Project Title: ACROSS Center of Excellence on Advanced Computing for Sustainable Science
Donor: Government of France
Project Governing Agency: Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
Project Owner: Thuyloi University
Project Locations:
Research activities: Thuyloi University, 175 Tay Son, Dong Da, Hanoi.
Field activities:
Bac Hung Hai Irrigation System in the Red River Delta
Ta Trach Reservoir Irrigation Project in the South Central Coast
Dak Lak Irrigation Project in the Central Highlands
Duc Hoa Irrigation Area, Long An Province in the Mekong Delta
Project Duration: 10 years, from 2021 to 2030
Objectives:
General Objective: To develop artificial intelligence (AI) tools within the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0), with the core being modeling and simulation tools, to build interactive models enabling participation from multiple stakeholders—from management at all levels to direct system operators and local communities—towards the goal of sustainable system management.
Specific Objectives by Phase:
2021 – 2022: (1) Develop interactive models to support sustainable management of the Bac Hung Hai irrigation system in the Red River Delta; (2) Evaluate effectiveness and upgrade models.
2022 – 2023: (1) Develop interactive models for the Ta Trach Reservoir Irrigation Project in the South Central Coast; (2) Evaluate effectiveness and upgrade models.
2023 – 2024: (1) Develop interactive models for the Dak Lak Irrigation Project in the Central Highlands; (2) Evaluate effectiveness and upgrade models.
2024 – 2025: (1) Develop interactive models for the Duc Hoa Irrigation Area in the Mekong Delta; (2) Evaluate effectiveness and upgrade models.
2026 – 2030: (1) Develop interactive models to support sustainable smart agriculture in the Mekong Delta; (2) Evaluate effectiveness and upgrade models.
Thuyloi University shares a special bond with the Land of the Rising Sun – Japan – not only through development cooperation projects but also through individuals who have quietly inspired knowledge and nurtured generations of academics. Among such individuals is Professor Hitoshi Tanaka, former Vice President of the Japan Society of Civil Engineers and a professor at Tohoku University, Japan.
For over two decades, Professor Tanaka has been a great friend and a respected mentor to many lecturers and students of Thuyloi University in particular and Vietnam in general. He has directly mentored, accompanied, and provided academic support to numerous lecturers from the university in their Master’s and Doctoral programs in Japan. Many of the university’s current teaching and research staff were once his students – those who were inspired by his academic spirit, rigorous scientific discipline, and passion for the profession. These include Prof. Dr. Nguyen Trung Viet – President of Thuyloi University, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Trong Tu – Head of the Division of Construction Technology and Management, among others.
List of Thuyloi University’s lecturers and students trained by Prof. Tanaka:
No.
Full name
Training Period
Degree
Current position
1
Nguyen Trung Viet
2004-2007
PhD
Prof. Dr., President,
Thuyloi University
2
Nguyen Trong Tu
2004-2007
PhD
Assoc. Prof. Dr., Head of Division, Thuyloi University
3
Nguyen Xuan Tinh
2006-2009
PhD
CTI Company, Japan
4
Duong Hai Thuan
2009-2011
PhD
Dr., Lecturer, Thuyloi University
5
Vo Cong Hoang
2012-2015
PhD
Assoc. Prof. Dr., Deputy Director Institute of Water Resources and Environment, Thuyloi University
6
Nguyen Viet Đuc
2012-2016
PhD
Dr., Department of Agriculture and Environment, Ha Tinh Province
7
Le Thanh Binh
2012-2017
PhD
Dr., Deputy Director of the Center, Vietnam Hydraulic Engineering Consultants Corporation – JSC
8
Tran Minh Thanh
2014-2017
PhD
Dr., People’s Committee of Phu Yen Province (now Dak Lak Province)
9
Dinh Van Duy
2015-2018
PhD
Dr., Lecturer, Can Tho University (former lecturer at Thuyloi University)
10
Nguyen Đong Hai
2015-2016
Bachelor
TOA Corporation, Japan
11
Nguyen Trong Hiep
2014~2022
Bachelor/ Master/ PhD
TOA Corporation, Japan
12
Nguyen Quang Đuc Anh
2018~2022
PhD
Researcher, Institute of Civil Engineering, Thuyloi University
Beyond his role as a mentor, Professor Hitoshi Tanaka has been a vital bridge connecting Thuyloi University with Japanese partners, contributing to the sustainable development of academic, research, and international cooperation programs. He has directly taught several courses in the Advanced Program (which taught in English) at the university, actively supported the organization of numerous international conferences since 2006 at Thuyloi University, facilitated student and faculty exchange programs, and led joint research projects, especially in the fields of water resources, hydrology, river and coastal engineering, and climate change.
MOU Signing Ceremony between Thuyloi University and Tohoku University, Japan
Since 2004, beginning with the supervision of PhD student Nguyen Trung Viet, Prof. Hitoshi Tanaka and his colleagues have conducted in-depth research on natural disaster issues in Vietnam, such as saltwater intrusion, erosion in river mouth and coastal areas in the Mekong Delta and Central Vietnam, and land subsidence in the low-lying Mekong Delta region. He has co-authored hundreds of scholarly articles published in international journals, Japanese and Vietnamese publications, and domestic and international conferences.
Prof. Tanaka and international experts discussing the formation of the “Dinosaur Island” at the mouth of the Cua Dai River, Hoi An, within the framework of joint research with Thuyloi University.
Prof. Tanaka speaking at a PhD dissertation defense at Thuyloi University, where he served as co-supervisor
Professor Tanaka’s remarkable contributions have been recognized through various prestigious awards. In 2019, he was honored with a Certificate of Merit and a souvenir by the Chairman of the People’s Committee of Quang Nam Province for his contributions in researching and advising on solutions to combat erosion at Cua Dai beach and sedimentation at the Thu Bon river mouth (Decision No. 35/QD-UBND, dated January 4, 2019). The same year, he received the Medal “For the Cause of Agriculture and Rural Development”
(Decision No. 279/QD-BNN-TCCB, dated January 8, 2019) from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (now the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment) and the Medal “For the Cause of Education” (Decision No. 87/QD-BGDĐT, dated May 3, 2019) from the Ministry of Education and Training recognizing his tremendous contributions to education and rural development in Vietnam.
Thuyloi University awards the honorary title “Distinguished Professor” to international experts who have made significant contributions to water resources, environment, and climate change efforts in Vietnam
Professor Tanaka’s dedication, affection, and long-term cooperation with Thuyloi University are not only evident in academic achievements but also in the professional growth and success of the students and lecturers he has mentored. This stands as the clearest testament to the lasting and profound impact of an international educator on the university’s journey to developing high-quality human resources. In 2019, in recognition of his relentless contributions, Professor Hitoshi Tanaka was conferred the honorary title of “Distinguished Professor” by Thuyloi University.
Generations of his students continue to wish Professor Tanaka good health and happiness, hoping he will always remain a source of encouragement and inspiration, witnessing the achievements of his former students and the success of the research projects he has contributed to in Vietnam.
Prof. Dr. Nguyen Trung Viet presenting a gift of appreciation to Prof. Hitoshi Tanaka at his “Final Lecture” at Tohoku University, Japan, in 2022
Prof. Tanaka during a field trip with experts at Cua Dai beach, Hoi An
But this return was unlike the previous ones. It was not simply about exchanging greetings and catching up; this time, she brought with her a handwritten letter — modest, slightly trembling strokes from hands that had been retired for 17 years, yet still full of affection for the university to which she had devoted her entire life. She said: “I’m old now, my hands shake, so I can’t write much. If I were still young, I could fill a few A4 pages for you to read.” Then she handed us that letter which is short, sincere, and brimming with pride: about a home that had nurtured three generations, about a love for the profession, for people, and for an institution bearing the name Thuyloi.
The Handwritten Letter “Thuyloi Family” by Ms. Nguyen Thi Diep
Ms. Nguyen Thi Diep was born in the Red River Delta, where irrigation canals nourished the land and sustained the lives of its people. At 18, she graduated from the Central College of Water Resources and was assigned to Lang Son to work at the Department of Water Resources from August 1971. At that time, her work involved managing reservoirs and ensuring irrigation for agricultural areas. It was a quiet, challenging but deeply meaningful job.
In 1973, she married Mr. Duong The Hung, a comrade in the same field who shared her ideals. After 10 years of service in Lang Son, she was recommended to prepare for the university entrance exam, and in August 1981 officially became a student in Class 17KT, Faculty of Economics, at Thuyloi University. Upon graduating in 1985, she worked in the Department of Academic Affairs, later moving to the Department of Political and Student Affairs, where she remained until her retirement in 2008.
Over nearly 26 years of service, she not only fulfilled her duties as an officer but also acted as a mentor who is meticulous in every decision, every scholarship policy, every student regulation. She always adhered strictly to regulations, carefully researching each matter before submitting it for the leadership’s approval. As she put it: “If I do things right, the ‘boss’ can rest assured. I must be the one to take responsibility, not do things carelessly.”
Her memories of those working years remain vivid. She recalled the days of typing on clattering typewriters and writing documents by hand, then the early days when the entire office shared only a few computers, each person allotted just two hours a day. There were times she had to bring admissions documents to the Ministry to be distributed to provincial Departments of Education and Training, introducing academic programs to attract students to Thuyloi University. During peak admissions season, she worked late into the night, then return the next morning to process decisions on commendations, scholarships, disciplinary actions, and transfers. She believed that student affairs work could never be done superficially, because behind each decision was a person’s future.
She memorized the regulations, understood each case thoroughly, and never allowed personal interest to influence her work. Once, a student (he was a former soldier) who had already received a benefit once came to demand the policy again. She refused, and the case was escalated to the Ministry. The Ministry of Education and Training eventually issued an official response confirming that she had handled the matter entirely correctly. She said: “It’s easy to do something wrong, but doing the right thing is hard. We must do the right thing so that no one has to bear the consequences in our place.”
For her, Thuyloi University was not just a workplace, but part of her very being. She personally guided her children toward studying at the university, even if it sometimes met resistance from youthful independence. Her son, Mr. Duong The Cuong, an alumnus of Class 34V, Faculty of Hydrology, worked at the CPO – Ministry of Water Resources (now defunct). Her daughter, Ms. Duong Thi Thu Huong, Class 40C1, Faculty of Civil Engineering, is now working in the Department of Academic Affairs at Thuyloi University. Her son-in-law, Mr. Nghiem Xuan Thuan, Class 38C3, works at the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment. Her granddaughter, Nghiem Khanh Linh, is currently a third-year student in the Faculty of Economics and Management, continuing the family’s Thuyloi story.
She said that no one in her family is unconnected to Thuyloi — not because of coercion, but because growing up in the love for the profession shown by their parents, the children naturally understood its value and wished to carry it forward. “Luckily they studied at Thuyloi University, that’s how they met each other, and we became a true Thuyloi family,” she joked, but in her words was deep pride.
Ms. Diep and her niece who is student at Thuyloi University
For Ms. Diep, the most precious thing at Thuyloi University was not just its facilities, but a humane, respectful working environment where colleagues helped one another instead of competing for personal gain. She often recalled Mr. Do Cao Dam, the supervisor she revered as a “mentor”, who always trusted and guided her wholeheartedly. She also spoke of leaders such as Mr. Nguyen Khac Xuong, Prof. Dr. Pham Ngoc Quy, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Lai who exemplary, dedicated, and approachable, treating subordinates like family. Without their guidance, she said, she could not have completed her work over those 26 years.
She also expressed gratitude to the current generation of leaders, once her younger colleagues, including Ms. Dang Huong Giang, Mr. Tran Khac Thac, and Mr. Nguyen Van Thin, sending them her thanks with complete sincerity and trust.
Listening to her stories was not just to learn about a bygone era, but to feel more deeply the value of our own work. She once said: “The love for Thuyloi is not something far away, it’s in the daily work, in every student you help, in the smallest but kindest things”. That is a lesson no textbook can teach — only learned through people like her, who have spent a lifetime with Thuyloi, with unwavering faith and passion for the profession.
As she left, she turned to look at the familiar buildings and said softly: “If I could choose again, I would still choose Thuyloi.” The words were gentle, without embellishment or drama, but they carried powerful conviction. And I knew this was not only the choice of one person, but the quiet voice of an entire family, where Thuyloi University is not just a career, but a bond connecting generations with gratitude, responsibility, and pride.
There are doors we passed through long ago that seemed to have closed, yet remain in our hearts as a place to return to. For Labor Hero Le Van Kiem — Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Veterans Association, Chairman of the Veterans Entrepreneurs Association, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Long Thanh Golf Investment and Business JSC, and an alumnus of Class 6 of Thuyloi University — the memories of his student years at this beloved institution have never faded.
Though he has been through war, the business world, and achievements few can attain, what remains most deeply is a quiet attachment to the place where it all began.
It was Thuyloi University that he learned knowledge is the path for the poor to rise. And that gratitude is a lifelong companion. Having achieved success, he returned not only as a successful alumnus, but as a father who wished to give the next generation what he once dreamed of having. It is an opportunity to learn, to live usefully, and to stand firm in life.
Prof. Dr. Nguyen Quang Kim – Former Party Secretary, former Chairman of the University Council, former President; Prof. Dr. Trinh Minh Thu – Former President and Prof. Dr. Nguyen Trung Viet – President of Thuyloi University congratulated the Labor Hero Le Van Kiem, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Long Thanh Golf Investment and Trading Joint Stock Company, former student of K6, Honorary Chairman of the Alumni Association of Thuyloi University – on the occasion of the 10th Anniversary of the establishment of the “Le Van Kiem and family” Scholarship Fund – 2019
The “Le Van Kiem and Family” Scholarship was founded without grand words, just a simple, familiar name. Yet in that simplicity lies something profound. The word “family” holds all the values that have been cherished and nurtured: the place that raises a person, and the place that passes on the spirit of sharing. His choice of this name was his way of expressing, through action, the belief that good things should not be kept to oneself; that if one has received love, one should learn to love others in return.
The Labor Hero Tran Cam Nhung (wife of The Labor Hero Le Van Kiem) (standing on the far right), Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Long Thanh Golf Investment and Business Joint Stock Company – representative of the “Le Van Kiem and family” Scholarship Fund awarded scholarships to students of the Branch of Thuyloi University in Ho Chi Minh City – 2010 (documentary photo)
Each scholarship granted carries more than material value. It is an outstretched hand from someone who has gone before, lifting up those who follow. Poor students and young people still finding their footing at the threshold of life have received not only financial help but also faith. Faith that they are worthy of support, and that one day they, too, will come back to support others.
Mr. Le Huy Hoang, son of Labor Hero Le Van Kiem (gray suit in the 2nd row), Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Long Thanh Golf Investment and Trading Joint Stock Company – representative of the “Le Van Kiem and family” Scholarship Fund, awarded scholarships to students of Thuyloi University – Year 2022
The value of the scholarships is not just in the amount, which has reached 7.845 billion VND, supporting 523 Thuyloi students over 15 years (2019–2024). The true value lies in awakening the best within people: kindness. It is a quiet, steadfast kindness that spreads not through loud proclamations, but through silent, heartfelt actions through touching vulnerable hearts, stirring in them dreams, determination, and compassion.
Ms. Le Nu Thuy Duong (daughter of Labor Hero Le Van Kiem), Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Long Thanh Golf Investment and Trading Joint Stock Company – representative of the “Le Van Kiem and Family” Scholarship Fund awarded scholarships to students of Thuyloi University – Year 2020
To teachers, the “Lê Văn Kiểm and Family” Scholarship is more than a reward. It is a symbol, an invisible thread connecting Thuyloi generations, from alumni of the past to today’s students growing each day. It is a reminder that this university is not only defined by its red brick walls and open classrooms, but also by a great family where those who came before always look out for those who follow, and where bonds are kept through the most sincere acts of goodness.
Labor Hero Le Van Kiem and his family have accompanied 523 children of Thuy Loi University with a scholarship amount of 7,845 billion VND in the past 15 years (2019 – 2024)
And so, through the years, the scholarships continue to be awarded from one father to an entire family, from one alumnus to a whole generation of students. From an old story to a tradition still being written. No monument is needed, no medal required, only the hope that those who once received warmth will one day pass it on. Like an unending current, like a family whose doors have never closed.
Ms. Le Nu Tran Chau (granddaughter of Labor Hero Le Van Kiem), Deputy Director of Finance and Assistant to the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Long Thanh Golf Investment and Trading Joint Stock Company – representative of the “Le Van Kiem and Family” Scholarship Fund awarded scholarships to students of Thuyloi University – Year 2024
At the meeting, many students shared their feelings and expressed gratitude to the university and lecturers for their attention and for creating the best possible conditions for their preparation. Nguyen Ngoc Linh (Class 63KT1) expressed joy at being able to participate in this competition and pledged to give her best effort to achieve the highest results.
In addition, Tuan Minh — a former member of the Mathematics Olympic team and a representative of the Youth Union, shared valuable experience from his own preparation and participation in past competitions. He emphasized the importance of maintaining good health, studying effectively, and staying calm and confident during the exam.
Lecturers from the Department of Mathematics also reported on the team’s preparation process. Training and knowledge enhancement have been carried out over several months through close cooperation between faculty and students. Trial exams, advanced classes, as well as comprehensive support in materials and professional guidance, have all been provided.
Thuyloi University has also paid special attention to logistical support for the students. Relevant offices have prepared transportation, ensured all necessary procedures, and demonstrated the institution’s deep care for its students.
During the meeting, the Board of President commended the students’ dedication throughout the preparation period and extended their best wishes to the entire team. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Trung Viet, Vice President, emphasized that this is not only a competition but also an opportunity for students to sharpen their thinking, gain valuable experience, and demonstrate their personal abilities.
The 2025 National Student Mathematics Olympic will be held at Saigon University, Ho Chi Minh City, in early April 2025.
At the close of the meeting, the university expressed full confidence in the students, hoping they will maximize their abilities and achieve the best possible results. Lecturers also reminded them that regardless of the outcome, the most important thing is the valuable process of learning and self-improvement, which will be beneficial for their future careers.
The meeting concluded in a warm and highly motivating atmosphere. Best wishes to all team members for confidence and success at the upcoming National Student Mathematics Olympic!
The ceremony was held solemnly, in full compliance with the Party Charter’s procedures, and was a deeply meaningful political event for each newly admitted member. It also reflected the attention of the Party Committee and the university towards Party development work among students.
Ten Outstanding Individuals Admitted to the Party
The moment of joining the ranks of the Communist Party is the result of a long process of relentless effort. For the students admitted this time, it was not only a personal honor but also vivid proof of their growth in political awareness, life ideals, and civic responsibility. Immediately after the flag salute and the announcement of admission decisions, each new Party member took the oath — the solemn pledge of a communist — demonstrating absolute loyalty to the Party’s ideals and a determination to continuously study, train, and contribute their youth to the development of the university, the sector, and the country.
Comrade Nguyen Huu Hue, Party Committee Secretary and Chair of the University’s Council, congratulated the newly admitted Party members.
Speaking at the ceremony, Comrade Nguyen Huu Hue — Party Committee Secretary and Chair of the University’s Council — congratulated the new Party members and emphasized: “Joining the Party is an important milestone, the result of tireless effort, and the beginning of a new journey filled with responsibility. Each young Party member must keep the flame of enthusiasm alive, be pioneering and exemplary in study and training, and spread positive spirit among students.”
He also praised the dedication of the Economics & Management 4 Party Cell in identifying, fostering, and admitting young Party members, calling it an exemplary model for other Party cells within the university to follow and replicate.
The Economics & Management 4 Party Cell announced the decision to admit new Party members.
At the ceremony, the Secretary of the Economics & Management 4 Party Cell outlined the duties and rights of probationary Party members and assigned official Party members to mentor and support them during their probation period. Key tasks were emphasized, including: striving for excellence in study and training; setting an example in self-study and academic integrity; engaging actively in movements and volunteer activities; being a core member in class, Youth Union, and Student Association activities; defending the Party’s ideological foundation — especially in cyberspace — and firmly opposing wrongful and hostile viewpoints; maintaining close ties with students, listening to and sharing with them, and promptly reflecting their thoughts and aspirations to the Party Cell, while introducing other outstanding individuals for consideration and training.
The Party Cell stressed the importance of accompanying and supporting new members to create the best conditions for them to fulfill their duties during the probation period and become official Party members on time. The Party Committee also pledged to continue strengthening political theory education, providing opportunities for young members to gain practical experience, and building their political courage and work capacity.
Panoramic view of the New Party Member Admission Ceremony
Holding such a solemn and meaningful admission ceremony was not only recognition of the personal achievements of the new members but also a significant step forward in Party development at the university. It vividly demonstrated the role of Party organizations in higher education, especially in cultivating a contingent of young intellectuals with strong political qualities, ready to devote themselves to the cause of building and defending the Fatherland.
Holding such a solemn and meaningful admission ceremony was not only recognition of the personal achievements of the new members but also a significant step forward in Party development at the university. It vividly demonstrated the role of Party organizations in higher education, especially in cultivating a contingent of young intellectuals with strong political qualities, ready to devote themselves to the cause of building and defending the Fatherland.
New Party Members Taking the Oath
“Being admitted to the Party is a source of pride — and the beginning of greater responsibility!” The Economics & Management 4 Party Cell will continue to uphold its sense of responsibility, discover and foster more outstanding individuals, and contribute to building a clean and strong Party Committee at Thuyloi University.
Some photos from the Party Member Admission Ceremony:
