thai, Pham Hong Phuc Tai, and Nguyen Thi Phuong Linh. Each award represents more than financial relief—it is a vote of confidence in their journey ahead.

Nguyen Thanh Thuong, representing the Honors Logistics & Supply Chain Management cohort that received FIATA certifications, shared practical study strategies and words of encouragement with the incoming class. Free of dry academic jargon, firsthand student accounts gave freshmen a clear, realistic preview of college life.

The hall grew even livelier during the Q&A panel, “Freshmen Ask – We Answer.” Common concerns—from the differences between high school and college, to securing scholarships, to balancing major coursework with student union activities—were addressed by faculty and upperclassmen. Graduating seniors also sought insider advice on standing out to logistics recruiters, receiving candid, practical feedback across the board.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Huynh Trung Son, Chairman of the Tan Phuoc Ward People’s Committee, affirmed that the local government will actively support BVU and corporate partners in developing maritime logistics talent. The municipality is committed to facilitating site visits, hands-on internships, and field research across local seaport clusters, logistics parks, and green supply chains—working collaboratively to foster sustainable regional employment.

First-day jitters will soon subside, giving way to academic mastery and professional confidence. What matters most is that from the very starting line, every freshman knows they do not walk this path alone: academia imparts knowledge, local government provides practical environments, and businesses offer real-world mentorship. The Class of 2026 has officially embarked on its maiden voyage—proactive, confident, and ready for global waters.