Studying and Following Ho Chi Minh’s Ideology, Morality, and Style in Commemoration of National Day (September 2), the 50th Anniversary of the University of Finance – Marketing, and the development of the School of Financial and Banking Technology

September 2, 1945, marks one of the most glorious milestones in the history of the Vietnamese nation’s struggle for independence and sovereignty. At historic Ba Dinh Square, on behalf of the Provisional Government, President Ho Chi Minh solemnly read the Declaration of Independence, proclaiming to the nation and the world the birth of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. This historic event ushered in a new era for the nation—an era of national independence associated with socialism, in which the working people became the masters of the country and the architects of their own destiny. Over the past eight decades, the historical significance and enduring values of National Day (September 2) have remained undiminished. The occasion continues to inspire patriotism, national pride, the spirit of self-reliance and resilience, national solidarity, and the aspiration to build a prosperous and happy Vietnam. Commemorating National Day is therefore not merely an opportunity for officials, Party members, staff, employees, and younger generations to reflect on the nation’s glorious traditions; it is also an opportunity to deepen their understanding of their responsibilities in studying and following Ho Chi Minh’s ideology, morality, and style. In this sense, national pride can be transformed into a driving force for action in the present and the future.

Ho Chi Minh’s ideology constitutes a comprehensive and profound system of views on the fundamental issues of the Vietnamese revolution. It represents the creative application and development of Marxism-Leninism in accordance with Vietnam’s specific historical conditions, while inheriting and further developing the nation’s valuable traditional cultural heritage and absorbing the quintessence of human civilization. Throughout his ideological legacy, national independence, the people’s right to mastery, the establishment of a State “of the people, by the people, and for the people,” and the pursuit of the people’s well-being—including education, the improvement of public knowledge, human development, and the cultivation of cadres who possess both virtue and talent—have always occupied a central position. For President Ho Chi Minh, national independence could not be considered a complete achievement if the people did not enjoy prosperity, freedom, and happiness. Consequently, from the earliest days of the revolutionary government, he placed particular emphasis on improving the intellectual level of the population, developing education, and cultivating “new people.” This perspective continues to provide profound guidance for the fundamental and comprehensive reform of education and training, particularly as Vietnam accelerates industrialization, modernization, digital transformation, the development of a knowledge-based economy, and deeper international integration.

In the contemporary context, national independence and autonomy are no longer secured solely through political, defense, and security capabilities. They are also closely associated with a nation’s capacity for self-reliance in the areas of economics, finance, science and technology, data, and high-quality human resources. Global development trends demonstrate that countries capable of mastering knowledge, science and technology, innovation, and high-quality human resources are better positioned to enhance their competitiveness, strengthen their overall national capacity, and safeguard their independence and autonomy amid globalizations. Therefore, studying and following Ho Chi Minh’s ideology in the current era must be reflected in a proactive commitment to learning, continuous professional development, mastery of science and technology, innovative thinking, improved labor productivity, and a strong sense of responsibility and dedication to serving the nation. For staff, faculty members, and students in higher education institutions, these principles represent not only professional requirements but also a commitment to political steadfastness, professional ethics, and responsibility toward the cause of national construction and defense.

For the University of Finance – Marketing (UFM), 2026 is a particularly significant year as the University celebrates its 50th anniversary (September 1, 1976 – September 1, 2026). This half-century journey is a source of great pride, reflecting the sustained efforts of successive generations of leaders, lecturers, staff members, employees, and students. From its origins as a training center for personnel in the pricing sector, through various stages of development, organizational transformation, and expansion of its functions, UFM has steadily established itself as a reputable institution of higher education in education, scientific research, and human resource development in economics, finance, marketing, management, and related fields. The 50-year milestone, celebrated under the theme “Half a Century of Growth – Creating Sustainable Value,” is not only an occasion to reflect on the University’s history and honor the contributions of generations who have built and developed the institution; more importantly, it provides an opportunity to reaffirm responsibilities for the next stage of development. These responsibilities include continuing to innovate university governance, enhance educational quality, strengthen scientific research and knowledge transfer, expand international cooperation, and align the University more closely with the socio-economic development needs of the nation.

The proximity of September 1—the traditional anniversary of the University of Finance – Marketing—to September 2—the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam—further highlights the connection between preserving historical values and pursuing future development. While National Day reminds us of the sacred values of independence and freedom, the strength of national unity, and the aspiration for national advancement, UFM’s 50-year journey provides a vivid illustration of how these values can be realized through education, training, knowledge creation, and human resource development. The true value of a university is not measured solely by its longevity, the scale of its training activities, or the number of academic programs it offers. Rather, it is reflected primarily in the quality of the human resources it contributes to society, the value and impact of its research, its contributions to communities, businesses, and the economy, and the trust and reputation it earns within society. Therefore, the 50th-anniversary celebration should serve not only as an occasion to acknowledge past achievements but also as a source of motivation for every staff member, lecturer, employee, and student to uphold responsibility, solidarity, innovation, and creativity while remaining committed to the University’s sustainable development in the new era.

Against this backdrop, the School of Financial and Banking Technology has emerged as a unit that clearly embodies the spirit of innovation and adaptability to the changing demands of the times. The Institute originated from the Faculty of Finance and Banking, which was established and developed on a strong foundation of education and research in finance and banking. In response to the growing demands of digital transformation and the rapid development of financial technology (FinTech), artificial intelligence, big data, digital banking, and emerging financial business models, the development of the Institute reflects a proactive commitment to innovation and the gradual integration of traditional finance and banking expertise with modern technology. This transformation represents more than a change in organizational structure or institutional identity. It reflects the need for fundamental innovation in education and research. Finance and banking professionals in the new era must not only possess expertise in corporate finance, banking, capital markets, investment, and risk management but also be capable of accessing and effectively utilizing data, artificial intelligence, FinTech, digital banking, and modern analytical tools.

The development of the School of Financial and Banking Technology also represents a concrete manifestation of Ho Chi Minh’s philosophy of learning, self-study, creativity, and continuous advancement. President Ho Chi Minh was an exemplary model of lifelong learning. Throughout his revolutionary career, he continuously learned from practical experience, absorbed the cultural and intellectual achievements of humanity, and creatively applied them to Vietnam’s specific circumstances. This spirit calls upon today’s staff, faculty members, and students to continuously update their knowledge, enhance their professional qualifications, and proactively embrace new developments rather than becoming complacent, stagnant, or overly satisfied with past achievements. For faculty members, studying and following Ho Chi Minh’s example should be reflected in the continuous improvement of teaching content and methods, the strengthening of scientific research, the integration of theory with practice, the effective application of technology in education, and the guidance of students in developing independent thinking, critical analysis, creativity, and professional competence. For students, learning should extend beyond the pursuit of grades or degrees. It should focus on mastering knowledge, developing professional competencies, cultivating moral character and a sense of responsibility, and nurturing a spirit of dedication to society.

Alongside the spirit of learning, Ho Chi Minh’s ethical principles—characterized by “diligence, thrift, integrity, and uprightness, with complete impartiality”—remain highly relevant standards within the university environment, particularly in the finance and banking sector. “Diligence” means working seriously, conscientiously, systematically, and responsibly, while continuously seeking to improve productivity and quality. “Thrift” entails the efficient and responsible use of time, budgets, assets, and other resources, together with a firm commitment to preventing waste and superficial practices. “Integrity” and “uprightness” involve honesty, transparency, objectivity, and fairness, ensuring that professional responsibilities are not compromised by personal interests. In higher education, these values should be translated into academic integrity, honesty in teaching and research, fairness in student assessment, respect for intellectual property, and a rejection of hollow achievements, academic misconduct, cheating, and irresponsible use of technological tools, including artificial intelligence. In the finance and banking sector, professional ethics are particularly important because decisions concerning finance, credit, investment, risk management, and data utilization can have direct consequences for businesses, customers, investors, and the stability of financial markets. Training financial professionals in the technology era therefore requires the simultaneous development of three fundamental dimensions: professional competence, technological proficiency, and ethical character.

Studying and following Ho Chi Minh’s style must also be reflected in the principle of “matching words with deeds”, with substantive effectiveness serving as an important measure of performance. This principle is particularly relevant to higher education institutions facing increasingly demanding requirements concerning quality, autonomy, international integration, and competitiveness. A development strategy has genuine value only when it is translated into concrete outcomes. A high-quality training program is meaningful only when graduates possess professional competence, adaptability, and a strong sense of responsibility. A research project is truly valuable when it generates new knowledge or contributes to solving practical problems. Similarly, student support services are effective only when students experience convenience, transparency, professionalism, and accountability. Applying Ho Chi Minh’s style to university governance therefore requires minimizing formalism while maximizing effectiveness; replacing vague commitments with measurable and verifiable outcomes; clearly defining the responsibilities of individuals and units; and maintaining a strong commitment to completing assigned tasks.

For the School of Financial and Banking Technology, the immediate responsibility is to continue enhancing training quality, strengthening scientific research, expanding industry linkages, and fostering innovation. Priority areas include FinTech, digital banking, artificial intelligence, big data, green finance, environmental, social, and governance (ESG), and sustainable development. Scientific research should not focus merely on increasing the number of publications. More importantly, it should contribute to the creation of new knowledge, policymaking, the resolution of practical challenges faced by businesses, and the improvement of training quality. This approach reflects the principle of linking theory with practice and combining learning with action. In the new context, financial activities should not focus exclusively on economic efficiency but should also incorporate social responsibility, environmental protection, and the long-term interests of the community. Directing capital toward science and technology, clean energy, education, and innovation can contribute to sustainable economic growth and improved quality of life. Accordingly, integrating green finance, ESG principles, responsible governance, and sustainable development into training and research is not only a professional necessity but also a concrete manifestation of the Institute’s social responsibility toward the nation’s sustainable development.

The 50th anniversary of the University of Finance – Marketing and National Day (September 2) provide an opportunity for all staff members, lecturers, employees, and students to reflect on their responsibilities and continue studying and following Ho Chi Minh’s ideology, morality, and style through concrete actions. For lecturers, this spirit should be reflected in every lecture, research project, and student support activity. For staff members and employees, it means dedication, discipline, responsibility, continuous improvement of work processes, and the practice of thrift. For students, it means maintaining a serious and honest attitude toward learning, engaging proactively in research, continuously developing their skills—including foreign-language and technological competencies—and cultivating professional resilience and a spirit of dedication. Each individual should regularly reflect on the value they create for learners, their respective units, the University, and society. In this way, studying and following Ho Chi Minh’s example can become an intrinsic motivation and a sustained driving force in professional work, academic pursuits, and personal development. September 2, 1945, ushered in an era of national independence and freedom; September 1, 2026, marks the 50-year journey of construction and development of the University of Finance – Marketing; and the School of Financial and Banking Technology is entering a new stage of development in which its traditional strengths in finance and banking are increasingly integrated with technology, data, artificial intelligence, innovation, and sustainable development. These milestones converge in a shared spirit of continuity, innovation, self-reliance, resilience, and aspiration for advancement. Therefore, every member of UFM, particularly those of the School of Financial and Banking Technology, must continue to uphold the values of solidarity, responsibility, discipline, integrity, innovation, and creativity. We must continuously improve the quality of education, scientific research, knowledge transfer, and community engagement. Inspired by the spirit of independence and freedom embodied in the Autumn of 1945 and guided by the University’s 50-year journey of “Half a Century of Growth – Creating Sustainable Value,” each member should continue to cultivate a strong commitment to service. We must transform knowledge into action, turn innovation into a driving force, and translate individual responsibility into collective strength. Through these efforts, we can contribute to the continued development of the University and the Institute, the cultivation of high-quality human resources, and the advancement of science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation—ultimately contributing to the building of a prosperous, civilized, and happy Vietnam.

Le Vo Dai Hai, Tran Nhan Nghia

Party Cell of the School of Financial and Banking Technology.